Growing economies and
improving lives in
rural Pennsylvania
What We Do
Grow Rural PA assists rural communities by:
Providing technical and management assistance, building human capital capacity, and supporting infrastructure development.
Working with policymakers and state and federal agencies on the value of investing in rural, geographically-underserved communities to improve their access to adequate and equitable resources.
Developing policy recommendations for successful and sustainable economic and rural community development strategies.
Mission
To improve the economies and quality of life for citizens of rural Pennsylvania and to encourage population growth for future sustainability.
Vision
Of vibrant, rural towns with equal access to resources to ensure their future viability in a global economy.
Impact
Will provide direct technical and management services to communities and to develop policy recommendations for local, state, and federal governments.
Focus Area
Working with rural communities in north central/northwestern Pennsylvania to identify and overcome barriers to prosperity.
Upcoming Events
2026 PA Wilds Dinner & Awards
2026 PA Wilds Dinner and Awards to be held at DuBois Country Club on July 30, 2026.
Grow Rural PA Board Members
Dr. Richard E. McDowell, Chair
President Emeritus, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford
Gail Shturtz
Mr. Joseph Boylan, Secretary / Treasurer
Global Engineering Projects Director, Morgan Advanced Materials
Neil Hoffman
Retired Community Banker
Ms. Deborah Pontzer, President
