Philadelphia’s Managing Director Adam K. Thiel Takes Leave to Serve in Army Reserve.

Adam K. Thiel, Philadelphia’s Managing Director, is set to take military leave this summer, according to an announcement from the administration of Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. Thiel, who manages key city departments encompassing prisons, fire services, water, and streets, is expected to return to his duties in the fall.

Tiffany W. Thurman, Parker’s chief of staff, expressed pride in Thiel’s commitment to serving his country, highlighting the administration’s support for his military service. Thurman emphasized that this experience fosters leadership qualities, contributing to Thiel’s effectiveness in his role as managing director.

Thiel’s departure comes on the heels of an eight-day strike involving city workers, which concluded just two weeks prior. The administration did not formally announce his leave until recently, indicating that Michael Carroll, the deputy managing director for transportation and infrastructure, will fulfill Thiel’s responsibilities temporarily.

Thurman affirmed that the Managing Director’s Office would continue to operate effectively, ensuring seamless service delivery to citizens despite Thiel’s absence. As a Major in the Army Reserve, Thiel provides operational expertise in emergency management, aiding combatant commands and partner nations, according to his professional profile.

Thiel, who assumed the role of managing director in January 2024, took over after serving as fire commissioner under former Mayor Jim Kenney. He joined the Army Reserve in August 2024, raising questions about whether this military engagement had been anticipated before his appointment to the critical position overseeing city operations and emergency response.

The mayor’s office has not publicly addressed whether Parker was aware of Thiel’s impending military obligations when making her decision to appoint him as her top city official. Thiel, who also operates two consulting firms—Pantheon Global Strategies and FACETS—balances his responsibilities with academia, earning significant income from both his business ventures and teaching positions.

In conjunction with his municipal salary of 0,000 in the previous year, Thiel reported earnings exceeding that amount, primarily from his consulting firms. His profile lists him as a candidate for a master’s degree in philosophy from the University of Pennsylvania, marking the pursuit of his third graduate degree. Thiel’s numerous professional affiliations include roles as a health innovation fellow for the Aspen Institute and a member of the advisory board for the UL Research Institutes.

As Philadelphia navigates its leadership transition during Thiel’s military leave, the administration remains focused on maintaining effective governance and service amid strategic operational changes.