
The Fabric
of CCEDC's
Success
Management

Gary W. Smith currently serves the Chester County Economic Development Council as CEO. He joined the Council in 1976 and pioneered award-winning programs of below market-rate financing, agricultural economic development, brownfields redevelopment, conduit funding for commercial construction, industry partnerships, urban revitalization and multi-agency collaboration. During his tenure, the Council has secured over $275 million in external funding for 420 plus projects ranging from regional economic revitalization to workforce development. The Council’s programs and services have helped to create over 175,000 new jobs; assisted in retaining more than 190,000 existing jobs; and brokered more than $13.5 billion in commercial financing loans. Over 8,000 new businesses have also been established during that period. Throughout his nearly fifty-year career, Mr. Smith has held many titles on many national economic development boards and agricultural agencies such as President, Vice President, Founding Director and Legislative Chairman. In addition, he has been honored with many awards: the Chester County Boy Scout Distinguished Citizen, Harold Martin Business Leadership Award, the Crystal Ball Award and TMACC’s Chairman’s Award to name a few. He recently was awarded an honorary doctorate in public service from West Chester University and the Gary W. Smith Entrepreneurial Leadership Endowment was established to support the operation, mission, and efforts of the Cottrell Entrepreneurship Center as well as award at least one minimum $1,000 scholarship annually to a promising student who exemplifies his entrepreneurial spirit. Mr. Smith holds a MA in public administration from West Chester University as well as his undergraduate degree from West Chester University. In his spare time, Gary manages his family’s farm raising a herd of 45 registered Hereford cattle. Gary and his wife Vicky have two adult sons and are the proud grandparents of two beautiful grandsons.

Michael serves as the Chester County Economic Development Council’s President and Chief Operating Officer. Since 2004 when Michael first assumed this role, the CCEDC has grown significantly adding 15 staff members and increasing the operating budget by 50%. New initiatives were launched including the Economic Development Partners Initiative (municipal services and community development), HireOne (a job matching effort for dislocated professionals), and they Ideas x Innovation Network (formerly Keystone Innovation Zone). Michael’s day to day responsibilities include managing the staff, the budgets, and interacting with the board and its numerous sub-committees. Michael originally joined the CCEDC in 1999 as a Program Manager. During his time as Program Manager, Michael initiated and grew several successful programs to assist Chester County’s business community. These programs still exist today and include: The Information Technology Action Group (ITAG) to address labor issues facing the IT industry; the Chester County International Business Council to assist companies with their export strategies; The Banking Workforce Consortium to train incumbent bank employees and recruit new commercial lenders; and the Workforce Partners to facilitate communication among the County’s key workforce development service providers. Prior to joining the Development Council, Michael was employed in the Medical Affairs Department of Wyeth Pharmaceuticals in Radnor, PA. Michael earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Science from Ithaca College in 1995 and an MBA from Villanova University in 1998.

MaryFrances McGarrity
Senior Vice President, Business Development Services
610.321.8223
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MaryFrances McGarrity is the Senior Vice President, Business Development Services for the Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC). In her current role, MaryFrances’ efforts are focused on programs and initiatives that attract, retain and grow businesses in Chester County. At the Council, MaryFrances works with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development as the representative of the Council directly interfacing with the Governor’s Action Team (GAT) and other state agencies as needed. She regularly meets with local corporate decision makers, investors, civic and economic development partners to advance business expansion projects identifying capital, facilitating financing, addressing workforce issues, and assisting with site selection needs. MaryFrances brings 10 years of sales and marketing experience in commercial real estate while working for Jackson Cross Partners. She a member of the West Whiteland Township Planning Commission and sits on the Board of Directors for the Chester County Industrial and Investment Council, and ChescoNet. MaryFrances and her family are the founding members of the Holy Redeemer Golf Klassic, a golf event whose proceeds benefit the Holy Redeemer Jersey Shore Food Pantry, Swainton NJ. She holds a Bachelor of Science from St. Joseph’s University in Management & Marketing from St. Joseph’s University, and a Bachelor of Science from Immaculate University in Elementary Education. She is a member of PIAA (Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, Inc.) – Brandywine Chapter as a girl’s high school basketball official. She and her family residents of West Chester, Pennsylvania.

Sherwood serves as Seedcopa’s Managing Director. In that capacity, he oversees a staff of 8 professionals; interacts with over 35 different banking partners; manages the partner relationships with 14 State-Wide Economic Development Agencies; and assists in the enhancement of Seedcopa’s menu of financing services. Sherwood joined Seedcopa in 2007 as a Relationship Manager to further expand its SBA 504 loan program and to develop SBA and USDA facilitation services for banks looking to enter the Government Loan arena. Currently, eleven financing institutions utilize Seedcopa’s lender services. Prior to joining Seedcopa, Sherwood spent over 18 years in the banking industry, acquiring real-time experience and developing skills in Commercial Banking, Retail and the Investment departments. For ten years, he’s served as a dedicated Government Loan lender, developing an extensive network of business associates. He enjoys many guest-speaking invitations throughout Pennsylvania each year, covering the key aspects of SBA lending. Sherwood received a Bachelor of Science degree from Shippensburg University. He currently resides in Birdsboro, PA with his wife and two children.

Patti VanCleave is Vice President of Workforce Development for the Chester County Economic Development Council. In this role, she oversees the management and implementation of the regional industry partnerships, as well as, all adult and youth workforce development programs. Prior to joining the Council, Patti worked as the Director of Operations for a non-profit, where she managed the annual procurement and disbursement of 100,000 brand new winter coats for children in need in over 30 states nationwide. In addition to Patti’s education in Organizational Behavior/Applied Psychology at Albright College, she has held various management positions with advertising, accounting and IT companies. Patti’s commitment to youth is evident in her involvement in the Council for the Workforce of Tomorrow, a committee of the Chester County Workforce Development Board, and Scouts BSA, where she has been an active volunteer for over 15 years. She serves as an Assistant Scoutmaster, the Activity Chairperson, and a Troop Committee member.

Jim is responsible for managing all financial aspects of CCEDC and its five separate affiliated organizations that includes monthly financial reporting, billing and collections, budgeting, annual financial statement audits, grant program audits, cash management, vendor management, commercial insurance programs, employee benefit programs and annual IRS 990 tax filings. He is proficient in presenting financial information relevant to decision making, meeting recurring report and budget deadlines and effectively manages and interacts with vendors, insurance carriers, etc. He has been with CCEDC since 2006 and has more than twenty years of accounting experience working previously with the Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance of a New Jersey insurance company, assisting with various audits, customer service, accounts receivable and accounts payable. Jim is proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word and possesses strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Jim has a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Albright College. He volunteers his time helping to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease via the Alzheimer’s Association and participates in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s each year, raising money to advance research in prevention, treatment and a cure for the disease.

Chris has been with the organization since 2010 and he currently serves as the Vice President, Development Finance. He possesses over 35 years of commercial lending and operations experience in conventional, CMBS and government-backed lending. He utilizes his problem solving skills along with his unique knowledge of financial analytics and loan products to creatively assist business restructure and growth as a means to support economic development. Chris possesses a dual Bachelor of Science Degree from Delaware Valley College with majors in both accounting and finance. He continues to develop his skills through continued professional education and as a volunteer member of multiple industry group committees. When not at work, Chris enjoys being an active volunteer for local educational, religious, and youth sports organizations which are focused on outreach to troubled and “at-risk” youth. In his off-time, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his family.
Team

As Grants Consultant, Kate manages environmental grants and construction grants for CCEDC, CCIDA, and their clients. Most specifically, she brings to the table her knowledge and experience of navigating the intricacies of various economic development state grants including the Commonwealth’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grants, Industrial Site Reuse (ISR) grants, Business in our Sites (BOS) grants, as well as a few federal grants. She assists CCEDC and CCIDA’s clients by helping them understand the different types of environmental, construction, and economic development grants and how the grant programs are applicable to their projects, by fulfilling the grant’s individual paperwork requirements or by instructing clients how to complete the paperwork requirements themselves and by providing liaison support linking clients with State or Federal employees. Kate has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry from the University of Scranton and a Masters Degree in Environmental Science from Rutgers University. Prior to CCEDC, she worked for 9 years at an environmental consulting firm performing the QA/QC data validations and laboratory auditing. Outside of work, Kate currently spends her time volunteering for the Phoenixville YMCA swim team and spending time with her family.

Ember Beckary joined our team in the new role of Social Media Coordinator in our Marketing & Communications Department. A native of Lancaster County, Ember is an experienced social media manager and graphic designer who studied advertising at the Art Institute of Philadelphia.


John spend 17+ years as CFO for CCEDC prior to semi-retiring in 2022. As CFO, he was responsible for managing all financial, tax and insurance matters for CCEDC and its four separate affiliated organizations. He now works as a part-time consultant focused on various financial projects and assignments for CCEDC. John previously worked in public accounting as part of the Audit Staff from KPMG, technology as Vice President/Controller from Sanchez Computer Associates, and as the Chief Financial Officer at Innovative Schools Development Corporation. John has a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Connecticut and is a Pennsylvania Certified Public Accountant (CPA).


Sherry Cockerham serves as Project Coordinator for the Hire One Initiative, the Manufacturing Alliance of Chester & Delaware Counties, and the Smart Energy Initiative of Southeastern PA. Previously, Sherry worked for the Phoenixville Area School District as an elementary aide as well as administrative positions at Siemens Medical Solutions, USA and CSG Health Services Organization. Sherry served two years as the secretary then president on the Home and School Association board at Barkley Elementary in the Phoenixville Area School District. She also enjoyed years of active volunteerism in her children’s schools. Sherry earned a degree in Office Administration from Delaware County Community College. She also has attended Immaculata University, taking coursework in Organizational Dynamics within the College of Lifelong Learning. A Phoenixville resident and mother, Sherry continues to volunteer her time along with her sons who are active members of the Boy Scouts of America.

Leigh Craig is a Program Coordinator for the Workforce Development – STEM Innovation Youth Programs. She has more than 20 years of experience in environmental insurance primarily as an underwriting assistant at Great American Insurance Group and AxaXL Insurance (previously XL Insurance). Those duties included providing underwriting support, file reconciliation, office management, and general administrative support. For the past 8 years, Leigh worked as site coordinator/head coach for Coatesville United Soccer, an innovative youth development program that uses soccer as a tool to implement mentorship, lifestyles, and offers a safe place for the youth in Coatesville. Outside of work, Leigh is an avid sports fan and spends time with her husband and 3 kids at their sporting events.


Jodi Gauker is the Agriculture Project Director for CCEDC where she coordinates the AgConnect Industry Partnership. In this role, she connects farmers and agribusiness owners with the training, resources, and financing they need to successfully grow their business, and provides opportunities for youth to explore careers in agriculture. Prior to joining the CCEDC in August 2012, Jodi worked as an Extension Educator for Penn State Extension where she helped beginning farmers connect with the training and resources they needed to begin or grow their farm dream. In addition to her education at Penn State and Texas A&M Universities and work experience, Jodi brings practical knowledge to her position – she and her husband, Lee, are the 9th generation to continue Gauker Farms in Fleetwood, Berks County. On the weekends, you may find her at the farmers’ market with their family’s beef, or teaching 10th generation, Callie, all about life on the farm. Jodi also remains an active part of the agricultural industry. Jodi is a member of the Berks County Farm Bureau, Berks Agricultural Resource Network, Berks/Southeast Cattlemen’s Association, Penn State Stockmen’s Club, Chester Delaware County Farm Bureau, and the Chester County Agricultural Development Council.

Bob joined the Chester County Economic Development Council in January of 2023. Prior to joining the CCEDC, he worked for 26 years at SEI. At SEI, Bob spent most of his career as a Relationship Manager in the Investment Managers Service Group responsible for managing the service and operational delivery of back and middle office solutions to hedge and private equity fund managers. At the CCEDC, he will be working as a consultant in the Development Finance Group. Bob has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Alabama and Masters in Business Administration from Drexel University.

Michelle Hadley is a lifelong resident of Chester County. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Immaculata University and has more than 20 years of experience in the non-profit accounting field. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband of 17 years and her three children.



Elaine Jasper’s responsibilities include organization, management and submission of federal, state and local grants, using online electronic systems to submit directly to agency networks. She maintains official, fully-executed contracts which are critical for the successful audit and closeout of grant submissions. Collecting information in preparation of the Briefing to Legislators keeps legislators up to date on CCEDC’s programs and projects. Elaine has been with CCEDC for 15 years. She has over 27 years experience with a global pharmaceutical company in statistics and research & development operations where she developed her ability to work efficiently with detail. She worked with the President, R&D, creating technical presentations and correspondence. Business travel within the United States and Europe broadened her experience. Employment with a major Philadelphia CPA firm, working with the Partner-in-Charge of Management Consulting Services, complemented her background. Her technical abilities are in Microsoft Office (WORD, Excel, and PowerPoint), Adobe Acrobat Pro, PDF Converter Professional, Executive Pulse, a CRM solution exclusively for economic developers, and Salesforce.com Inc., a global cloud customer relationship management (CRM) product. Elaine attended a Philadelphia business school, and continuing education computer classes in Chester County. Elaine volunteers her time at the annual premier event of CCEDC’s Girls Exploring Tomorrow’s Technology (GETT), hosted by ITAG, the Innovative Technology Action Group demonstrating technical careers by female mentors. She also volunteers her time at an annual St. Patrick’s Day Party held at Camilla Hall, Malvern, a convent home and healthcare center.

Darlene Jenkins Walls
Manager, Entrepreneur Outreach & Support
610.321.8217
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Nancy Jones’ duties involve overseeing, managing, coordinating tasks, and maintaining records for Seedcopa’s business loans and insurance & settlement issues. Nancy is the go-to person for loan questions and information requests from clients. Nancy has been with CCEDC/Seedcopa since June 2012 and brings over 30 years of banking experience with retail, mortgages, and commercial businesses for two financial institutions. She worked specifically for commercial lenders and then with the Small Business Administration (SBA).

Melissa Kellogg
Senior Underwriter & Operations Coordinator – Seedcopa
610.321.8243
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Melissa Kellog works with the Small Business Administration (SBA) and various financial institutions, borrowers, and attorneys to prepare and submit accurate loan packages. Her primary responsibilities include loan underwriting and credit analysis, application processing, and closing procedures. She has been with CCEDC/Seedcopa for 2 years bringing her skills in organization, process improvement, and customer service. Melissa has a Bachelor of Science degree from Albright College in Accounting, Economics, and Finance. She worked with the school’s finance committee, created and managed annual budgets and accounting systems. On the judicial committee, she enforced rules and regulations, and participated in internal disciplinary proceedings when necessary. Some of the organizations where she has volunteered her time are: Relay for Life, an American Cancer Society fundraising event; Women Against Abuse, fundraising for speaking out against domestic violence; Habitat for Humanity, bringing people together to build homes; Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure against breast cancer; and the Special Olympics, sports for children and adults with disabilities. Current fundraisers are: S. June Smith Center, helping children (birth to five) with developmental needs; Graduate School Scholarship Funds, helping graduate students finish their education; Girls on the Run, positive youth development program for girls in 3rd-8th grades; SPCA, the care and rescue of animals; and she continues with the Special Olympics.

Cheryl Korn joined the Chester County Economic Development Council in 2017 and serves as a project coordinator. Her duties include supporting CCEDC’s technology initiatives, the Ideas x Innovations Network (i2n) and the Innovative Technology Action Group (ITAG). She also assists CCEDC’s marketing department and STEM Innovation youth initiatives. Her responsibilities include coordinating and communicating with various stakeholders, providing graphic design and electronic marketing assistance, organizing meetings and events, and providing general administrative support. Cheryl’s previous experience as art director for a healthcare software company, tenure at several advertising agencies, and service as the office and marketing manager for various companies, means she is well-suited to wear many hats in her role at CCEDC. Cheryl received a BFA in graphic design from Moore College of Art and has kept her skills current by earning numerous certifications from Springhouse Education & Consulting Services.

Jim Lauckner is the Project Consultant for two of CCEDC’s Industry Partnerships – the Smart Energy Initiative (SEI) and the Manufacturing Alliance of Chester and Delaware counties (MACCDC), as well as the Hire One Initiative which is focused on helping companies with their recruiting and hiring needs. Jim helps to lead these initiatives as they pursue their missions to bring together business, education, economic development and industry entities. Jim’s focus is to help create programs, training, and consulting opportunities that leverage public and private resources to build funds and sustain the IPs while growing the industries as a whole. Outreach for all of these programs is always open, and while often designed for CCEDC investors, the programs look to be regional or broader where needed. He represents the IP’s leadership to the public both locally and nationally. Working with County and CareerLink staff Jim has given several webinars to help Job Seekers and Employers connect more effectively during the pandemic. Jim has been with CCEDC for 10 years and has over 17 years of experience as owner of J*Lis Management Consulting. Consulting with the healthcare, manufacturing and pharmaceutical and tech industries resulted in improved hiring and recruiting processes. Jim has a Bachelor of Arts degree from La Salle University in Psychology. He volunteered almost 30 years on the Alumni Board of La Salle University and continues in their Chester County Alumni Club. Jim has coached youth soccer for over 20 years, as well as the Olympic Development Program for the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association (EPYSA), and the Football Club of Delaware County (FC Delco). He also coaches Little League Baseball for Glenmoore Eagle Youth Association (GEYA).

Kathy McAfee is the Loan Servicing and Documentation Specialist for South Eastern Economic Development Company of PA, the lending division of Chester County Economic Development Council. Kathy began working for CCEDC in June 2006 as Loan Closing and Servicing Specialist. She is now responsible for preparing the loan documentation for loan closings, as well as routine servicing of the loan portfolio. Prior to joining the staff at CCEDC, Kathy was employed in the banking industry, first in the operations division, and then the loan originations focusing on loan documentation.

A former small business owner, Marcia became a commercial lender for a traditional bank 25 years ago. She spent the 22 years as a dedicated SBA 7(a) professional with the last 13 years as an SBA 7(a) program manager for a large regional bank. She joined Seedcopa two years ago to manage the credit and operations functions at the CDC. In addition to her degree in Finance, English and Spanish from Albright College, Marcia has gained considerable credit training and commercial lending training through numerous courses and training offered by a previous employer. Marcia continues her professional SBA training through industry seminars, SBA conferences, and SBA District Office training events. In her current role at Seedcopa as credit and operations manager, she is responsible for oversight of all credit and operations functions for the CDC. Much of her initial time at the CDC was spent enhancing the processes and procedures for the organization.

Wilfred Muskens
Program Director, Pennsylvania Global Business Advisors (GBA) and Project Consultant – MACC/DC
717-666-9899
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LinkedIn Profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilfred-h-muskens-56697/

Kathleen manages the day-to-day operations and acts as the primary liaison with users of the facility. She develops and implements programs to ensure that the organization has the most suitable working environment for its employees and their activities. In addition, Kathleen oversees all of the Council’s external vendors, as well as supervises any office renovations and construction projects. Kathleen also manages the CCEDC’s IT and communications infrastructure and support. Kathleen and her family moved to Chester County in 1996 and raised two children with her husband of 30 years. She serves as a volunteer food drive coordinator for Chester County Food Bank and volunteer drive coordinator for the American Red Cross.

Tracey Oberholtzer is the Industry Partnership Events and STEM Programs Manager. In her role as IP Events Manager, Tracey is responsible for the successful planning and execution of signature events for the IP’s and Youth Programs. As STEM Programs Manager, Tracey works closely with the Industry Partnerships to maintain and grow STEM and youth programming that enhances the career readiness of our community’s youth. Tracey earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing at Saint Joseph’s University. Prior to joining the CCEDC, she worked as a Program Director and Volunteer Director in the non-profit sector.



Lori joined CCEDC in April of 2017. As the Business Outreach Manager she works primarily with the Business Development Services Team providing support and communication to CCEDC Investors. She is also the regional Coordinator for the Pennsylvania State Engage Program, a statewide business retention and expansion (BRE) program facilitated through CCEDC. In that role, Lori oversees budgets and invoicing for six Pennsylvania county partners who participate in the program. Lori came to CCEDC while co-owning a manufacturer’s representative company with her husband which works primarily with QVC, Inc. – a televised home shopping channel based in West Chester, PA. Currently, she guest hosts on-air at QVC, selling personal care products. Lori spent 15 years working in the field of public relations in Washington D.C. and Philadelphia respectively, before she and her family moved to Chester County in 2000. Lori is a graduate of Bloomsburg University with a B.A. in Business Economics. She is married and has two children. Lori also volunteers with the “Adopt A Pig” charity in Glenmore, PA. The charity was developed to help children and their families cope as they face the challenge of fighting cancer.

Loaida Rodriguez has been named Portfolio and Compliance Specialist, at Seedcopa + SeedcoDE, a Certified Development Company that specializes in helping businesses in Pennsylvania and Delaware access below-market interest rates through government loan programs. Loaida joins the Seedcopa + SeedcoDE team after serving as Assistant Controller at Vanguard Charitable in Malvern, one of the largest grant-making organizations in the nation. Previously she was the Director of Finance at Community Basics, Inc. in Lancaster, a non-profit developer that supports the ongoing need for affordable housing in the Lancaster area. She also served as Director of Accounting and Payroll for SCTE, Inc. in Exton, a membership association that supports the telecommunications industry. Loaida has a passion for economic development and making a positive impact on her community. Her experience managing government-backed programs and ensuring fiduciary responsibility, along with her accounting and financial management experience, are valuable assets for bank partners and small- to mid-sized business borrowers. Loaida earned her Bachelor of Arts in Financial Management from Immaculata University and her Master’s degree in Public Administration at West Chester University. She resides in Honey Brook with her four children and two grandchildren. She enjoys volunteer work, including as a HDC MidAtlantic Board Member, as well as past volunteer work for Primera Iglesia Bautista de Coatesville, Philadelphia Area Great Career Success Group and Lighthouse Vocational Ministries.

Amy Rodriguez Miller
Program Coordinator – Project RECONNECT
610.321.8234
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Leslie joined the Chester County Economic Development Council in August 2013 and brought a variety of skills to the organization. She oversees the marketing and communications efforts for CCEDC as well as its numerous initiatvies. Her responsibilities include crafting the organization’s annual report and quarterly briefingings and she also handles graphic design, website content, and social media for the organization. Her previous work experience includes the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the United States Holocaust Memorial Musuem, the Mann Center for the Performing Arts, and the Lionville Community YMCA. Leslie earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from the Pennsylvania State University. She has completed additional studies in graphic design and desktop publishing and earned recently earned a Digital Marketing Certificate from Penn State Greaty Valley.

Lauren Sandusky is the newest Loan Operations Specialist for South Eastern Economic Development Company of PA, the lending division of Chester County Economic Development Council. Her duties involve overseeing, managing, coordinating tasks, and maintaining records for Seedcopa’s business loans and insurance & settlement issues. With over 15 years of experience in business lending, Lauren joins the Seedcopa team after serving as Manager of Loan Processing at the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC) where she worked on a variety of small business loans including the PIDA loan program. Lauren also helped manage COVID-19 relief loan programs including the Philadelphia COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund, the COVID-19 Working Capital Access (CWCA) program and the COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program (CHIRP). Lauren holds a Masters of Business Administration and Bachelor of Arts in Communication from LaSalle University.

Cathie is an Albright College alumna with a B.A. in Communications and Digital Media. She brings to Seedcopa a wealth of banking experience, including her most recent role as Senior Relationship Assistant for a C&I Lending Team. Cathie is an avid angler and enjoys traveling.

Marie Shires joined Seedcopa as Vice President and Relationship Manager in April 2018. Shires comes to Seedcopa with a decade of SBA 504 experience providing commercial real estate and equipment financing to the region’s small to mid-sized businesses. A certified Economic Development Financial Professional, Shires has completed rigorous training in business credit, loan packaging procedures, real estate finance analysis and deal structuring. As a long-time program director and Vice President at a not-for-profit certified development company, she has been responsible for all phases of U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 loans, including business development, processing, closing and servicing. She also draws on enduring relationships with local banks, professional partners and community-based organizations to facilitate the loan process for Seedcopa clients. Shires is a member of Advocates for Small Business, where she holds a seat on the board of directors. Over the course of her career she has taken a participating lead role in a variety of special events and summits for small business owners, including round table discussions and group training sessions. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Widener University.

Marianne Stack is a Project Director for the Chester County Economic Development Council’s technology initiatives, the Innovative Technology Action Group (ITAG) industry partnership and the Ideas x Innovation Network (i2n). In this role she provides leadership and oversight to ITAG, building strategies to help regional technology companies grow and succeed through the collaboration of private employers, educators, and public partners. In support of i2n, Marianne leads the PA Keystone Innovation Zone tax credit program for Chester and Delaware Counties which includes certifying companies for eligibility, ensuring program compliance, assessing company needs and connecting these early-stage and technology-driven companies with resources they need. Prior to joining CCEDC in 2012, Marianne served as project engineer for several civil engineering firms with a focus in land development. Marianne earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Villanova University as well as her Professional Engineer’s License. Being detail oriented, highly organized and having the ability to successfully multitask has been an asset professionally as well as in managing a large, active family. Marianne is an active member of the Saints Philip and James School Board of Limited Jurisdiction.




