
Meet Karen
What do you do?
Manage the day to day financial operations.
Karen Adkins
Vice President of Finance and Controller
412.281.4783 x3111
kadkins@alleghenyconference.org

Meet Becky Thatcher
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.
Becky Thatcher Baer
Director of Community Development
412.281.4783 x4570
bthatcher@alleghenyconference.org

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.
Jennifer Baldwin
Human Resources Specialist
412.281.4783 x3144
jbaldwin@alleghenyconference.org

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).
Jennifer Beer
Vice President, Government Affairs
412.281.4783 x3114
jbeer@pittsburghchamber.com

Meet Kyle
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.
Kyle Chintalapalli
Vice President, Business & Economic Development
412.392.4555 x4510
kchintalapalli@pittsburghregion.org

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.
Philip Cynar
Senior Communications Specialist
412.392.4555 x4573
pcynar@alleghenyconference.org

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.
Katie DelVerne
Digital Marketing Manager
412.392.4555 x4525
kdelverne@alleghenyconference.org

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.
Mickey Denner
Events Director
412.392.4555 x3103
mdenner@alleghenyconference.org

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.
Kelly Dunbar Jones
Office Coordinator
412.392.4555 x4531
kdunbarjones@alleghenyconference.org

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.
Leslie Freeman
Financial Analyst
412.392.4555 x3119
lfreeman@alleghenyconference.org

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.
James Futrell, CERP
Vice President, Market Research & Analysis
412.392.4555 x1023
jfutrell@pittsburghregion.org

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!
Sara Gaal
Senior Director, Investor Relations
412.281.4783 x4572
sgaal@alleghenyconference.org

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.
Ellen Gaus
Market Research Analyst
412.392.4555 x1020
egaus@pittsburghregion.org

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.
Katelyn Haas-Conrad
Senior Policy Analyst
412.281.4783 x1069
khaas-conrad@alleghenyconference.org

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.
Larry Hailsham
Government Affairs Manager
412.392.4555 x4552
lhailsham@pittsburghchamber.com

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.
Debra Harshaw
Coordinator, Pittsburgh Regional Alliance
412.392.4555 x4539
dharshaw@alleghenyconference.org

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.
Michael Henderson
Senior Director, Business Investment + International Investment Inquiries
412.392.4555 x4536
mhenderson@pittsburghregion.org

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!
Kaitlyn Hendrickson
Project Fellow
412.392.4555 x1086
khendrickson@alleghenyconference.org

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.
Patty Horvatich
Vice President, Business Investment
412.392.4555 x4543
phorvatich@pittsburghregion.org

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.
Diane Hughley
Coordinator, Government Affairs
412.281.4783 x4516
dhughley@pittsburghchamber.com

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.
Brian Jensen
Senior Director, Policy & Advocacy
412.281.4783 x3134
bjensen@alleghenyconference.org

Meet Johna
What do you like best about your position?
Challenges. Life never gets boring with technology always changing.
Johna K. Lingelbach, MCSE, MCP, A+
Senior Director, Information Technology
412.281.4783 x2028
jlingelbach@alleghenyconference.org

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.
Matt Minczeski
Senior Director, Marketing & Digital Communications
412.392.4555 x4511
mminczeski@alleghenyconference.org

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.
Nova Rubio
Coordinator, Finance & Investor Relations
412.281.4783 x3101
nrubio@alleghenyconference.org

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.
Patriece Thompson
Director, Investor Relations
412.281.4783 x3108
pthompson@alleghenyconference.org

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.
Linda Topoleski
Vice President, Talent Operations and Programs
412.392.4555 x3116
ltopoleski@alleghenyconference.org

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!
Rhonda Walters
Vice President, Talent Management
412.281.4783 x2029
rwalters@alleghenyconference.org