Pawlowski Nominates DCED Director
Last updated: 06/27/2011 10:01
Mayor Ed Pawlowski today announced the nomination of Sara Hailstone as Director of the Allentown Department of Community & Economic Development.
Hailstone currently serves as Northeast Regional Director of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. As regional director, Hailstone acts as the department’s liaison to economic and community development projects in 15 counties. Among other things, she reviews loan and grant applications submitted to DCED and provides economic and community development technical assistance to governments and for profit and not for profit businesses.
“Sara comes highly recommended by leaders in her region and her superiors in Pennsylvania DCED,” said Pawlowski. I am confident that she will be an outstanding leader of this vital city department,” said Pawlowski.
The director of DCED supervises a number of city bureaus, including planning, health, building standards and safety, economic development, community development and the city’s federal Community Development Block Grant program. Among other responsibilities, the director develops an annual operating and capital budget for the department and serves on various commissions, like Allentown Economic Development Corporation.
“Sara has compiled an extensive record of achievement. I am convinced she is the right choice to drive and steer this department,” said Pawlowski.
“There are so many positive developments in Allentown,” said Hailstone. I eagerly await the opportunity to serve the residents of the city as DCED Director.”
Hailstone is a veteran of municipal government, serving nearly six years as Executive Director of the Office of Economic and Community Development for the City of Scranton. While in Scranton, Hailstone oversaw the application, distribution and administration of $20m in Community Development Block Grant funds. She also awarded and administered small business loans totaling in excess of $5m that resulted in the creation of more than 400 new jobs.
“Pennsylvania cities, like Scranton and Allentown face a lot of the same challenges and opportunities,” said Hailstone. I hope to bring what I learned in Scranton and on the state level to produce positive change in Allentown.”
Hailstone’s nomination now goes to city council for its approval.
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