Aug 10 2007
Understanding economic development at the municipal, county and state levels, and then turning development opportunities into realities is something Steve McKnight knows (and loves) to do. His passion for his work has led to millions of investment dollars and thousands of jobs for a rural Pennsylvania region. And, it's this success that has him poised to do the same for organizations and communities across the country as he becomes the latest member of GSP Consulting's Economic Architecture (EA) group.
McKnight most recently served as the Director of Corporate Services and Government Affairs for The Altoona Blair County Development Corporation and his history of successes are notable. In seven years, he contributed to more than 175 economic development projects that brought $600 million to the region while retaining or creating over 3000 jobs. Under his direction the organization formed the I-99 Innovation Corridor; an internship program involving six universities and more than 100 businesses; a regional entrepreneurial development center, and a technology council promoting technology integration within legacy industries.
He expects to take his experience and extensive list of accomplishments and translate it into success for other, similar communities in regions where GSP has operations throughout the country.
"There are many regions that mirror Blair County and are in a similar situation to what Steve found when he started in 2000," said Rich Overmoyer, GSP principal and director of the Economic Architecture practice. "We are excited that someone with his knowledge and track record will be able to help other communities realize success with their economic development efforts like Blair County has."
One of three growing practice areas at the Pittsburgh consulting firm, GSP's Economic Architecture group uses a three phase consulting model to design, build and implement economic development initiatives for communities and organizations. With experts like practice director Overmoyer who served as a Deputy Secretary in Pennsylvania's Department of Community and Economic Development and Dr. Jerry Paytas who led an economic development think-tank at Carnegie Mellon University, the EA practice is a sought-after authority on cutting-edge economic development trends and strategies.
"Adding Steve to our team is a great win for current and potential clients because we further strengthen our already-incredible stable of talent, and bring yet another perspective to our economic development consulting," company founder Joe Kuklis said. "Working in the trenches of local and county economic development is a tough business and Steve's accomplishments speak volumes on what he will be able to do for other regions."
Prior to his time at the Altoona Blair County Development Corporation, McKnight gained experience in the tourism and association industries as Development Director for Blue Knob Resort Development Company and as Chief Operating Officer for the High Speed Ground Transportation Association respectively.
"I am looking forward to jumping right in with the Economic Architecture group and using what I've learned and achieved in Blair County to help other communities facing the same development, workforce and funding challenges," McKnight commented. "It was so satisfying to see our efforts pay off in Blair County and I can't wait to put those strategies and blueprints to work for other regions that have the potential but not the plan."