Michael Grigalonis, who grew up in Mahanoy City in Schuylkill County, is the Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer of the Chester County Economic Development Council.

Grigalonis, who earned a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Ithaca College and an MBA from Villanova, said his proudest professional achievement is helping local businesses during the pandemic.

“The CCEDC team and I had an extraordinary opportunity to help local businesses as we spearheaded the administration of several relief programs,” he said. “We asked our entire staff to work nights and weekends and become grant/loan administrators, and to a person, they stepped up to the challenge and never once complained. I really believe the hard work and dedication of our staff helped many businesses survive the pandemic.”

Grigalonis believes that every leader is different and that no one style works for everyone or in every situation.

“For me, I think successful leaders are good listeners, strong communicators, adaptable, poised, and sincerely care about the people and organizations they are leading,” he said.

Of the 12 Principles of the Scout Law — Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent — “Trustworthy,” “Loyal,” and “Helpful” resonate the most with Grigalonis.

“They are principles that I try to incorporate into every facet of life,” he said. “At CCEDC, we recently completed an exercise with the whole team to define our values as an organization. Each of these three principles is prominently reflected in those values. There’s no doubt I have been at CCEDC for 23 years because I’m surrounded by people who are trustworthy, loyal, and helpful.”

The Chester County Council, Boy Scouts of America will honor Grigalonis and the 11 other VISTA Leadership Megastars at an awards reception on Thursday, Oct. 20 at its new Program, Activity, and Resource Campus (PARC) in Exton. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, contact Lisa Antonucci at Lisa.Antonucci@scouting.org or 610-696-2900 x 112.