The Herald, Sharon, Pa.

Business

December 2, 2011

Regional group taps new CEO

Seitz to head up Penn-Northwest

By Michael Roknick Herald Business Editor

MERCER COUNTY AREA — Penn-Northwest Development Corp. has hired a Venango County economic development leader to replace its longtime CEO Larry Reichard.

Randy Seitz, who is president and chief operating officer of the Oil Regional Alliance of Business, Industry and Tourism in Oil City, will take over the helm of Penn-Northwest on Jan. 1. Reichard will continue to serve Penn-Northwest during a transition period.

Reitz has 18 years of experience in economic development, having served in regional development organizations in New York, Texas and Pennsylvania.

At the Oil Region Alliance, Seitz was recruited to lead the newly formed organization created from consolidation of four separate agencies. During his tenure, Seitz was successful in helping secure $60 million in capital investment for job creation and retention and $350,000 in state funding for local worker training and job placement assistance.

Seitz was also successful in filling a regional industrial park that was vacant prior to his arrival.

He serves on the Pennsylvania Governor’s Council on Rural Affairs and also served on Gov. Tom Corbett’s transition team to shape economic development reform. Seitz, his wife and two children live in Franklin and plan to move to Mercer County.

“Our search for the key position of CEO involved casting a wide net, looking at both local candidates and those from outside our region,” said Lew Kachulis, CEO of Gilbert’s Risk Solutions and chairman of Penn-Northwest. “The search committee engaged a professional search firm, DHR International, and was comprised of PNDC board members and community leaders who thoroughly reviewed the credentials of the finalists. Randy Seitz demonstrated the entrepreneurial leadership the organization was seeking along with experience in recruiting companies to Northwest Pennsylvania. Randy was the best candidate and his experiences aligned well with the direction that PNDC is heading.”

Reichard announced earlier this year his plans to retire.

“Larry has served PNDC well since the corporation was established 25 years ago,” said Kachulis. “He is well respected for his accomplishments in economic development both regionally and statewide.”

 

Text Only
Business