The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) and Pottsville Area Development Corporation (PADCO) appoint Alvernia University Vice President of Research, Economic Development and Innovation, Dr. Rodney S. Ridley Sr. to their boards of directors.
“We are most excited to have Rodney join our Chamber Board. His outstanding background and experience in both higher education and community development allows our Board and staff the opportunity to engage with and benefit from an exceptional leader, so we look forward to his many contributions in the years to come,” said GRCA President & CEO, Jim Gerlach.
The O’Pake Institute chief operating officer’s addition to the GRCA board is the next step in the ever-expanding relationship between the two organizations. Alvernia announced a partnership with the GRCA in January which offers GRCA members a 20% discount on tuition for all eligible graduate and adult undergraduate programs.
The Pottsville Area Development Corporation exists to promote the economic community and aesthetic development of Downtown Pottsville and Pottsville’s Designated Enterprise Zone.
“We were excited to welcome Rodney Ridley to the Pottsville Area Development Corporation Board and believe he will play a pivotal role as Alvernia University comes into our city through the Pottsville CollegeTowne initiative, said PADCO Executive Director, Savas Logothetides. We are excited about the countless contributions Alvernia will bring into the city and thankful for the extensive leadership and expertise that Rodney will provide to our board.”
Alvernia University received $2 million through the $1.5 trillion-dollar federal bipartisan appropriation package to fund Pottsville CollegeTowne, the innovative strategy of expanding the campus into the downtown Pottsville area to continue its Franciscan mission of education, service and community engagement.
“Both the GRCA and PADCO are the natural homes for critical economic development activity and community outreach in Greater Reading and Pottsville,” said Ridley. “Upon joining the Chamber and PADCO boards, I get the chance to see first-hand where Alvernia can make an impact on our students’ lives as well as on both communities.”
