WELCOME REV. DAVID W. BROWN, THE COALITION’S NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Leading the Charge for Gun Violence Intervention and Safer Communities
The Civic Coalition to Save Lives is proud to announce Rev. David W. Brown as our new Executive Director.
An expert in communications and a seasoned convener, Brown is an associate professor and serves as assistant dean for community and communication at Temple University’s Klein College of Media and Communication. In his new role with the Coalition, he will work to deepen collaborations across the university and health system and with over 100 community organizations, employers and civic organizations in the Coalition. His leadership will continue our mission of reducing gun violence and creating safer neighborhoods in Philadelphia.
David succeeds our founding Executive Director, Estelle Richman, who will remain on our Steering Committee and serve on the board of the Gun Violence Intervention Coordinating Council (GVICC).
Learn more about David in this Q&A.
Message from David W. Brown
I am honored to serve as the next Executive Director of the Civic Coalition to Save Lives. As a lifelong Philadelphian, this role represents a full-circle moment in my life.
Growing up in West Philadelphia, I faced a life-altering experience when I was the target of a drive-by shooting, mistaken for someone else. In that terrifying moment, the gun jammed, sparing my life and steering me onto a path of education and service to my community. That unfired bullet not only shaped my purpose but also instilled in me a deep commitment to preventing others from facing similar dangers.
I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the Coalition and to build on the strong foundation established by my colleague and predecessor, Estelle Richman. As I step into this role, I am dedicated to deepening our impact through intervention, expanding partnerships, fostering innovative solutions, and amplifying the voices of those most affected by violence in our city. Together, we can transform challenges into opportunities, creating a safer and more hopeful future for every Philadelphian. I look forward to working alongside community-based organizations dedicated to reducing gun violence and saving lives through effective intervention.
Thank you for welcoming me to this important role. Together, we can help ensure that others find their paths away from gun violence toward hope, healing, and meaning.
A Message From Estelle Richman
Reflecting on our Progress and the Road Ahead
As I step down from my role as Executive Director and return to retirement, I feel immense pride in the work we’ve done together. Since the Coalition’s launch, homicides in Philadelphia have decreased by 40%. This incredible achievement is a testament to what we can achieve when we, as one, united city, come together with a shared purpose.
When I first joined this effort, it was with a deep belief in the power of collaboration and a vision for a safer Philadelphia. Together, we have worked to harness the strength of community-based organizations, city leadership, and the unwavering commitment of so many who care deeply about the future of our neighborhoods.
I am confident that under David’s leadership, the Coalition will continue to drive its agenda forward with a renewed focus on community engagement, resource allocation, and the development of new strategies to address the complex and evolving challenges of gun violence.
I am thrilled to remain a part of this vital work as a member of the Gun Violence Intervention Coordination Center Board, and I look forward to supporting the Coalition’s ongoing efforts to create meaningful and lasting change. My gratitude to each of you—our partners, supporters, and community leaders—for your trust, dedication, and hard work.
CELEBRATING ESTELLE RICHMAN’S LEADERSHIP OF THE COALITION
“Estelle Richman embodies the true spirit of service and dedication. Her tireless leadership, ability to truly hear everyone, and deep expertise in public health and social services have been invaluable in launching the Civic Coalition to Save Lives. Estelle did such a terrific job of really understanding where the challenges were as well as identifying the opportunities. Selflessly coming out of retirement, she guided us in a mission that has saved countless lives, and her impact will be felt for years to come.
Her leadership was further celebrated when the Urban Affairs Coalition honored her for her work at its Anniversary Breakfast last year. We are forever grateful for her commitment to our city and to the many communities she has touched.” – Sharmain Matlock-Turner, CEO, Urban Affairs Coalition and Founding Member of the Civic Coalition to Save Lives
“We are so fortunate that Estelle Richman brought her unmatched expertise to the Civic Coalition to Save Lives at a time when we needed to build trust and foster collaboration between city officials, community organizations, and all stakeholders involved in gun violence intervention. Comcast is proud to be a founding member of the Coalition, and we are deeply appreciative of Estelle’s dedication. Her influence will continue to shape the Coalition’s efforts as we move forward under David’s leadership.” – Bret Perkins, Senior Vice President of External and Government Affairs, Comcast and Founding Member of the Civic Coalition to Save Lives
“We talk about ‘tireless’ leaders, but not often about, visionary leaders like Estelle who are retireless, and whose remarkable track record speaks for itself. Her leadership of the Coalition has not only driven its success, but has built a collaborative foundation that will continue to support, strengthen and sustain intervention efforts in Philadelphia that are saving lives every day. Everything she touches turns into positive, lasting impact for the communities she serves” – Susan Jacobson, President, Jacobson Strategic Communications and Founding Member of the Civic Coalition to Save Lives
EAGLES HOST “A SAFER AMERICA” TO TACKLE GUN VIOLENCE
Leaders Highlight Prevention and Intervention Strategies, Call for Continued Collaboration
In a powerful event showcasing the dedication of Philadelphia’s communities and partners to reducing gun violence, the Philadelphia Eagles hosted A Safer America, an event that brought together leaders and advocates to discuss progress and solutions.
The Eagles have committed over $2.6 million to support social justice organizations working to break cycles of violence and uplift communities.
The October 1 event highlighted the ongoing efforts to combat gun violence in the region, where homicides have dropped 40% in 2024. The Eagles convened key voices from local, state, and federal levels to discuss prevention and intervention strategies that have made this progress possible, while also emphasizing the need for continued collaboration.
Philadelphia Eagles Vice President of Community Relations Julie Hirshey opened the event by stressing the organization’s deep commitment to ending gun violence, saying, “We’re happy to bring together so many leaders who are driving real change here.”
Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis noted the state’s investment in violence prevention, intervention, school safety and mental health grants after-school learning opportunities as part of a comprehensive approach to reducing gun-related homicides.
“Let’s be clear, there are still far too many incidents involving guns, but the trends show that the Commonwealth’s comprehensive approach and investments in community-based programs are working,” he said. “To use a football metaphor, we’re in the red zone. Now is not the time to slow down. Now is the time to keep pushing forward, because every life lost to gun violence is a tragedy – every single life. We’re talking about beloved sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, aunts and uncles, and they are missed every single day.”
Greg Jackson, from the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, highlighted the importance of identifying those most at risk and intervening before a crisis occurs. He shared that the federal government’s public health approach to gun violence involves funding programs that intervene in communities and support individuals before they engage in violence. “We can do that through intervention,” Jackson explained, emphasizing how community involvement and early action can prevent violence before it escalates.
CIVIC LEADERSHIP IN ACTION
Founding Executive Director of the Civic Coalition to Save Lives Estelle Richman and Urban Affairs Coalition CEO and Coalition Steering Committee Member Sharmain Matlock-Turner recently spoke to members of the Philadelphia Foundation’s Civic Leadership Fund about qualities of leadership, Philadelphia’s unique challenges and opportunities and the work of the Civic Coalition to Save Lives. The anti-gun violence initiative is one of the initiatives supported by the Civic Leadership Fund.
