Shaun Donovan
Hometown:
Camp Hill, Pennsylvania
Connect: LinkedIn
Shaun is excited to learn more about the host region and to help build collaborative relationships with them to create new opportunities for economic development and tourism. He is eager to positively apply his knowledge to assist in building regional capacity and to help with the economic recovery in that region.
Shaun has 15 years of experience in economic development. As the Director of Regional Workforce Partnerships at the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC, he was responsible for providing regional leadership to bring together the economic development and workforce development partners in a 9-county area in Pennsylvania. The key activity centered around regional planning and developing the capacity for long-term growth and opportunities. In addition to his official role in economic development, Shaun is also an entrepreneur who has started several businesses within the Harrisburg, PA region. Provisions was an urban grocery store located in center city Harrisburg which aimed to bring fresh and healthy food to the neighborhood. Appalachian Organics is an online natural food store that was started in 2013 and was built to feature sustainable and local products.
Shaun holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and finance from York College of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree in leadership and business ethics from Duquesne University.
In addition to his professional pursuits, Shaun is a coach for his local Little League baseball team, an active leader in his son’s Boy Scout Troop, and Volunteer Firefighter.
ERC Project
Project Title:
Redefining Region 1’s Economy; Life After Coal
Host Community or Region:
West Virginia
Host Organization:
Region I Planning & Development Council, in collaboration with Town of Fayetteville, WV
This initiative addresses economic and tourism challenges in Southern West Virginia's six-county region. By conducting an inclusive problem-solving campaign and extensive data collection, the project focuses on identifying issues hindering tourism and economic development and working with industry professionals to develop new or improved strategies. The ERC Fellow plays a pivotal role by providing the capacity to engage in "on the ground" data collection, conduct business surveys and interviews, and serve as a liaison between economic development and tourism professionals. The fellow will coordinate with state and federal agencies to enhance regional economic development efforts. The expected outcome is a comprehensive data set, including business, asset, and impediment inventories to inform and support future funding applications, marketing initiatives, and planning endeavors. Additionally, it will be available to funding agencies and local governments for informed decision-making. The project's impact will extend across the six-county area, directly influencing economic and tourism strategies, and ultimately benefiting the region's diverse communities and businesses.
Interested in supporting this project or learning more? Contact the ERC program team here.
