Recently, the Chester County Economic Development Council promoted Jim Hammond to the controller position.  Jim started with CCEDC in February 2006 as staff accountant and was promoted to accounting manager before assuming his new duties.  Along the way, he took advantage of CCEDC’s tuition reimbursement program to earn a bachelors’ degree in accounting from Albright College.

Jim Hammond’s Impact on CCEDC

Jim is complimentary toward all of his colleagues and notes that “my coworkers are all in the great spots that feature and highlight their various skill sets.”  Likewise, John Buckheit, CCEDC’s Chief Financial Officer noted that “Jim is absolutely one of CCEDC’s unsung heroes.  His personality is quiet and low key, but he has a great capacity to manage and organize financial data, juggle multiple priorities, deal with people in a friendly and open fashion and just get things done.”

Buckheit added that “with six separate entities here “under the roof” at CCEDC, we are always juggling deadlines and dealing with audits on pretty much a year-round basis, so I rely on Jim tremendously.   I’m thrilled with Jim’s promotion to Controller.  It is well deserved and better reflects his responsibilities here at CCEDC which have grown year by year and which are critical to keeping the financial side of the house in good order.”

Get to Know Jim Hammond

Jim was kind enough to sit down and answer a few questions to help us get to know him better.  As a father of two children, his greatest joy is seeing his kids “grow and be successful.”  He is also an avid hockey fan who also enjoys craft beers.

WE:  What three traits define you?

JH: detail-oriented, organized, and friendly

WE:  What career would you choose if you couldn’t do this?

JH:  off camera meteorologist

WE:  If you could do another job for just one day, what would that be?

JH: professional hockey player for the Flyers

WE:  What changes in technology and innovation you have witnessed in your lifetime, and what has been the impact?

JH:  cell phones, except they aren’t just a phone, they now have so many uses

WE:  Tell us something that might surprise us about you.

JH:  I was born with two different color eyebrows

What’s next Jim Hammond

Jim recently oversaw the restructuring of CCEDC’s financial system which allows him greater ability to customize financial reports and provide budget analysis.  His focus and dedication is and will continue to be a key component to CCEDC’s success.  According to Gary Smith, CCEDC President and CEO, “Jim is a valued team member at CCEDC.  His contributions to our organization over these past ten years have helped us grow and I see him as a vital component of our continued and future accomplishments.”

The Chester County Economic Development Council is a private, non-profit economic development organization promoting smart growth in Chester County and the surrounding region for more than 50 years. The CCEDC provides proven financing solutions, cultivates workforce talent, leverages business partnerships, and fosters entrepreneurial collaboration. Together, with the support of the private and public sectors, CCEDC initiates,implements and innovates programs that improve the business community and enhance the quality of life in Chester County. For more information, visit our website, www.ccedcpa.com.