STAFF

Executive Director: Thomas J. Branigan, P.E., P.L.S.

Tom Branigan became the Executive Director of DRCC in January 2011 after serving the City of Philadelphia for 38 years as an engineer in the Department of Streets.  His experience in project management as well as his relationship with City, State and Federal agencies have provided the basis for moving park and trail development forward for DRCC.  Tom graduated from Drexel University with a degree in Civil Engineering and is licensed in Pennsylvania as a Professional Engineer as well as a Professional Land Surveyor.  He has a strong interest in bicycle and pedestrian facilities and, while working for the City, was at the forefront of the development of the bicycle network.  This network provided for more than 200 miles of bike-lane streets by the time he retired.  Tom is happy to further this interest through DRCC’s efforts in the development of the Delaware River Greenway.  A lifelong resident of Philadelphia, he raised his two adult sons in Fox Chase with his wife Lu.

Project Manager: Jim Fries, RLA

Jim Fries became DRCC Project Manager in August 2012. He graduated from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry with a degree in Landscape Architecture and is a registered landscape architect in Pennsylvania with 35 years of experience. In his capacity as Project Manager, Jim is responsible for the implementation of the North Delaware Riverfront Greenway Plan, including working with consultants, contractors and public agencies on planning and design and observation of trail construction and with volunteers on stewardship activities on the trails and parks. Prior to coming to DRCC, he was responsible for planning, design, bid documentation and construction observation on a number of trail and open space projects including the Tacony Creek Trail Extension, Union Canal Trail Extension and trail planning for the Angelica Creek Greenway Feasibility Study.

Friends Outreach Coordinator: Alexia Sotirchos

Alexia Sotirchos joined DRCC in January 2014 after working and volunteering in the environmental non-profit field as well as serving on the board of her hometown’s Botanical Society. Alexia graduated from Pennsylvania State University’s main campus with a degree is Journalism and has focused on communications throughout her work experience. Her love of the outdoors and birdwatching have lead Alexia to pursue a career geared toward preserving natural spaces and working with volunteers on community projects.

Office Manager: Jamie Buck

Jamie Buck has been with DRCC since September 2014 shortly after moving to Philadelphia from Pittsburgh, where she graduated from the Environmental Studies program at the University of Pittsburgh.  Her past work experience is in administrative roles at Environmental Non-Profit organizations, with a special interest in working to implement greener practices in the workplace. Jamie’s love for environmental work came from growing up outside of Boston and spending her summers camping and exploring New England’s natural landscapes.

Development Coordinator: Sam Friedman, CFRE

Sam Friedman has served as the part-time Development Coordinator of DRCC since 2009 after having completed DRCC’s fundraising plan in 2008. He supports DRCC’s outreach into the six neighborhoods served by the Delaware River Greenway and the work of its Business Leadership Committee. Mr. Friedman also is principal of S. Friedman Associates providing services in fundraising and nonprofit management and in this capacity has worked with a land trust and a nonprofit camp located along the upper Pennypack Creek. Mr. Friedman’s interest in riverfront trails was born out of his experience bicycling along the Potomac River when he lived in Washington, DC. Sam graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a bachelor’s degree in architecture and was designated a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) in 2009.

CONTRIBUTORS

Photographer:  Fred Moore

Fred Moore has photographed Philadelphia for several decades. Click “Photos” or visit the DRCC’s Flickr page to see where our intrepid photographer and the DRCC have been.