Ex-NBC10 Anchor Named Head of Philly's Civil Rights Agency

New Leadership at the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations

Renee Chenault-Fattah has been appointed as the new leader of the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, an agency responsible for investigating civil rights and fair housing complaints. With a background in law, communications, and advocacy, Chenault-Fattah brings decades of experience to her new role.

Chenault-Fattah is married to former U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah, who resigned from office in 2016 after being convicted of federal corruption charges. He was released from prison in 2020. Although she was not charged in the case, she stepped down from her position as an NBC10 anchor around the time of her husband’s indictment.

Mayor Cherelle L. Parker recently appointed Chenault-Fattah to the leadership position, which comes with an annual salary of $170,000. In a statement, Chenault-Fattah expressed her excitement about the opportunity to use her extensive experience in law, communications, and commitment to equal justice. She also highlighted her anticipation of working with the dedicated team at the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations and Fair Housing, who focus on enforcing antidiscrimination laws and resolving conflicts within communities.

The Inquirer learned of Chenault-Fattah’s appointment through a review of city payroll data. Parker’s office confirmed that her first day on the job was June 30. She replaces interim executive director Randy Duque, who has returned to his previous role as deputy director. Duque previously took over from Kia Ghee, who was appointed by former Mayor Jim Kenney and stepped down earlier this year to run for a seat on the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.

Chenault-Fattah holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Johns Hopkins University, a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri. Despite not being charged in her husband’s case, prosecutors detailed a fabricated 2012 sale of her Porsche convertible, which they alleged was intended to conceal a bribe benefiting her husband. At the time, she disputed the prosecutors’ narrative and criticized their portrayal of her involvement in the case.

After leaving the media industry, Chenault-Fattah worked in public interest law. She served at the SeniorLAW Center and as the executive director of the Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity, which provides services to indigent clients.

Mayor Parker, who took office in January 2024, has made several appointments involving relatives of notable political figures. City Representative Jazelle Jones, whose responsibilities include promoting tourism and events in Philadelphia, is the wife of City Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr. Marnie Aument-Loughrey, the wife of Councilmember Jimmy Harrity, was hired as a community coordinator for Parker’s Kensington cleanup initiative. Dawn Chavous, the wife of Council President Kenyatta Johnson, was appointed to serve on the city’s school board in an unpaid position.

Former state Rep. Kevin Boyle, the brother of U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle, was hired this year as deputy director of external affairs for an agency focused on initiatives for people with substance-use disorder. This followed his loss in reelection amid a public mental health crisis. Additionally, Parker has hired Leslie Acosta, a former state representative who pleaded guilty in 2016 to taking part in an embezzlement scheme involving a mental health clinic, to a community outreach job in the Department of Commerce. Leslie Acosta is the daughter of former state Rep. Ralph Acosta.