The Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry has named Laura Manion, a member of VISTA Today’s inaugural class of VISTA Millennial Superstars, its new President and CEO.

Manion replaces Guy Ciarrocchi, who is running for the U.S. House of Representatives in the Sixth Congressional District.  

Manion most recently served as a Manager for the Great Lakes Regional Office for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. In this role, she cultivated legislative, political, media, and grassroots resources throughout Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania to further the chamber’s public policy goals.

She also helped lead the chamber’s efforts to strengthen its relationships with members of Congress through member businesses, associations, and local and state chambers of commerce across the region. Her policy portfolio at the U.S. Chamber included a focus on small business, workforce, and education.  

Prior to joining the U.S. Chamber, Manion was the Assistant Director of Government Affairs and Community Relations at Villanova University. She handled all local matters pertaining to the university, working closely with county and township official and business associations and chambers, as well as the university’s neighbors. 

Manion hopes that she can take experience from the different roles in her career to strengthen her connections within the community and further the mission of the chamber.

“The pandemic showed the vital role that chambers of commerce play in their community,” she said. “We are a resource, rich with information and connections to benefit our member businesses. I look forward to working with the chamber’s board, volunteers, staff, and members to continue to grow and expand the organization. As a lifelong Chester County resident, it’s humbling and exciting to be tapped for this position.” 

Manion graduated from Franklin & Marshall College in 2013 with a degree in Government and holds an MPA from West Chester University.

In 2018, City & State PA presented her with its Above and Beyond Award, which recognizes 25 exceptional women from Pennsylvania for their accomplishments across various sectors, including politics, healthcare, education, and nonprofits.

Manion is an energetic community volunteer, working most frequently with the Valley Forge Park Alliance and as a youth softball coach. She and her husband live in Phoenixville.

“We are confident that Laura will represent our business community with passion and professionalism,” said chamber board chair Dave Hackett. “Her experiences not only make her well-positioned to lead our chamber but will also assist in growing our membership and expanding our programming.”

Learn more about the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry.