BusinessPA is Pennsylvania’s economic development team dedicated to driving business retention, expansion, and attraction across the Commonwealth.

Lead DCED’s outreach efforts to support the retention and expansion of existing foreign-owned companies in Pennsylvania; conduct technical support in coordination with statewide economic and workforce development partners and Pennsylvania’s global network of Authorized Investment Representatives.

• Guide and support foreign companies looking to locate or expand in Pennsylvania; advise regarding state and local workforce, wages, business tax structure, and incentive programs; research, organize, and host company visits to inspect prospective sites; assist with immigration-related issues.• Collaborate with Pennsylvania overseas trade and investment representatives, government agencies, economic development partners, and colleges and universities on individual investment leads.• Plan and support the execution of international meetings for the Governor of Pennsylvania and cabinet; organized and participated in agency executive-led investment missions to Ireland and the United Kingdom in 2016 and 2017.• Participate in international missions, conferences, and trade shows to promote Pennsylvania’s business climate and economic development services; represented Pennsylvania at the 2014 Global Petroleum Show (Calgary, Alberta, Canada); the 2016 Medtec Exhibition (Galway, Ireland); a Summer 2017 investment mission to South Korea; the 2019 National Ploughing Championships in Ireland (Europe’s largest outdoor agricultural exhibition and trade show); and 2019 Kunststoffen in the Netherlands (major plastics supply chain trade show covering the Benelux countries).

• Assisted DCED Secretary C. Alan Walker in all meetings and events, state and nationwide; performed a wide variety of tasks for the Executive Office and Agency; engaged local and regional economic development partners.• Developed extensive knowledge of Pennsylvania’s economy, business and tax climate, workforce, political landscape, and economic development programs and services; participated in meetings or events in all 67 counties of Pennsylvania.• Served on the planning committee for and participated in the Governor’s 2013 trade mission to Brazil and Chile; managed Secretary Walker’s follow-up assignments.• Served as the Secretary’s voting alternate to the Board of Directors of the Team Pennsylvania Foundation, a public-private partnership working to improve the Commonwealth’s competitiveness and economic prosperity.• Represented DCED at emergency cabinet meetings to coordinate relief efforts following natural disasters.• Completed the Penn State University “Economic Development Course in Pennsylvania,” accredited by the International Economic Development Council.

• Provided executive support to CEO of organization focused on small business growth in lower-income communities through Certificate of Small Business Entrepreneurship program.

• Performed grassroots outreach for successful gubernatorial campaign.• Prepared briefings, memoranda, and talking points for fundraisers and political events; provided direct staff support.• Participated in 2009 Tom Corbett for Governor Statewide Announcement Tour; organized rallies and factory tours; managed central and northeastern Pennsylvania tour dates.

• Facilitated community relations work at international peace center; developed and led residential programs incorporating teambuilding, experiential learning, and substantive dialogue; worked with youth groups, schools, churches, families, and international groups, including a delegation of Colombian presidential candidates and an Israeli-Palestinian coalition.• Gained professional experience in mediation and conflict management, youth leadership development, civic engagement, and community building.

• Advocated for and provided legislative assistance to the American Heart Association-Great Rivers Affiliate, Fraternal Order of Police-Pennsylvania State Lodge, and Procter & Gamble Co.; served as Assistant Client Manager for the Pennsylvania Auctioneers Association.• Supported public affairs team and client management staff by assisting with review and development of legislation and advocacy; assisted with client services; supported lobbying, procurement, and economic development activities.• Monitored state House and Senate activity, legislative committee hearings and meetings, and press conferences.