Mayor Announces Permanent Appoint of Derenick-Lopez as Chief Administrative Officer
PHILADELPHIA- Mayor Kenney today announced the permanent appointment of Christine Derenick-Lopez as Chief Administrative Officer.
“We didn’t have to look far to find the best person for this crucial position,” said the Mayor. “Christine Derenick-Lopez has a wealth of both public- and private-sector experience that is ideally suited to the chief task of the Chief Administrative Officer: improving effectiveness and efficiency throughout the City government.”
As the First Deputy in the CAO’s office, Derenick-Lopez has overseen several groundbreaking projects, including implementation of electronic signatures for professional service contracts, saving substantial time in contract conformance with the goal of the City paying vendors more quickly. She oversaw the launch of its first eProcurement system, PHL Contracts. This new system, along with other modernization efforts, simplifies the contracting process and increases competition. Derenick-Lopez also spearheaded the proposed charter change for Best Value procurement, and plans that will be put to Philadelphia voters on the May primary ballot.
“I am grateful to the Mayor for this opportunity,” said Derenick-Lopez. “But by no means am I doing this alone, and I’m grateful to the talented and dedicated team already assembled in the Office of the CAO. Change is never easy, but we’re committed to modernizing this government to benefit residents and taxpayers.”
Derenick-Lopez had been named Acting CAO last month following the resignation of Rebecca Rhynhart. With more than 20 years of progressive public sector experience in Human Resources, Derenick-Lopez previously served as Chief of Staff and Human Resources Director for the Philadelphia International Airport, and as a senior HR Business Partner with AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals.
Derenick-Lopez also served as President of the Society of Human Resource Management’s Philadelphia Chapter (SHRM). She has been recognized by the Women Transportation Seminar’s (WTS) Philadelphia Chapter with the Women of the Year Award (2011) and by SmartCEO receiving their Executive Management Award (2014).