A Global Conversation with Sheila Hess
Sheila Hess is a proud, lifelong Philadelphian and one of the city’s most passionate civic ambassadors. Following an accomplished corporate leadership career at Independence Blue Cross and eight years serving as Philadelphia’s City Representative under Mayor Jim Kenney, Sheila has consistently championed major community engagement initiatives, corporate social responsibility, and international tourism.
An unwavering advocate, Sheila has spent her career connecting communities and elevating Philadelphia’s stature on the world stage. As Global Philadelphia Association prepares for the 12th Annual Globy Awards, this Global Conversation explores her inspirational leadership journey, her lifelong commitment to civic engagement, and what receiving the 2026 Globy Award for Community Leadership means to her.
Madi Costigan: You worked at Independence Blue Cross, a staple in the Philadelphia corporate landscape, for many years. What led you to that role, and how did it then lead to your involvement in the public sector?
Sheila Hess: My journey with Independence Blue Cross (IBX) began right after graduating from Temple University. Having grown up in Philadelphia, IBX was an iconic presence—a true staple of our city’s landscape. Connecting with the IBX HR team at a local job fair launched what would become a fulfilling almost 25-year career spanning multiple leadership paths within an organization deeply committed to employee engagement and development.
My passion for service and volunteerism started early, but my career at IBX allowed me to elevate that personal commitment into institutional change. Early in my tenure, I realized that while individuals may not always have financial resources to donate to a non-profit, everyone has valuable time and skills to offer. Recognizing my colleagues' shared desire to give back to the community, I proposed creating an organized way for us to serve the community together. Leadership embraced the vision, leading to the launch of the Blue Crew—IBX’s corporate volunteer program, which has grown into an award-winning initiative celebrating its 25th anniversary.
That spirit of service is personal to me. Born with Spina Bifida, I spent much of my childhood in and out of hospitals, giving me a deep, firsthand appreciation for access to healthcare and the power of supportive communities. IBX’s mission to build healthier communities aligned perfectly with my personal values.
This alignment naturally led to my transition into a newly created social mission role. I had the privilege of helping establish the Independence Blue Cross Foundation, working alongside legal and leadership teams to set its founding goals and mission. Through the Foundation, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary, we expanded healthcare access for underserved populations and addressed critical healthcare needs, such as creating scholarships and internships to combat the nursing shortage.
My decades at IBX reinforced a foundational truth: real community impact happens when personal passion, employee empowerment, and corporate responsibility align. Building healthier communities and empowering others to serve laid the groundwork for my continued commitment to public service across Philadelphia.
You were appointed as City Representative by Mayor Kenney in 2016. What was the transition into city government like?
It was a natural transition into public service, from healthcare to hospitality, and to represent all things Philadelphia. For almost 25 years at IBX, my heart was centered on healthcare, community engagement, and civic involvement. During that time, I also volunteered alongside my fellow South Philadelphian, Councilman Jim Kenney. When he embarked on his mayoral run, I was eager to support his vision for our hometown and actively volunteered for his campaign.
After his victory, Mayor Kenney appointed me to serve as a cabinet member as Philadelphia’s City Representative. Departing a multi-decade corporate career at IBX wasn't something I had ever planned, and working in municipal government certainly wasn't on my original radar. However, I immediately recognized the extraordinary opportunity it presented: a seamless transition from corporate social responsibility to tourism, hospitality, and civic representation.
Serving for eight years as the chief ambassador for the City of Philadelphia was the honor and privilege of a lifetime to get to showcase Philadelphia to the world. It reinforced a core value I hold deeply: you don’t need to be a politician to make a meaningful, lasting impact in your city.
As a former City Representative, your office managed a great deal of promotion of the city. Having done that work for many years, how was it to participate in and witness the city’s largest community engagement initiatives take place for the semiquincentennial year?
One of my very first meetings upon stepping into the City Representative role in 2016 focused on early preparations for PHILADELPHIA250. Watching that decade of groundwork culminate during the Semiquincentennial celebration was inspiring. It was an extraordinary team effort, driven by exceptional leadership, including Philadelphia’s first female mayor and a powerful coalition of women civic leaders. I want to applaud everyone who played a part in making history and getting the job done when others doubted we could do it so successfully. Memories were created to last a lifetime.
The energy and positivity surrounding Philadelphia during this historic milestone were invaluable, and you couldn't pay for the amount of positivity and fun that was surrounding our city this year on social media during the World Cup. Visitors from across the globe descended on our city to embrace our vibrant history, culture, and hospitality. As the nation’s first World Heritage City, all eyes were on the birthplace of American democracy. It served as a defining moment to elevate Philadelphia’s international profile, celebrate our remarkable community, and ensure our city's global legacy continues to thrive.
Can you tell me about your role as a PHAMBASSADOR and Advisory board member for that organization?
When the Philadelphia Visitor Center launched the PHAMBASSADOR program in April 2025, it created a powerful avenue to channel our city’s collective energy. Serving as a Super PHAMBASSADOR and Advisory Board member has been an extraordinarily rewarding experience, bringing together Philadelphia’s biggest cheerleaders to champion our rich cultural diversity, food, local businesses, Philly Sports enthusiasts, and unique neighborhood identities.
What makes this initiative special is the genuine spirit of unity. It isn't about competition; it is entirely rooted in teamwork and shared pride. From the vibrant energy and community buzz to the pride in representing our hometown, the program has cultivated an incredible vibe that resonates across the entire region.
That passion for engagement extended directly to welcoming international audiences as I was honored to have been selected as a volunteer for FIFA World Cup 2026. Taking part in major global events on our home turf highlighted what makes Philadelphia’s hospitality and community spirit so special.
At its core, my life’s work is centered on civic connection. Whether elevating local initiatives or welcoming visitors from around the globe, community is not just what I do—community and volunteering is my life.
You sat on Global Philadelphia’s Board of Directors for eight years and were on the World Heritage City Celebration Planning Committee this year- why have you chosen to stay involved with Global Philadelphia and what has the organization meant to you?
Serving on Global Philadelphia Association’s Board of Directors for eight years was a deeply rewarding learning experience and an opportunity to help drive global impact here at home in Philly and abroad. During my tenure as City Representative, I was thrilled to support the launch of GPA’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) campaign—a powerful initiative that brought together corporate partners, non-profits, and Mural Arts Philadelphia to create impactful public art and raise vital community support. Attending many of those mural unveilings remains a personal highlight.
Together, we accomplished major milestones for our region, including raising the first World Heritage flag at City Hall, establishing World Heritage Week—which has now expanded into a full World Heritage Month—and expanding global educational programming across our schools and communities.
Representing Philadelphia on the world stage was equally transformative. I had the privilege of traveling with GPA leadership and board members to Kraków, Poland, for the Organization of World Heritage Cities (OWHC) World Congress, serving as an official representative of the Mayor’s Office. Securing a seat on the OWHC Board of Directors was a historic victory for our city, solidifying Philadelphia's standing as the nation's first World Heritage City. Further diplomatic engagements, including participating in OWHC educational exchanges in Québec City, reinforced our vision to hopefully one day host the OWHC World Congress right here in Philadelphia.
Having had the privilege of serving as the host for two previous Globy Award ceremonies, I have always been deeply inspired by the remarkable leaders recognized by this organization. And now to have it come full circle as I transitioned from board member, host, and now a 2026 Globy recipient is a truly humbling moment.
As a proud lifelong South Philadelphian, receiving a Community Leadership award from GPA in the most epic year of Philadelphia that carries global significance is exceptionally meaningful. I feel so blessed. It serves as a reminder of what we can achieve when civic pride, community dedication, and global perspective come together to lift up the city we love.
Why are you so passionate about Philadelphia and why do you believe Philadelphia is the best destination for visitors from other states and other countries?
My deep passion for Philadelphia stems directly from our people and our rich, vibrant cultural diversity. Philadelphia is a city with a unique soul. We honor our history while continually making a meaningful impact on national and international stages. From our world-class arts, culture, sports, and unbelievable food choices to our distinct neighborhood identities, there is always something new to experience, explore, and learn. Once you experience Philadelphia's warm and welcoming energy, it is so electric and contagious that you simply can't get enough of it. We are a fun city with so much to see and do year-round. Simply stated, Philly is the place to be!
Year after year, our momentum grows as more global events, international visitors, and positive stories shine a spotlight on our city.
I think one of the most powerful symbols of our city's spirit can be felt standing at the top of the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps. Looking down the Parkway, seeing City Hall and flags from nations across the world, you are reminded that Philadelphia is a globally welcoming destination, as the nation’s first World Heritage City. I want to welcome everyone with open arms and a friendly smile to the City of Brotherly and Sisterly Love, whether you are a lifelong Philadelphian, visiting from a neighboring state or traveling from across the globe.
