Economic development director to be hired
Berks County has recruited a familiar face to help oversee its economic development efforts.
Officials announced Thursday that they plan on hiring Pamela Shupp Menet to serve the county as the new deputy chief administrative officer and the first director of economic development at an upcoming commissioners meeting.
Menet currently helps lead economic development as the vice president of external affairs for the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance
— a nonprofit organization that promotes Berks for business attraction, expansion and economic growth.
“Pam is one of the most well-respected and talented economic development professionals in Pennsylvania, and it’s important that she will continue to work to grow Berks County businesses and jobs,” Commissioners Chairman Christian Y. Leinbach said in a press release. “This hire is not costing the county any additional money since her position will continue to be funded by the annual economic development line item in the Berks County budget.”
Leinbach said the county has a long-standing partnership with the alliance to support economic development and previously allotted funding to the chamber to handle various programs. Menet’s salary and benefits will be taken out of that allotment and she will facilitate how those funds are used through continued relationships with community partners. Her first day with the county will be Aug. 31.
Jim Gerlach, president and CEO of the alliance, said Menet has provided tremendous service to the organization over the years and has achieved outstanding success with numerous initiatives that have contributed to the county’s economic growth. He added that the alliance is excited about continuing to work with her on future projects.
In her new position, Menet will also serve as the administrative liaison for several county departments and authorities related to economic development to assist Chief Administrative Officer Ron Seaman.