Promotions reflect CCEDC’s expanding role in workforce development, business finance, and entrepreneurial support across the greater Philadelphia region
The Chester County Economic Development Council has announced the promotion of six of its team members as the organization continues to expand its business services in Chester County and beyond.
“We’re thrilled to announce promotions for six of our valued team members,” said Mike Grigalonis, CCEDC’s President and CEO. “These promotions are each well-deserved and reflective of the impactful contributions they have made serving individuals, businesses and communities.”
Patti VanCleave has been promoted to a Senior Vice President, Workforce Development. She is a longtime team member who has led CCEDC’s workforce development programs for the past 5 years. Patti leads CCEDC’s 13-member workforce development team and has been a key driver of the successful implementation of five regional industry partnerships and signature youth programs like Girls Exploring Tomorrow’s Technology (GETT) and What’s so Cool About Manufacturing?
Chris McHenry has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Development Finance. Chris led the development and implementation of the PA Catalyst Loan Fund, a $22 million, 9-county revolving loan fund. Chris recently managed CCEDC’s application for certification as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) from the U.S. Department of the Treasury and will oversee the program going forward. Branded as Ignite CDFI, this platform will bring additional capital and greatly expanded technical assistance to entrepreneurs and small business owners in Southeastern PA and beyond.
Sherwood Robbins has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Government Lending and President of Seedcopa, CCEDC’s SBA lending affiliate. He leads Seedcopa’s 9-person team that boasts over 100 years of combined SBA experience and produces over $40 million annually in SBA loans. Sherwood also serves on the board of Community Lenders, a community development corporation which provides long term financing for community development and affordable housing.
Jordan Peek has been promoted to Program Director of AgConnect. Jordan has managed this partnership between CCEDC and Chester County since she joined the team in 2023. Jordan’s promotion to Director is a well-deserved recognition that follows AgConnect’s growing presence and impact linking farmers and agricultural business owners with business resources, training, and financing. She joined the CCEDC as the program’s Project Manager in 2023.
Darlene Jenkins Walls has been promoted to Senior Manager, Entrepreneur Outreach and Support, where she works with entrepreneurs connecting them to myriad resources that include mentorship, education, professional service providers and access to small business grants. Darlene has also served as a mentor to CCEDC’s newest team members who are leading the Ignite CDFI offices co-located with Capital Region Economic Development Corporation in Harrisburg and Alvernia’s O’Pake Institute in Reading. She joined the CCEDC as an Entrepreneurial Support Manager in 2022.
Loaida Rodriguez has been promoted to Portfolio and Compliance Manager at Seedcopa. In her role as manager, Loaida oversees Seedcopa’s $170 million portfolio, engages with borrowers to fulfill all servicing requests, and proactively monitors the overall quality of the growing portfolio. SBA and other government loan programs. She joined the CCEDC as a Portfolio and Compliance Specialist in 2022.
With these promotions, CCEDC is positioned to continue strengthening its workforce programs and expanding support for a growing pipeline of businesses and entrepreneurs across Chester County and the broader Philadelphia region.