About Us

Our Mission

The Pennsylvania Economy League of Greater Pittsburgh (PELGP), an affiliate of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, works to inform economic development policy and investment strategies and contributes to advancing the Conference’s overall mission of improving the economy and quality of life in the 10-county region of Southwestern Pennsylvania. Jointly chaired by Bill Strickland (Executive Chairman, Manchester Bidwell Corporation) and Becky Kcehowski (Partner-in-Charge Pittsburgh, Jones Day), the PELGP board currently focuses on three programmatic priorities that directly advance the Allegheny Conference’s 2021-2022 goals:

  • Inclusive & Equitable Economy – supports the Conference’s goal to grow talent availability and improve racial equity in the region
  • Community Development & Revitalization – supports the Conference’s goal to leverage new investments and catalyze economic development
  • Regional Growth & Competitiveness – supports the Conference’s goal to speed recovery and spur economic growth
 
Pennsylvania Economy League of Greater Pittsburgh Board & Committee Lists

Our Team

Vera Krekanova

Chief Strategy & Research Officer
vkrekanova@alleghenyconference.org

Alisa Balestra

Sr. Director, Economic Development Research & Strategy
abalestra@alleghenyconference.org

Alexandra Bennett

Strategy & Research Associate
abennett@alleghenyconference.org

James Futrell

Vice President, Market Research & Analysis
jfutrell@pittsburghregion.org

Ellen Gaus

Market Research Manager
egaus@pittsburghregion.org

Shyam Patel

Market Research Intern
spatel@alleghenyconference.org

Mihir Prakash

Sr. Director, Economic Development Research & Analysis
mprakash@alleghenyconference.org