Integrity Icon Philadelphia

Since 2020, The Philadelphia Citizen and Accountability Lab have named and famed high-integrity city workers who are all-stars in their commitment to providing the best service to Philadelphians. At a time when the national discourse has become distinctly negative, we want to flip the script and move away from “naming and shaming” corrupt leaders and towards “naming and faming” public officials who are working with integrity to deliver and build better public services in Philadelphia.

We’ve honored four cohorts of Integrity Icons and we are proud to introduce the 2025 year winners — you can read about all of them below.

What is Integrity Icon Philly?

Integrity Icon is a global campaign by D.C.-based Accountability Lab that is powered by citizens in search of honest government officials. Five public servants are selected each year to be celebrated after a rigorous nomination, vetting and judging process.

Integrity Icon focuses on public servants because they are a community that is not often recognized for the invaluable and essential work that keeps this city functioning. Creating role models in public service serves two purposes: To celebrate those who are changing the narrative of city government in Philadelphia to one of integrity and compassion; and to demonstrate to citizens that a high integrity career in government is one worth aspiring to, and is a key to a strong civil society that works for all residents.

Integrity Icon Philadelphia is made possible, in part, thanks to the generous support of the Thomas Skelton Harrison Foundation.

How do we find Icons?

The campaign begins with a public announcement and formal press launch at which time we open up nominations. Anyone living in Philadelphia can nominate an Integrity Icon online. Our team narrows down the field to the top 20 to 30 individuals based on a set of criteria in accordance with Accountability Lab standards being that the nominee:

Promotes and maintains high standards of professional ethics;
Provides service impartially, fairly and equitably and without bias;
Utilizes resources efficiently and effectively;
Responds to people’s needs: citizens are encouraged by the candidate to participate in the governance process;
And renders an accountable and transparent public administration aimed at improving public services.

We look for evidence that they embody these principles, can mentor and teach students and coworkers, and would be an active participant and advocate for the Integrity Icon program.

The shortlist of nominees is carefully vetted — this includes talking to references, employment checks, interviews, and online research. Finally a panel of independent judges select our top five nominees who are named Integrity Icons.

How do we celebrate Icons?

Five nominees are considered winners and receive the title of an Integrity Icon every year. We introduce their work and impact to the public via social media, YouTube videos, and editorial profiles.

We honor the Icons at a celebration. The program includes speakers, food and drink, music, and an awards ceremony. We celebrate the Integrity Icons in pink-carpet style in front of local officials, VIPs, the media and the public.

What does being an Icon mean?

We work to connect Icons over the course of the year, supporting them to share ideas, collaborate and continue to push for integrity within their institutions. A lot of the time, the recognition that comes with the campaign has not only heightened the Icons’ motivation to advocate for change, but also given them the respect and leverage to convince power-holders in their institutions to create new policies and processes that fosters greater accountability and better public service delivery.

It can also elevate one’s visibility on the national stage. For example, one of Philadelphia’s 2020 Integrity Icon, Richard Gordon, says that winning the award was part of what led him to be named America’s principal of the year.

Integrity Icon is more than just an awards ceremony. It is a valuable way to continue to advance positive change in public service and be recognized within an international network. Read more about the program in The Citizen, The Economist, and BBC. And learn more about the Integrity Icon network worldwide.