Our Team - Staff

Jack Kitchen
President and Chief Executive Officer

Jack Kitchen is President and CEO of Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corporation (OARC). Under Jack’s leadership, OARC has been recognized as an organization that brings together politicians, businesses and community members to create change that enhances wealth and improves the quality of life in a community. In 2000, a shift in strategy that strived for regionalization and self sustainability of communities was developed and implemented. Jack believes that the keys to his initiatives are grounded in five strategic priorities: Cleaning and Greening, Housing and Economic Development, Education and Community Relations, Arts and Culture and Business Development.   

Jack has made OARC’s economic development a model for other communities to follow.
It is designed to develop and nurture entrepreneurs and their businesses and attracting new homeowners. In the last five years the value of homes in West Oak Lane has risen from below market values to market value. Vacant homes have decreased from 300 to less than 70.  This combination has resulted in a gain of thousands of dollars in equity for a typical resident and millions of dollars in tax revenue for the City of Philadelphia. The results have made West Oak Lane a community of choice for both businesses and residents.

Needing a neighborhood showcase to brand and focus attention on West Oak Lane, Jack started the West Oak Lane Jazz and Arts Festival in 2004.  Growing every year from its inception, in 2008 the fifth annual festival drew over 500,000 visitors from around the globe, making it an international event and making Northwest Philadelphia a destination for music and the arts. The event creates hundreds of jobs for local companies, musicians and artists and regionally has an impact on the hotel and tourism industry in the Philadelphia region. Many new businesses have opened in West Oak Lane as a result of the festival exposure.

OARC’s cleaning and greening efforts in the Northwest Philadelphia area has made a dramatic impact on many communities. Jack has been able to create partnerships and collaborations that resulted in greening initiatives in Mt. Airy, Chestnut Hill, Germantown and East and West Oak Lane and Cheltenham Township. Recreation centers have had playground equipment refurbished and parks have been cleaned and made safer for residents’ use.  OARC’s cleaning machines are responsible for cleaning 5 miles of corridors every week.

Jack is instrumental in the development of educational models that will reengage students and continue to keep them challenged. OARC is one of the founding partners of Kids Zone and the Philadelphia Center for Arts and Technology. Also, Jack has been leading the way in planning several green initiatives in solar, bio diesel and urban energy conservation models.

Under Jack’s leadership, OARC has developed a reputation as an organization that is constantly coming up with ideas on the cutting edge - an organization that consistently completes difficult projects that have a lasting effect on communities.