Sheila Hess was appointed by Mayor Jim Kenney in 2016 to a cabinet member position as Philadelphia’s City Representative. Sheila joined the city after an accomplished 24-year career at Independence Blue Cross (IBX), where she proudly served as Director IBC Foundation & Community Affairs and creator of the award-winning Blue Crew corporate volunteer program and IBX Nursing Internship Program.
During her eight + year career as a dedicated City Representative in the Kenney Administration, Sheila led the office that served as the premier PR, marketing, and promotional department of the City of Philadelphia. Sheila did public speaking daily at numerous events on behalf of the Mayor, produced free ceremonial and special events while celebrating Philadelphia’s global diversity through citywide event creation, community engagement and innovative experiences that positioned Philadelphia in a positive spotlight to boost civic pride.
Her foray into civic service in her beloved city was a dream come true. She relishes the opportunity to always tell the city’s “positive, good news stories,” connecting the perfect union of projects and people. With pride, passion and purpose, she stands as a remarkable advocate for the City of Brotherly and Sisterly Love.
Beyond her official role, she has been a staunch champion of various causes, contributing her time and efforts to organizations. Sheila currently serves on the non-profit boards of Historic Philadelphia, Inc. (HPI), Philadelphia250, Police Athletic League (PAL), Fred’s Footsteps and the March of Dimes (MOD) Signature Chefs Executive Leadership Team.
She previously served on a variety of non-profit tourism and hospitality boards and committees that promote Philadelphia locally and nationally - Global Philadelphia, Organization of World Heritage Cities (OWHC), Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), Visit Philadelphia, Philadelphia Soccer 2026 Social Impact Council for the 2026 World Cup Host City, Greater Philadelphia Film Office (GPFO). Sheila partnered with Welcome America, Inc. and NBC10 on producing top ratings for the July 4th Celebration of Freedom Ceremony and with 6abc on the City Hall Tree Lighting Celebration, produced by the Office of City Representative.
She is an alum and past board member of LEADERSHIP Philadelphia, Variety-The Children’s Charity, Back on My Feet, Board Chair for the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Network (YPN) and Temple University Young Alumni.
She is a difference maker and has earned a reputation as a stellar coalition builder and compassionate, energetic advocate who is always building and promoting the image of Philadelphia as a World Heritage City.
Sheila has been called Philadelphia’s “chief ambassador and top cheerleader” with a smile. Through her commitment to positivity and community involvement, she is a true embodiment of the spirit of Philadelphia.
In May 2023, Sheila Hess received an honorary doctorate degree and delivered the 100th Commencement Speech for Rosemont College Class of 2023. Hess was awarded the 2023 Golden Heart of Variety Award by Variety-The Children’s Charity, as an exemplary leader and advocate for inclusion of individuals with disabilities and their families.
She was recognized as one of the 50 Philly Power Women in 2023 & 2021 by Metro Philadelphia for empowerment, leadership, and sisterhood, working every day to make Philadelphia a better place. In 2023 & 2022, Hess was identified in the Power List by City & State PA Magazine as one of the Pennsylvania Power of Diversity: Women 100 most influential female leaders. Sheila was identified as one of five Philadelphia women moving the needle in the City of Brotherly Love by Philadelphia Style magazine. Hess was recognized as a Community Hero during the 2023 Temple football season opener as part of a Community Appreciation Day.
Sheila’s personal story was highlighted on 6ABC in July 2022 during Disability Pride Month titled: Philadelphia's top representative takes pride in her disability, and on CBS3 Philly in February 2020 for a special feature called “A Chat With” City Representative. In 2022, she served as a judge for AL DÍA Women of Merit. In 2021, Sheila was host of two different Ready, Set, Philly! Good News RoundUp video segments.
In 2021 and 2020, she served as co-host for The Globy Awards with Global Philadelphia Association. In 2022, she hosted a Phillies pep rally for the city during the World Series. In 2021, was emcee for the Philly Holiday Experience press conference. In 2020, she served as a judge for the inaugural AL DÍA 40 Under 40. She was selected as an honoree for the 2020 St. Patrick’s Ring of Honor during the 250th annual Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade. She is the recipient of the 2019 Sally Berlin PR SPOTLIGHT Award from the Police Athletic League and the 2018 Ambassador Award from Variety-The Children’s Charity, which provides assistance to children and youth with physical and developmental disabilities. In 2017, she received a Special Recognition Award from the Legal Clinic for the Disabled, named a Women of the Year Honoree “Unmasking the Legacy” Award from PhillyMan/JerseyMan Magazine, and in 2016 Philadelphia Pinnacle Award from her alma mater, St. Maria Goretti H.S. in South Philly.
She was recognized as one of the Philadelphia Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” in 2007 and earned the distinction as one of the city’s “Top 101 Emerging Connectors” by LEADERSHIP Philadelphia. She is a proud Temple University graduate and recipient of the Diamond Excellence Award presented by Temple University Young Alumni in 2010. In 2016, she garnered national attention from ESPN Radio, WDAS Radio’s Women to Watch program and was identified as a “Remarkable Women '' and featured on then Marilyn Russell’s 98.1 WOGL radio show and did a monthly radio segment on Classix 107.9 with Dyana Williams discussing free fun events in Philadelphia.
Sheila was born with a disability, Spina Bifida, and is a proud lifelong resident of South Philadelphia, where she resides with her husband Michael.
