As released by the Office of the Mayor.

Mayor-Elect Eric Papenfuse Announces New Economic Development Team

HARRISBURG - Mayor Eric Papenfuse will announce a new Economic Development team at 10 a.m. Friday at a press conference in the atrium of City Hall.

Jackie Z. Parker, a veteran Economic Development professional and former Mayor of Lebanon, will lead the team as Director of Community and Economic Development. Parker will supervise a team that includes Roy Christ as Director of Building and Housing and Lenwood Sloan as Director of Arts, Culture and Tourism. Sloan’s department will assume duties of the former Department of Parks and Recreation.

“Under Parker’s leadership, we will have a team of professionals dedicated to stimulating our economy, providing jobs for our citizens and restoring pride and prosperity to our capital city,” Papenfuse said. “I know Roy Christ and Lenwood Sloan will add considerable expertise, creativity and dynamism to our economic development team. They will ensure Harrisburg is on the move.”

Parker most recently served as the Executive Director of the Chester Economic Development Authority.

“Parker has a stellar reputation as someone who has devoted her career to community building and community problem,” Papenfuse said. “In addition to serving as Mayor of a third class city, she was co-creator of the award winning Community Action Team while serving as Deputy Secretary of Community Affairs and Development for Commonwealth of Pennsylvania under Governor Edward G. Rendell. “

Parker’s appointment is made possible by a special collaboration with the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and Capital Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC), which will fully underwrite the position for the first year.

CREDC also has pledged to continue subsidizing the position at 50 percent in the second and third years, Papenfuse said, and the city will take over full funding of the position in year four.

“We are encouraged that the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC has joined hands with our Administration to provide this valuable leadership resource for our efforts to bring business and jobs to our city,” Papenfuse said. “This is yet another example of how Harrisburg is setting an example of cooperation and collaboration that will benefit our residents and the entire region.”

Dave Black, President and CEO of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC, said the collaboration will bring vital support for the new administration’s efforts to reinvigorate the city’s economy.

“It demonstrates regional support for the city, but more importantly it shares the optimism throughout the region for the city, as well supporting Eric's shared vision for Harrisburg,” Black said. “We also believe Jackie Parker is exactly the right person to help Harrisburg for urban development and living for our state and nation. “

For more information, contact Joyce M. Davis at jdavis@cityofhbg.com; or call 717 255 3015.

Photo/Dani Fresh