His election followed the resignation of Philadelphia City Councilman and Democrat Michael Nutter as Chair in April of that year, in preparation for his ultimately successful mayoral candidacy.
His resignation was met with surprise from many, as it came just two months before the scheduled opening of a $786 million expansion to the Convention Center.
[2][4] Riley's name appeared in a 39-page legal complaint filed by the Convention Center's former Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
The former CFO, who was fired in September 2010, contends in the suit that her employment was terminated in an attempt to keep such violations from coming to light.
[1] He was chairman and CEO of Riley Riper Hollin & Colagreco, an Exton-based firm he founded in 1984.