To ensure that economic development is given the attention it deserves in Coatesville, Sonia Huntzinger has been appointed the Economic Development Administrator for the City of Coatesville by the Chester County Board of Commissioners, members of Coatesville Area Partners for Progress, and Coatesville representatives of CAPP’s 2nd Century Alliance. Huntzinger will officially begin her new position on March 21st.   

The newly created appointment comes as a result of an October agreement between the Chester County Commissioners and CAPP to have a dedicated economic development professional focused solely on the task.  While designated as a Chester County employee operating within the county’s Department of Community Development, Huntzinger will be situated in a Coatesville office that will be both equipped and funded by grants secured by CAPP from various organizations, among them the Brandywine Health Foundation.

”The search for an economic development professional for Coatesville has resulted in the appointment of someone who is highly qualified to build upon the county’s efforts to kick start Coatesville’s economic resurgence,“ said Chester County Commissioners’ Chair, Terence Farrell. ”We’re confident that Sonia will work alongside the many stakeholders who are committed to the same cause, continuing to result in a positive change.”

Prior to her new appointment, Huntzinger served as Executive Director of Downtown, Inc. in York, where she handled the economic development programs for the Coatesville’s Business Improvement District Authority and Main Street agency. Her rich professional experience also includes serving as Marketing Director of the Housing Development Corporation and as Vice-President of the Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce.  

Huntzinger, who holds a Certificate in Economic Development from the International Economic Development Council and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Muhlenberg College, will ensure her new duties focus primarily on promoting development prospects in Coatesville and supporting already operating businesses, giving them assistance on the road to economic success.  

“This is a big step,” said Regina Horton-Lewis, CAPP Chair. “It adds another level of skill, a seasoned perspective and dedicated time to an already determined team of city officials and staff, a broad base of stakeholders and the many organizations and individuals that work tirelessly for a brighter future here.”