Lackawanna County Names Economic Development Director

Scranton, Lackawanna County - After more than a year of searching, Lackawanna County commissioners have hired a director for their new economic development department.

George Kelly of Dunmore has been selected for the position.

He'll be responsible for marketing Lackawanna County to businesses in order to create jobs and attract new opportunities and revenue.

Kelly plans to work with local and regional organizations and expand efforts that are already underway.

"I'm hoping to give it focus, to come up with a strategic plan to leverage the assets we have in Lackawanna County," George Kelly said.

"We have somebody here with great expertise and experience and we think he's going to help us be able to increase those job numbers," Commissioner Corey O'Brien said.

"He brings a business perspective on how to build a business, how to grow an area," Commissioner Jim Wansacz said. "This is the first time we've had something like this in Lackawanna County."

Kelly is a former corporate executive who specialized in technology, finance and strategic planning.

He will have to hire two people to work alongside him.