Berks County hires Shupp Menet as its first director of economic development

Pamela Shupp Menet, who currently serves as vice president of external affairs for the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance, is taking over the newly created dual role of economic development director and deputy chief administration officer for Berks County.

Christian Leinbach, chair of the Berks County Board of Commissioners, said the dual position was created to have a person in place to oversee departments that have an impact on economic development such as the planning commission and airport authority while promoting job growth in the county.

Leinbach said he had heard a rumor that Shupp Menet was considering a job outside of the county and offered her the new position to keep the longtime economic professional in the county.

Her salary will come from the county’s existing economic development budget, which had been funneled into the GRCA to handle the county’s economic development efforts.

“Pam is one of the most well respected and talented economic development professionals in Pa. and it’s important that she will continue to work to grow Berks County businesses and jobs,” Leinbach said. “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.”

He said while Shupp Menet will be working directly for the county starting Aug. 31, the county does plan to continue its current partnership with the GRCA for its economic development efforts.

“Pam has provided tremendous service to GRCA over the years and has achieved outstanding success with numerous initiatives that have contributed to the County’s economic growth,” said Jim Gerlach, president and CEO of the GRCA. “We are excited that GRCA will be able to continue to work with her on future, impactful economic development projects.”

Shupp Menet has more than 30 years of experience in housing, economic and community development with various private development companies and public organizations, including several years with the City of Reading, working in planning, community and economic development, and redevelopment.