HARRISBURG REGIONAL CHAMBER & CREDC - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Treasurer of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber Board of Directors
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- at Large Member / Ainsworth Inc. Vice President, Mid - Atlantic
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- E & E IT Consulting Services, Inc. President
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- Secretary / Alexander Building Construction Co. General Manager
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- Member of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber Board of Directors
- 2nd Vice Chair / the Pennsylvania State Alliance of YMCAs / Vice President of Government Affairs
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- Secretary of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber Board of Directors
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- Taurus Wealth Management / Financial Advisor
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- Lending Officer, Economic Development
Anita manages the loan programs and loan portfolios, enhance pipeline growth, and nurture client relationships while helping to elevate the potential of the tri-county region of Cumberland, Dauphin, & Perry.
Anita joined the CREDC team in February 2023, with experience with International Analyst work at HARSCO and residential mortgage lending for various mortgage companies in the region. Anita has extensive experience in relationship management and has worked with small business owners as they purchased homes.
Anita joined the Chamber & CREDC staff as the Economic Development Lending Officer where she will manage the loan programs and loan portfolios, enhance pipeline growth, and nurture client relationships while helping to elevate the potential of the tri-county region of Cumberland, Dauphin, & Perry.
Professional Background: Anita brings nearly two decades of valuable experience from both the public and private sectors. Her background consists of working in different areas such as workforce development, c-suite administration, international Treasury and credit, as well as many lending areas including processing, production assistance, and origination. Anita has developed a solid reputation for excellent client service and customized financing solutions. Her love of helping others through knowledge, a hand UP, and the potential to improve the overall way of lives in our community has brought her full circle back to the public sector.
Education: Anita earned her bachelor's degree at the University of Pittsburgh and then went on to complete a Master of Public Administration at Shippensburg University. Due to her continued education, she is also a Graduate Fellow of the Education Policy and Leadership Center and holds a certificate from the New York Institute of Finance.
Job Titles:
- General Manager
- Vice President
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- 2nd Vice Chair / Ralph E. Jones, Inc / Owner & President
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- Perry County Commissioner
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- Member of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber Board of Directors
- Partner
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- Director of Economic Development
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- Member Engagement Manager
Dom oversees the recruitment of new Chamber members and ensures a positive experience for current Chamber members.
A resident of the Capital region since childhood, Dominic Colardo attended Central Dauphin East High School. He continued his education at Mount Saint Mary's College where he received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and competed for the track and cross-country teams. He is proud to call Harrisburg his home.
Over the past decade, Dominic worked for various local media companies including Pennlive.com and The Insurance & Financial Media Network in new business development and marketing consultant roles. He found joy in helping his partners grow their businesses by combining data analytics with his experience in digital advertising solutions. Whenever he played a part in the success of a local business, he knew it was a win for the community as a whole.
When asked about his "Why" as Member Engagement Manager, Dominic stated "My mission is to inspire and empower local business leaders. As we unite, we can bring about positive change. I'm excited to use my knowledge, experience, and passion to contribute to the greater good of the places we call home."
To learn more about all of the incredible benefits of membership, schedule a meeting with Dom today: https://calendly.
Job Titles:
- Harrisburg University Science and Technology / President
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- Reves Etheres Events, LLC / Co - Owner
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- Counsel / McNees, Wallace & Nurick, LLC / Member
Job Titles:
- Senior Director of Investor and Member Engagement
Heather is responsible for the direction and execution of strategic revenue initiatives including CREDC campaign fundraising, membership sales and retention, advertising sales and event sponsorship sales.
Heather Eyster was born and raised in Carlisle, PA where she attended Boiling Springs High School. She went on to West Chester University where she played basketball and majored in Political Science. After a short stint in law school, she moved to DC and worked for the Department of Justice. She then changed careers and moved to the Harrisburg Region where she worked in federal and state sales and later worked for a communications firm as a project manager. Heather comes to the chamber with an Account Executive, communications, and project management background and is always eager to find a way to improve things.
She enjoys meeting people, hearing their stories, and finding out how she can help. At the Chamber Heather will be doing just that, as the Sr. Director of Investor & Member Engagement. She will be relationship-focused, performance driven and eager to tell the story of the Harrisburg Region. She is responsible for the direction and execution of strategic revenue initiatives including CREDC campaign fundraising, membership sales and retention, advertising sales and event sponsorship sales.
Heather resides in Camp Hill with her husband and two children. She is also a fitness instructor at H2L in Mechanicsburg and enjoys making people feel their best.
Job Titles:
- Assistant to the President
- Executive Assistant to the President
As Assistant to the President & CEO, Helen provides support to Ryan in all aspects of his job - including attending meetings regularly and assisting administratively with the Chamber & CREDC Boards of Directors.
Helen E. Wallace has been the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC's Executive Assistant to the President since 2013. Helen helps keep track of President & CEO Ryan's calendar and works closely with the Chamber & CREDC Executive Committees and Board of Directors. She attends all Executive and Board Committee meetings where she scribes all the minutes and business of the meetings.
Helen is a graduate of Bishop Guilfoyle High School, Altoona, PA. Upon graduation, Helen began her career in the secretarial field. Helen has worked at an insurance agency, the PA Gas Association, the PA House of Representatives, and Harrisburg Area Community College. During her 13 years with HACC, she was encouraged to get her degree in their Administrative Office Specialist Program. Helen graduated in 2009 cum laude with an Associate Degree. Helen has served as Chapter President for the Harrisburg Chapter of IAAP (International Association of Administrative Professionals) in addition to various other positions. Helen currently serves as co-director for what is now called the Keystone Branch of IAAP.
Helen is very passionate about her family. "I want my children and grandchildren to continue to strive and grow," says Helen. "I want so desperately to see how my grandchildren's lives are transformed as they grow into adulthood."
Helen is also passionate about walking and tries to walk every day during her lunch period. Helen averages close to 25 miles a week.
Helen enjoys serving and answers questions from people who are looking for all sorts of information. General questions can range from what the weather is supposed to be when they are visiting or trying to travel South when passing through our area. Helen helps provide maps, information about moving to the area, and answers questions about things to do in the area.
Job Titles:
- HYP Representative / Orrstown Bank / VP C & I Relationship Manager
Jarad Handelman - Chief Legal Officer, Secretary
Job Titles:
- Corporate Secretary
- General Counsel
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Senior Counselor
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- Secretary / Alexander Building Construction Co. General Manager
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- Central Pennsylvania Food Bank / Executive Director
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- UPMC Health Plan / Senior Consultant, Market Development, Central Region
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- Dauphin County Commissioner
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- Member of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber Board of Directors
- Vice Chair / Keystone
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Strategy and Chamber Impact
Kara is the Vice President of Strategy and Chamber Impact. She leads the implementation and management of our strategic plan and directs chamber operations to produce powerful results for the Harrisburg Region.
A fourth-generation member of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC, Kara has a deep appreciation of the powerful personal impact of the Chamber's mission.
Her great-grandfather started a construction business in the 1930s with nothing but a toolbox. The Harrisburg Chamber gave him connections to grow that business into a powerhouse that pulled his family out of poverty, created jobs in his community and improved countless lives. She is energized to continue the Chamber's vital work today.
Kara joined the Chamber & CREDC staff as Vice President of Operations following nearly a decade in strategic communications agencies. Her life's work has been giving a voice to those who would otherwise be drowned out, unheard and misunderstood. She has worked on both sides of the aisle of labor and industry, inside state government and political parties, and for community-based nonprofits. She played key roles in opening a casino resort, building a major highway interchange and introducing innovative health care programs.
A lifelong resident of Central PA, Kara is guided by her values of integrity, innovation and grace to make the Harrisburg Region a better place for everyone. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of Visit Hershey Harrisburg and Leadership Harrisburg Area, and on the Marketing Committee for Hospice of Central PA. Previously, she served on the board of directors for Harrisburg Young Professionals where she led the development of the Harrisburg Internship Connection, designed to retain future leaders by helping college students discover Harrisburg through a regional mentorship program. She is a frequent speaker and panelist, addressing audiences on topics including the opportunity-rich Harrisburg Region, her leadership philosophy and inspiring confidence in women.
Kara graduated summa cum laude from Elizabethtown College with a B.A. in corporate communications and a minor in political science. She is a recipient of the Association of Chamber of Commerce's 40 Under 40 award, the Central Penn Business Journal Forty Under 40 award, and an inaugural recipient of Harrisburg Young Professionals' 20 in Their 20's award. She was named a Foundation's Finest young professional for her work with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Her work in strategic and crisis communications has received accolades from the Central PA Public Relations Society of America, Pennsylvania Public Relations Society and International Association of Business Communicators.
Job Titles:
- Immediate past Chair / Gunnison Consulting Group Inc. Owner
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- President
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- CREDC Chair / LeTort Trust / President
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- Cumberland County Commissioner
Kevin manages the design, coordination, activities and operations of the Chamber's government relations program, serving as the primary liaison between Chamber members and the region's elected and government officials.
Kevin DiGuiseppe Business Policy & Advocacy Manager Email Kevin 717.213.5041 Growing up in Bucktown, Pennsylvania, Kevin developed an interest in government and politics in his high school U.S. Government and Comparative Government classes. After graduating from Penn State University with a bachelor's degree in political science, he began working as a District Representative for then-State Senator John Rafferty. From there, Kevin went on to work in the communications department of the Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus, where he sharpened his skills in message crafting and issue advocacy. In this role, Kevin gained a deep understanding of the central Pennsylvania region and the issues faced by its businesses and residents. Kevin brought this knowledge and skillset to the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC in August 2021 as the Business Policy & Advocacy Manager. Kevin works for the betterment of businesses in the Harrisburg metropolitan area, advocating legislation and public policy that supports our region's growth and progress. During his free time, you can find Kevin at the gym, playing music, and taking full advantage of the many opportunities for outdoorsmanship found around the capital region. Kevin is dedicated to making sure that public policy allows our region's business community to thrive.
As Director of Events for the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC, Lindsey manages sponsorship solicitation and oversees the development and implementation of over 80 events annually, ranging from large regional events to a slew of networking events.
Lindsey's journey into the world of event planning began during her freshman year in college. It was ignited by her love for the movie "The Wedding Planner," and coupled with insightful classroom presentations from industry professionals. Recognizing her natural talents in this field, she began her career as a wedding planner at Felicita Garden Resort & Spa after graduating from Messiah College in 2006 with a B.A. in communications.
After a year of transforming brides' dreams into reality, Lindsey seamlessly transitioned into the world of corporate events. This shift allowed her to broaden her expertise. With her keen eye for detail, she adapted her event planning capabilities to create impactful and memorable experiences for the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC. Through several promotions with the organization over the years, Lindsey currently serves as their Director of Events. In this role, she orchestrates the planning, development, and implementation of more than 80 events annually: ranging from large regional gatherings to various networking opportunities. Facilitating connections and fostering growth among business members in the community is one of the most fulfilling aspects of her job.
Her passion for knowledge and growth fuels Lindsey's dedication to her profession. She actively seeks opportunities for professional development, constantly expanding her skill set and staying ahead of industry trends. In 2012, she received the Institute of Organizational Management designation (IOM) from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and is currently enrolled in the Dame Leadership 10 New Leaders Program. She was also selected as one of Central Penn Business Journal's 40 Under 40 recipients in 2022.
While not originally from the Harrisburg area, Lindsey has embraced it as her home for nearly two decades. She currently resides in Susquehanna Township with her husband, Greg, and their two children, Scarlett and Leo. When she's not immersed in event planning, Lindsey finds joy in reading, hiking, spending time with friends and cherishing precious moments with her tiny humans.
Job Titles:
- Senior Advisor - Government Relations
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Economic Development
Melissa serves as the Vice President of Economic Development for the Capital Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC), the economic development arm of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber. In this leadership role, Melissa oversees her organization's economic development goals and efforts for the three county region of Cumberland, Dauphin & Perry counties and the CREDC staff, which focus on the intersection between economic development and workforce development, business retention, expansion and attraction, business financing activities and administration of public grant funding.
Professional Background: Melissa began her career in economic development in 2006 as CREDC's Business Finance Officer after spending 10 years in banking. During a brief detour from economic development, Melissa created the small business underwriting department for Graystone Tower Bank which supported the company's footprint of 50 small business lenders and later served as AVP and Regional SBA Business Banker for Susquehanna Bank. She returned to CREDC in 2012 advancing into her current leadership role.
Education: Melissa graduated from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1992. She obtained the professional certification of EDFP (Economic Development Finance Specialist) in 2015 after 160 hours of training and a series of 4 certification exams.
Job Titles:
- at Large Member / Ainsworth Inc. Vice President, Mid - Atlantic
Job Titles:
- Co - Chair, Corporate & Tax Group
Job Titles:
- Communications and Marketing Manager
As the Communications and Marketing Manager, Paige Shope strives to highlight the untold stories of the greater Harrisburg region, aiming to showcase its economic successes, cultural richness, and untapped potential.
Born and raised in Perry County, Paige Shope's educational journey began at West Perry High School, paving the way for her pursuit of higher education at Shippensburg University. Throughout her college years, Paige actively engaged in various organizations, culminating in her roles as the Managing Editor of The Slate Newspaper, the Director of Public Relations at WSYC 88.7FM, and the World News Anchor at SUTV by her senior year. In May 2023, Paige graduated with a Bachelor of Art in Communications, Journalism and Media, specializing in Public Relations, and earned a certificate in Graphic Design.
What sets Paige apart is her genuine passion for the region she calls home. Native to Central PA, Paige has an intimate connection with the people, traditions, and landscapes that form the heart of the community. This personal connection fuels her commitment to showcase the untold stories that make the greater Harrisburg region exceptional.
On a mission to highlight the economic successes, cultural richness, and untapped potential of the region, Paige firmly believes that by effectively telling the story of Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry counties, she can foster a sense of pride among residents and show how great the Harrisburg Region truly is.
Job Titles:
- Giant Food Stores / Director Labor Productivity
Job Titles:
- Principal Economic Strategy Coordinator
Ryan blends his passion for data with personable relationship skills and a professional presentation style with a core purpose to boost the economic vitality of this region for our businesses and residents.
Ryan Ulrich was born and raised in Lancaster County, where he had a front row seat to the planning involved in creating a healthy economic and environmentally resilient community. This left a deep impression on him and instilled a desire to see communities grow in smart and sustainable ways. After graduating in 2018 from Franklin & Marshall College, where he majored in environmental studies and public policy, Ryan spent a year abroad as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Gresik, Indonesia. He returned to the States in 2019, and continued his education at Georgetown University, where he earned a master's in urban and regional planning.
During his time at Georgetown, Ryan worked with the German Marshall Fund and the District Department of Transportation (DDOT). At DDOT, he worked with both their Equity and Policy divisions, helping him sharpen his skills in both policy and planning, and broadening his understanding of the multi-faceted planning world and the issues faced at both the local and international levels.
Ryan spent the past year as a Community and Economic Development Consultant with Michael Baker International, where he assisted communities in identifying a collective vision for connected, safe, equitable, and resilient places.
Ryan now brings his knowledge and skill set to the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC as the Principal Economic Strategy Coordinator, where he is looking forward to impacting the region in positive and sustainable ways.
Ryan serves as President & CEO of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and Capital Region Economic Development Corporation (Chamber & CREDC). He provides high-profile leadership, vision, and strategic direction for the organization.
Ryan Unger joined the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC in July 2021 as President & CEO, bringing with him over 20 years of community and economic development experience on the local, regional, and state levels.
As the visionary and dynamic leader of the Chamber & CREDC and its staff, Ryan uses his leadership and guidance to make the organization inclusive, data driven, collaborative, and unapologetically positive about our region. Ryan believes in serving as a champion and advocate for our region and its business community.
Ryan provides vision and strategic direction for the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC, including responsibility for all administrative and management functions and executing the overall mission of the organization. Ryan directs the organization's strategic and operating planning in conjunction with the Chamber & CREDC Board.
A core part of Ryan's day to day duties is developing and maintain solid working relationships with members, the community, elected and appointed city officials. Ryan represents the Chamber & CREDC at events and meetings that are important to the organization and the business community.
Prior to joining the Chamber & CREDC, Ryan served as the CEO of Team Pennsylvania, the commonwealth's public-private partnership for economic and workforce development, consisting of business and government leaders, chaired by the Governor. Ryan is well-traveled through his business development mission trips in the United States, Europe, and South America. While at Team Pennsylvania, Ryan led the organization in the development of nationally recognized research and policy around agricultural economic development and petrochemical manufacturing.
Ryan's experience in regional economic and community development includes time spent at SEDA-Council of Governments based in Lewisburg, PA, and the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce based in Shamokin Dam, PA.
Ryan currently serves on the board of directors for the Pennsylvania Economic Development Association and the board of advisors for Harrisburg Young Professionals. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Harrisburg, the Friends of Midtown, and the Historic Harrisburg Association. He serves on the Penn State Harrisburg Board of Advisors and is a Community Impact Advisor for Harrisburg Area Community College.
He has also been named to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Committee of 100. This group of 100 local and state chamber executives advises the U.S. Chamber's board of directors, enhance lobbying and coalition work, recommend programming, and strengthen outreach to the business and chamber communities.
During his time in the greater Susquehanna Valley, Ryan served on a variety of nonprofit boards and authorities including the Sunbury Housing Authority, Sunbury Redevelopment Authority, Susquehanna Valley Young Professionals and Sunbury Rotary Club. He also was president of both the Degenstein Community Library and Leadership Susquehanna Valley. Ryan was the 2013 recipient of Leadership Susquehanna Valley's Distinguished Alumni Award.
In 2022 Ryan was named a Distinguished Alumni by the Department of Communications at his alma mater, Elizabethtown College. Ryan is the past president of Elizabethtown College's Alumni Council and currently serves on their Board of Trustees.
When Ryan is not at the Chamber or meeting with local officials or businesses, you can find him at various spots around town, including Riverfront Park in Harrisburg at the Broad Street or West Shore Farmer's Market or cheering on Penn State.
Ryan is always eager to meet residents and business owners of the Harrisburg Region.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President / Corporate Banking
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Finance and Administration
As Vice President of Finance and Administration, Scott's areas of focus include annual audits, annual budgets, and monthly financials, in addition to HR responsibilities.
Scott Rogers has served as the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC's Director of Finance for nearly 10 years. Prior to the joining the Chamber, Scott served as Controller for the Pennsylvania Automotive Association, and as Chief Financial Officer at Pennsylvania Newspaper Association. Scott also spent 10 years specializing in providing audit services to local not-for-profit organizations with KPMG.
Scott's skills as a Certified Public Accountant help him manage all aspects of the Chamber's accounting and finances. Scott also serves as the Chamber's Human Resources Manager. Scott prides himself on being able to find answers to any questions our members may have.
Scott is a graduate of the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. When Scott is not working at the Chamber, he can be found on the golf course or traveling with his wife, son, and daughter.
Job Titles:
- Economic Development Finance Specialist
Seth serves as the Economic Development Finance Specialist where his passion for finance drives economic growth and prosperity in the region.
Despite the challenges of balancing work and academics, Seth's determination never wavered. He graduated a semester ahead of schedule, a feat made all the more impressive by the fact that he emerged from university debt-free, having diligently managed his finances throughout his undergraduate years. Alongside his academic achievements, Seth seized valuable opportunities to gain practical experience through internships. At truNorth Financial Services, Seth played a pivotal role in crafting investment portfolios for clients, leveraging his financial acumen to deliver tailored solutions. Later, during an internship at Volvo Construction Equipment, Seth delved into the intricacies of accounting and financial control, further broadening his skill set and perspective.
Today, Seth's journey has led him to the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC, where he serves as an Economic Development Finance Specialist. In this role, Seth channels his passion for finance into driving economic growth and prosperity in the region. With a solid foundation in finance, coupled with his practical experience and unwavering commitment to community development, Seth is well-positioned to make a meaningful impact on the economic landscape of his hometown and beyond.
Job Titles:
- Vice Chair / McNees Wallace & Nurick, LLC / Attorney
Job Titles:
- Accounting Assistant
- Staff Accountant
As Staff Accountant, Susie reports directly to the Director of Finance and is responsible for the daily financial activities of the organization. She also assists in administering various state programs and related non-profit financials.
Susan Hunter is a Schuylkill County native who brings over 25 years of accounting experience to the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC. Before joining the Chamber, Susan began her career with the Credit Bureau of Greater Harrisburg where she was responsible for credit reporting and mortgage approvals. Susan also worked for the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue for 13 years where she was responsible for corporate taxes, employee taxes, sales taxes and individual taxes, as well as the Rent Rebate Program. Susan also served as the Hilton Harrisburg's Staff Accountant for 5 ½ years where she was responsible for accounts payable, accounts receivable, budgets and daily reconciliations of revenues.
As Accounting Assistant, Susan reports directly to the Director of Finance and is responsible for the daily financial activities of the organization. She also assists in administering various state programs and related non-profit financials. Susan provides her accounting services to not only the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC but also Visit Hershey Harrisburg.
Susan received her Certificate in Business Scientific Programming from Schuylkill County Vocational Technical School. In her spare time Susan loves exploring the region by hiking, biking, and kayaking.
Job Titles:
- Immediate past Chair / RKL, LLP / Managing Partner
Job Titles:
- Member of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber Board of Directors
- Chamber Board Chair / Orrstown Bank / EVP Market President - Capital Region