Our Team

Meet Cecelia

What do you do?
I serve as the organization’s Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications. In this capacity, I oversee the development and delivery of marketing and communications strategies and products that support the Conference and its affiliated organizations.

Why are you passionate about the Pittsburgh region?
Pittsburghers are not afraid to do the work! Across our private, public and academic sectors – we tackle challenges, solve hard problems and pioneer solutions to make our region and world a better place.

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Meet Bill

What do you do?
I guide the development of regional and organizational messaging strategy and supervise Investor Relations activities, including membership development and programming, as well as fundraising.

Why are you passionate about the Pittsburgh region?
My passion has been telling the story of the Pittsburgh region for more than 35 years.

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Meet Vera

What do you do?
I am responsible for coordinating all quantitative and qualitative research, championing the use of data and information across the organization, and framing the messaging around the state of the Pittsburgh region’s economy.

Why are you passionate about the Pittsburgh region?
I am passionate about the Pittsburgh region because of its natural beauty, incredible resilience, strong commitment to a better future and amazing people.

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Meet Stefani

What do you do?
On October 2, 2017, I became the Chief Executive Officer of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development and its affiliated organizations – the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce, the Pennsylvania Economy League of Greater Pittsburgh, LLC and the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance.

Why are you passionate about the Pittsburgh region?
Frick Park.

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Meet Janel

What do you do?
I am the Chief Financial Officer overseeing the accounting, finance, human resources and information technology departments, as well as facets of operations including facilities management.

Why are you passionate about the Pittsburgh region?
Pittsburgh’s city landscape, the friendly people and the perfect place to raise a family. The sense of pride I feel when a visitor approaches the end of the Fort Pitt Tunnel and gasps at what is at the other side. It is the place I grew up and will always be my home.

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Meet Matt

What do you do?
I serve as president of the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce, an affiliate of
the Allegheny Conference on Community Development since June 2015.

Why are you passionate about the Pittsburgh region?
I am passionate about our city’s ability to collaborate and partner, across party lines, between labor and business, and across the region, on critical issues impacting our future.

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Meet Jan

What do you do?
I joined the Allegheny Conference in 2007 and assisted with the Pittsburgh 250 celebration, and then returned in 2011 and currently serves as the Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer and as the Administrative Manager.

Meet Karen

What do you do?
Manage the day to day financial operations.

Meet Jen

What do you like best about your position?
I enjoy providing a support system for our staff and the constant variety in my work.

Why are you passionate about the Pittsburgh region?
I’m fascinated by the growth and evolution that has taken place in my lifetime. And no matter where I’ve lived or traveled, this region is always home.

Meet Jenn

What do you do?
I work with public officials, primarily at the state level, to advance public policy that improves the economy & quality of life of our region.

Why are you passionate about the Pittsburgh region?
The people. (And the pierogies.)

Meet Lydia

What do you like best about your position?
The opportunity to see in the inner workings of an enduring, impactful organization.

Why are you passionate about the Pittsburgh region?
I fell in love with the city after moving here for college and I want other people to see how great it is.

Meet Brian

What do you like best about your position?
I am more than passionate about championing and supporting the work of making the Pittsburgh region the most livable and inclusive place for all people.

Why are you passionate about the Pittsburgh region?
Aside from it being home? Pittsburgh is a place for the leaders and the bridge builders to come and make this city exactly what we know it needs to be.

Meet Dustin

What do you do?
I am the Imagine Pittsburgh Marketing & Social Media intern for summer 2019. I am responsible for regularly uploading content to the Imagine Pittsburgh social networking pages (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc.), aiding in marketing and logistical planning for the Pittsburgh Summer Passport Series, and providing assistance with general communications/marketing tasks in the conference.

Why are you passionate about the Pittsburgh region?
Pittsburgh is filled with stunning natural beauty, deeply devoted sports fans, cutting-edge industrial minds, and kind/welcoming neighbors. As a passionate Pittsburgh native, I love taking any opportunity I can to bring attention to the amazing things happening in our region and those making Pittsburgh an even greater city for tomorrow.

Meet Phil

What do you like best about your position?
I’m excited to be part of a team working to grow our local economy at the regional scale in a way that creates increased opportunities for everyone in Southwest Pennsylvania.

Why are you passionate about the Pittsburgh region?
I really enjoy how each of our many neighborhoods and communities has their own unique character. …I’ve also developed a real soft spot for Beto’s since moving to Beechview six years ago.

Meet Phil

What do you do?
I’m part of a team that conveys the amazing stories and news of a Pittsburgh region-reborn to a broad audience including the Regional Investors who have kept our organization running for nearly 75 years, our many partners across the region to companies looking to grow, and talent seeking a “soft landing” loaded with opportunity. And there’s the media, too – another important communications vehicle with which I work closely to report on how Pittsburgh, and Pittsburghers, have been making the world a better place for 250+ years.

Why are you passionate about the Pittsburgh region?
Pittsburgh is right-sized for me. It’s a big, small city where I feel like I’ve found my place. My husband and I appreciate and value Pittsburgh’s rich history and unique character, its accessibility on so many levels and the diversity of people who make this a friendly, safe and welcoming place.

Meet Katie

What do you like best about your position?
No two days are the same – I am constantly wearing different hats, working on a wide range of projects.

Why are you passionate about the Pittsburgh region?
The collaborative spirit, the strong work ethic, and the food is AMAZING.

Meet Mickey

What do you do?
Event planning.

Why are you passionate about the Pittsburgh region?
Why am I passionate about Pittsburgh? My family, friends and home.

Meet Kelly

What do you like best about your position?
What I like the most about my position is being able to interact on a daily basis with staff, clients, vendors and being the main contact person for the organization.

Why are you passionate about the Pittsburgh region?
I love all of the newly renovated shops, condos, restaurants that are currently in process or will be will complete with in the next few years. I also love how we all come together in good times and bad to help each other.

Meet Tony

What do you do?
I am the 2019 K&L Gates Fellow and I tackle various projects for ACCD. I utilize my law school background to provide research and analysis of projects, but also bring a legal perspective to the conference as well.

Why are you passionate about the Pittsburgh region?
I am a born and bred Southerner, and the Pittsburgh region gives me an opportunity to explore, experience, and engage in a different piece of Americana. The Pittsburgh region offers different weather, culture, food, and experiences than I had down south. I am passionate about this new adventure.

Meet Leslie

Why are you passionate about the Pittsburgh region?
The Pittsburgh region is where I was born and raised. I’ve seen the city evolve from the old “steel town” to the emerging technology center that it is today.

Meet Jim

What do you do?
Serve as a regional resource for economic, demographic and business information.

Why are you passionate about the Pittsburgh region?
It’s the perfect combination of big city assets and small town values.

Meet Sara

What do you like best about your position?
I enjoy working with the members of the Regional Investors Council and learning about their goals for the region.

Why are you passionate about the Pittsburgh region?
I’m passionate about the Pittsburgh region because of the incredible food scene!

Meet Ellen

What do you do?
If Google were a girl, that would be me. I assemble data about people, jobs, industries and more in the Pittsburgh region and beyond to tell an impactful and meaningful story, as well as attract and retain businesses. I lead on manufacturing and other key sector requests as well as international requests.

Why are you passionate about the Pittsburgh region?
Pittsburgh and the people that live here are unlike any other in the world. Working for an organization that is so invested in the success of the region is a thrill and an honor.

Meet Katelyn

What do you do?
I complete qualitative policy research related to the different parts of our Agenda. My favorite part of my position is getting to think about critical issues and how policy changes can improve our region.

Why are you passionate about the Pittsburgh region?
I am passionate about the Pittsburgh region because I love being part of a civically active community that is dedicated to making this place the best it can be.

Meet Larry

What do you do?
I serve as a Government Affairs Associate.

What do you like best about your position?
I most enjoy working with public officials on issues that will improve the quality of life and well-being for all of Pittsburgh.

Why are you passionate about the Pittsburgh region?
Pittsburgh is home.

Meet Deb

What do you like best about your position?
I enjoy working with the Business Investment and Investor Relations teams. I find the work interesting and as a group we make a great team.

Why are you passionate about the Pittsburgh region?
I love the Pittsburgh region mostly for its people. Having many hiking trails and beautiful lakes is just a bonus.

Meet Mike

What do you do?
In my role with the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance, I am responsible for client contact, information gathering, and project management for companies from around the region and around the world that are considering southwestern Pennsylvania for new and expanded facilities.

Why are you passionate about the Pittsburgh region?
I moved here from New Jersey to be part of the dramatic transformation of the Pittsburgh region, from one largely based on manufacturing to the diversified economy that it is today, and I want to do my part to accelerate that transformation.

Meet Kaitlyn

What do you do?
I provide project support to various departments across the Conference, primarily focusing on research and communications, in order to grow and improve our region.

Why are you passionate about the Pittsburgh region?
I love the sense of community and friendliness that the people project, how the city has stayed on the cutting edge, and the food!

Meet Patty

What do you do?
With the help of my colleagues and partners, I promote the 10-county Pittsburgh region for the purpose of creating jobs and capital investment through business attraction and expansion.

Why are you passionate about the Pittsburgh region?
The people.

Pittsburghers have a ‘roll up your sleeves, get it done’ attitude that helps to cope with current times and plan for the future, all while respecting our strong heritage.

Meet Diane

What do you like best about your position?
What I like best about my position is witnessing first-hand how an issue moves through the public policy process: from original idea/problem to bill formation and advocacy to final passage.

Meet Brian

What do you do?
Public policy research and development. Much focus on local governance, finance and taxation and waste/stormwater management.

Why are you passionate about the Pittsburgh region?
Moved to Pittsburgh in 1988 because of its rich industrial history. Have seen and to some extent have helped shape Pittsburgh’s rebound from economic desolation to resurgence and strength.

Meet Miranda

What do you do?
I build all of the websites that are related to the Conference.

Why are you passionate about the Pittsburgh region?
I like that it’s not too far but far enough away from my small hometown. Mostly, I am a big fan of the many places to try buffalo chicken pizza.

Meet Johna

What do you like best about your position?
Challenges. Life never gets boring with technology always changing.

Meet Matt

What do you do?
I help make the Allegheny Conference’s work and people sound and look awesome to our audiences inside and outside the region.

Why are you passionate about the Pittsburgh region?
I’m passionate about many aspects of the Pittsburgh region, but I’m most passionate about the authentic and diverse pizza options throughout the 10 counties.

Meet Nova

What do you do?
Provides administrative support to management and staff.

What do you like best about your position?
Meeting talented people and knowing I am a part of making our region “Great!”

Why are you passionate about the Pittsburgh region?
Pittsburgh has a nice city feeling. Not too little and not too big.

Meet Becky

What do you like best about your position? I love that my data is the foundation for telling the story of our region, our industries, and most importantly the people in our communities.

Why are you passionate about the Pittsburgh region?
I am always impressed by the hard work and passion the residents and businesses have to improving their communities, as well as the overall wonderful small town feel with big city attractions.

Meet Patriece

What do you like best about your position?
Building relationships with different groups and RIC to execute and drive the ACCD mission.

Why are you passionate about the Pittsburgh region?
I am passionate about uplifting the next generation and making Pittsburgh culturally diverse.

Meet Linda

What do you like best about your position?
Working with so many of our investors to help the region grow through talent.

Why are you passionate about the Pittsburgh region?
There’s never been a better time to be in the Pittsburgh region. We are on the leading edge of so many developments that are changing the world in technology, health and humankind.

Meet Alison

What do you do?
I manage employer relations and engagement in talent retention and attraction, including qualitative research and programming with human resources directors, college students and career services.

Why are you passionate about the Pittsburgh region?
I was admittedly not sure about Pittsburgh when we first moved here, but I think the blending of old and new Pittsburgh is a charming dichotomy that gives us a lot of character and builds on our historical strengths while leaving space for new ideas and innovation.

Meet Jake

What do you like best about your position?
I get the chance to meaningfully support investment projects by suppling the best evidence and assistance possible. As I learn more about the issues facing a project, and as I practice with new tools, I get the chance to turn more data into real information.

Why are you passionate about the Pittsburgh region?
Still very new to the area having arrived in January of 2019, but being a Lawrenceville resident is teaching me quickly why to love Pittsburgh!

Meet Rhonda

What do you like best about your position?
I love that I get the opportunity to lead, support, and serve amazing & talented employees each day!

Why are you passionate about the Pittsburgh region?
The “sense of community”, the feeling of belonging and that what happens to one happens to us all!

Meet Serena

What do you like best about your position?
I like how flexible it is and that it allows me to support the entirety of the Conference’s staff in whatever way they need. I’m grateful to be receiving an insider’s look at the ongoing development of Pittsburgh’s economy and communities during this critical time.

Why are you passionate about the Pittsburgh region?
Pittsburgh’s my hometown so I’m familiar with both its challenges and its triumphs. Growing up here and returning for this internship has allowed me to see how much potential the region holds.