Chester County Chamber gets new president and CEO
The Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry announced Laura Manion as its new president and CEO on Friday. Manion will replace Guy Ciarrocchi, who is running for congress in the 6th Congressional District.
Manion most recently served as a manager for the Great Lakes Regional Office for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. In this role, Manion cultivated legislative, political, media, and grassroots resources throughout Illinois, Indiana,
Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania to further the Chamber’s public policy goals.
In addition, she helped lead the Chamber’s efforts to strengthen its relationships with members of Congress through member businesses, associations, and local and state chambers of commerce across the region. Laura’s policy portfolio at the U.S. Chamber included a focus on small business, workforce, and education.
Prior to joining the U.S. Chamber, Manion was the assistant director of Government
Affairs and Community Relations at Villanova University. She handled all local matters pertaining to the University, working closely with county and township officials, business associations and chambers, as well as the university’s neighbors.
Manion hopes that she can take experience from the different roles in her career to strengthen her connections within the community and further the mission of the Chamber.
“The pandemic showed the vital role that chambers of commerce play in their community. We are a resource, rich with information and connections to benefit our member businesses. I look forward to working with the Chamber’s board, volunteers, staff, and members to continue to grow and expand the organization. As a lifelong Chester County resident, it’s humbling and exciting to be tapped for this position.”
Laura graduated from Franklin & Marshall College in 2013 with a degree in government and holds a master’s in public administration from West Chester University. In 2018, City and State Magazine presented her with their Above and Beyond award, recognizing 25 exceptional women from Pennsylvania for their accomplishments across various sectors including politics, healthcare, education, and nonprofits. Vista Today named her a member of their inaugural 40 Chester County Superstars under 40 in 2019.
Manion is an energetic community volunteer, working most frequently with the Valley Forge Park Alliance and as a youth softball coach. She and her husband live in Phoenixville.
“We are confident that Laura will represent our business community with passion and professionalism,” said chamber board chair Dave Hackett in a statement. “Her experiences not only make her well-positioned to lead our chamber but will also assist in growing our membership and expanding our programming.”