Anthony Sweeney has spent 15 years working for the Philadelphia Department of Sanitation, but his commitment to his work goes well beyond putting in the years. “A neighbor who was moving accidentally threw out something valuable to them, and they were panicking,” explains Rahmir Dyson, a resident along Sweeney’s route in Manayunk. “They contacted Mr. Sweeney before the trash was compacted, and he told his workers to stop to look for it — and ended up finding it!” Sweeney is so beloved by the residents he serves, that they often leave him snacks, drinks on hot days, invitations for dinner.

“My favorite part of the job is the people of Philadelphia,” Sweeney says. “Even though I don’t know every person on all my routes personally, I get a warm welcome on a regular basis. A kind wave, a head nod, a little kid wanting to hear the horn.”

For his commitment to going above and beyond his job description and moving Philly forward, Sweeney will be honored alongside four other phenomenal city workers as one of this year’s Integrity Icons — awards created by and in partnership with the nonprofit Accountability Lab, to “name and fame” city workers who demonstrate the highest standards of integrity. For the sixth year in a row, we put out a call for nominees for kick-ass non-elected city workers, then narrowed the extensive list before asking our panel of judges to pick their five favorites.

We’ll honor all five on June 3, at Fitler Club. (RSVP here.)

Sweeney’s fellow winners are:

Michelle Bailey, Public Relations Specialist, Public Affairs Division, Philadelphia Water Department:
With 20 years of city service under her belt, Bailey prides herself on “being a connector for people” — getting residents the right resources to resolve their issues. Among other accomplishments, Bailey proactively gets people to sign up for assistance programs. “She is motivated to try new things and is constantly innovating and putting things into action,” says Glen Abrams, PWD’s Deputy Commissioner of Communications and Engagement. “She is the epitome of a civil servant.”

Faith Harris, Director of Social Service and Operations, Division of Criminal Justice, Office of Public Safety for the City of Philadelphia:
Harris helped launch the Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC) as Director, which is no easy feat: JAC is geared towards triaging law enforcement issues for young people and their families. She often takes calls and texts outside of work hours and meeting with colleagues across the city to build new reform initiatives and systemic change. “She goes above and beyond to advocate for kids and their families,” says Police Lieutenant Dennis Johnson. “She leverages her contacts to lessen sentences for kids and makes sure their families are informed. Faith exhausts resources to help, reaching across departments and making folks work together.”

Dr. Mandy Manna, Principal and Farm Manager at Fox Chase Farm, School District of Philadelphia:
At the helm of one of two public high schools that are also working farms is Dr. Mandy Manna, who runs Fox Chase Farm’s innovative program in agricultural and environmental education, serving more than 62,000 students annually across 60 schools. Manna’s role entails giving students real-world experiences on the farm, putting agricultural science into schools, as well as managing crops, livestock, and hydroponic growing. Manna has expanded experiential agricultural learning to more than 62,000 students across 60 schools, ensuring access regardless of zip code and hiring workers from the community to ensure that locals are a part of the system that raises its kids.“I love knowing that I’m changing lives and empowering students to be global citizens,” she says. “I get to see change happen right in front of my eyes.”

Keith Scott, Director of the Community Crisis Intervention Program (CCIP) and Incarcerated Crisis Intervention Program (ICCIP), Division of Safe Neighborhoods, Office of Public Safety:
Supervising Philly’s credible messengers and liaising with the Police Department are no easy tasks. Scott relishes the opportunity to oversee both, in a role that has him sometimes working nearly 24/7. He also recognizes the power that comes from working with communities: “I deal with people who are closest to the problem — violence — and also closest to the solution,” he says. “I have to be a leader and role model to them and lead by example.” Deion Sumpter, a 2024 Integrity Icon winner and Deputy Director in the Division of Safe Neighborhoods, says Scott “is a leader and a teacher. He is the heartbeat of the division.”

This year’s winners were once again selected by a panel of high-integrity judges:

• • Amy Kurland served as a federal prosecutor for 24 years before becoming Philadelphia’s first Inspector General and then a consultant for Bloomberg Associates, where she assisted cities worldwide in their efforts to prevent public corruption.
  • Cynthia F. Figueroa is President and CEO of JEVS Human Services, and a former Deputy Mayor for the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Children and Families (OCF).
  • Raymond Smeriglio, Director, State & Local Government Communications at Comcast, was previously First Deputy and Chief of Staff for the City’s Rebuild program (and penned this excellent call to civic action).

With the announcement of this year’s inspiring winners comes an invitation for you: Please join us at our annual Integrity Icon party at Fitler Club Ballroom on Wednesday, June 3, from 6 until 7:30pm to honor the winners. We’ll have light bites and drinks. Attendance is free, but you must fill out the RSVP form here.

We can’t wait to celebrate our winners with all of you!

PHILADELPHIA’S INTEGRITY ICONS FROM PAST YEARS: