The Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) recently voted to add four new members to its board of directors.  The new additions include Joy Gates Black of Delaware County Community College, John Camaro III of Customers Bank, Lara Lamparski of Bentley Systems, and Michael Merlie of Gawthrop Greenwood.

Michael Grigalonis, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the Chester County Economic Development Council noted “Our Board of Directors serves as the foundation of our organization.  We are honored to welcome these four new board members and are excited to learn from their experience and expertise.” 

Dr. L. Joy Gates Black

Dr. L. Joy Gates Black is president of Delaware County Community College.  A well-respected higher education administrator with decades of experience at both community colleges and four-year institutions, she also is a commissioner for the American Association of Community Colleges and chair of the Collegiate Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development.

In March 2018, she was one of three women to receive a “Woman of Achievement” award from the Delaware County Women’s Commission and she was one of two recipients of a 2017 Maury Cotter Leader of Change Award from the Network for Change and Continuous Innovation.

A U.S. Air Force veteran, Gates Black holds a graduate studies certificate and a Master of Education from Cambridge College, and a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from Pepperdine University.  Prior to becoming president of Delaware County Community College, Gates Black served as vice chancellor at Tarrant County College District (TCC) as well as in a number of positions at community colleges across the country.

John J. Camero, III

John J. Camero III is a Vice President at Customers Bank based in Phoenixville, PA. Being a part of the commercial lending team allows him to help businesses grow in Chester County and the surrounding Philadelphia area. Providing them with a single point of contact for all their banking needs.

Camero has held many sales and leadership roles in the banking industry and has served on various non-profit and chamber boards. He is very active in the community and the banking industry. He graduated with a Master of science from Neumann University, and a Bachelor of Science from Saint Joseph’s University. He recognizes the importance of continuing education and looks for ways to give back and be a mentor to others. He is a lifelong local professional that understands our business community.

Lara Lamparski

Lara Lamparski is a Corporate Account Manager for Chester County-based Bentley Systems, Incorporated.  In this capacity she collaborates with state departments of transportation throughout the northeast and Midwest to implement new technologies for safer and more efficient roads. 

Lamparski also sits on the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) TRAC & Rides advisory board, a nationwide program designed to encourage students from K-12 to pursue careers in STEM.  She holds a B.S. in Chemistry from West Chester University and in her spare time enjoys volunteering for local organizations like Habitat for Humanity in Coatesville and training and competing her two horses.   

Michael F. Merlie

Michael F. Merlie is a partner at the West Chester-based law firm, Gawthrop Greenwood, PC.  With more than 20 years of experience concentrating his practice in local business and corporate law, as well as representing privately-held and publicly-held business of all sizes, Michael’s practice includes organizing start-ups, negotiating and documenting venture capital transactions, and acquisitions and mergers.

In addition, as a member of the management committee at Gawthrop Greenwood, Merlie is intimately familiar with the day-to-day challenges of operating and growing a mid-sized business in Chester County, as well as the delicate balance necessary to sustain public and private partnerships. He’s experienced at navigating strategic planning, budget analysis and conflict resolution.

Prior to his legal career, Merlie was a certified public accountant and an audit manager with the international accounting firm KPMG. He earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Villanova University and his juris doctor from Villanova University School of Law.