Chesco Economic Development Council Welcomes Six New Board Members

EXTON, PA — The Chester County Economic Development Council announced Tuesday that six new members have been appointed to the board of directors.

“We are delighted to welcome this talented class of new board members,” said Mike Grigalonis, president and chief operating officer.
“Their diverse and deep experience will be critical in guiding us as we continue to grow new programs we have launched this past year."

The programs include:

• Pennsylvania Catalyst Fund: a loan fund that prioritizes lending to minority- and women-owned businesses.
• Project RECONNECT: a one-of-a-kind program designed to remove financial barriers for students seeking to re-enroll in post-secondary education
• Pennsylvania Global Business Advisors: which expands global markets for PA business as well as international investment in the Commonwealth.”

These are the new board members:

• Fawn Collingwood, vice president of Human Resources, United Safety & Survivability Corporation, Exton;
• Dr. Marta Yera Cronin, president, of Delaware County Community College;
• David Dilworth, senior program manager of Lease Administration CTDI, West Chester;
• Theo Notaras, sales & leasing executive, Bennett Williams Commercial, Exton;
• Kara Rahn, senior manager of government and external affairs, Pennsylvania American Water, Hersey;
• Jane Tang, dean and professor, Gwynedd Mercy University, Lower Gwynedd Township.

A slate of new leadership takes office with Bill Stedman, president of People Services at Lockton Companies, becoming the board chairman. Michael J. Hankin, chief operating officer at the Hankin Group, Exton moves into the vice chairman seat.

R. Lorraine (Laurie) Bernotsky, Ph.D., executive vice president and provost at West Chester University, will serve as treasurer; and Michael A. Bray, assistant professor of the practice, management and operations at Villanova University, will serve as secretary.

Each board member serves a term of three years.

The council thanks the following outgoing members of its board of directors for their valued service to Chester County’s business community: Craig Adler, senior global program manager for Apple, CTDI; Christopher Benevento, vice president of guest services & operations, Longwood Gardens; and Marian McGorry, vice president of Academic Affairs, Delaware County Community College.

The Chester County Economic Development Council is a private, non-profit economic development organization promoting smart growth in Chester County and the surrounding region for more than 60 years.

The council provides proven financing solutions, cultivates workforce talent, leverages business partnerships and fosters entrepreneurial collaboration.

With the support of the private and public sectors, the council initiates, implements, and innovates programs that improve the business community and enhance the quality of life in Chester County. For more information, visit www.ccedcpa.com.