Vaughn Ross

Biography: Vaughn is the founder and principal of Rvesta, a consulting practice that works to enact lasting, positive change in cities by meeting the policy or organizational goals of clients in the fields of economic development, real estate development and city planning, transportation and infrastructure, and government advisory policy. Vaughn believes he can bring a unique consultative approach to clients by balancing unconventional thinking, generated by intellectual curiosity, with his lived experience as a high-level government administrator in one of America's largest cities. Past and current clients include the Pew Charitable Trusts, PIDC, Philadelphia250, the Philadelphia Equity Alliance, the Philadelphia City Planning Commission, Elevate 215, and the 76ers. Vaughn previously served as First Deputy Chief of Staff to Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney from 2016-2021. In his time with Mayor Kenney, he retained a portfolio of departments focused on economic development, transportation and infrastructure, and housing, real estate development, and planning. Vaughn has extensive experience working with Philadelphia community-based organizations such as registered community organizations, business improvement districts, community development corporations, neighborhood violence prevention partners, and faith-based institutions. Prior to joining municipal government, Vaughn spent five years as a fundraiser for political campaigns in and around Philadelphia. He led successful fundraising efforts, culminating in Mayor Kenney’s 2015 victory, and oversaw direct donor outreach, principal management, and financial compliance. Vaughn serves on the board of directors of the Philadelphia City Fund, a non-profit organization that serves as the City Government's steward of public-private partnership funding, and Germantown United CDC, an organization that promotes and facilitates the revitalization of Germantown and its business corridors.