Chester County Economic Development Council Celebrates One of the Region’s Most Influential Leaders at the Phoenixville Foundry
Exton, PA – June 4, 2026 – Gary Smith, longtime CEO of the Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC), was inducted into the CCEDC’s Chester County Hall of Fame Thursday, May 28, in a ceremony held at the iconic Phoenixville Foundry and attended by nearly 500 business, civic, community and legislative leaders from across the region.
A lifelong resident of Chester County, Smith joined the CCEDC in 1976 shortly after his graduation from West Chester University. He became the CCEDC’s CEO just two years later, working continuously to develop a robust regional economic development engine, where he has supported businesses across industries, including startups, farmers, and the largest corporate employers in the region. Smith was chosen as this year’s inductee for his more than 50-year-long career of significant contributions to the economic growth and vibrancy of the county and region.
Michael J. Hankin, Chairman of the CCEDC Board of Directors and COO of the Hankin Group, recognized past Hall of Fame recipients before presenting the award to Smith. “Gary Smith is a visionary, someone who is synonymous with Chester County economic development and growth.
“As much as Gary has had a truly hall of fame career, I think he is even a better person,” said Mike Grigalonis, President and COO of the CCEDC who has worked alongside Smith for 28 years. “The two things that stand out to me is that Gary has a physical need to help others; the other thing that stands out is how he treats others. He genuinely cares about our team, but I think more than that it’s the confidence and trust he’s placed in us…those two things form the foundation of who Gary Smith is, and the foundation that we as an organization have been built on these 50 years.”
During Smith’s tenure, CCEDC has secured over $275 million in external funding for more than 420 projects ranging from regional economic revitalization and industry partnerships to workforce development. He has helped 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. Smith serves on numerous statewide and national boards where he provides his expertise on topics ranging from agricultural programs to financing options and economic development initiatives.
“Your kindness, your belief in our mission and your willingness to honor me is very special, and I will honor this and keep it as a treasure always,” said Smith. “This evening is one of the greatest honors of my life, and before I say anything else I always want to begin where every blessing of my life has begun by giving my all glory to God and to my beloved family, you are my anchor.”
Smith 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 university’s Cottrell Entrepreneurship Center where at least one minimum $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually to a promising student who exemplifies his entrepreneurial spirit. Smith earned his undergraduate degree and an MA in public administration from West Chester University. In addition to his leadership role with the CCEDC, Smith also manages his family farm located in West Bradford, Chester County, which includes a herd of registered Polled Hereford cattle.
The CCEDC has hosted the Chester County Hall of Fame induction ceremony for 30 years. Recent Chester County Hall of Fame inductees include Paul B. Redman of Longwood Gardens (2025); Christopher Fiorentino of West Chester University (2024); Patti Brennan of Key Financial, Inc. (2023); Chris Annas of Meridian Bank (2022); James E. McErlane of Lamb McErlane, PC (2021); Bill Covaleski and Ron Barchet of Victory Brewing Company (2020); Michael L. Pia of South Mill Champs (2019); Claudia P. Hellebush of United Way of Chester County (2018); and Dr. Jerry Parker of Delaware County Community College (2017).
