Southern Alleghenies Planning and Development Commission Names Sherry Socie Director of Business Development

Southern Alleghenies Planning and Development Commission (SAP&DC) has announced the hiring of Sherry Socie of Blair County as its new Director of Business Development, effective May 4, 2026.

Socie brings more than 25 years of experience in business administration and financial management across the public education and municipal government sectors. She currently serves as a Strategic Planner for the Blair County Planning Commission, where she focuses on grant identification, funding opportunities, grant writing, and grant administration. In that role, she has successfully secured more than $7 million in funding for Blair County initiatives.

In addition to her strategic planning expertise, Socie served as Chief Clerk/County Administrator for Blair County from September 2024 through January 2025. She holds an associate degree in business administration from Pennsylvania State University and is also the owner and operator of a small business in Blair County.

A lifelong resident of Blair County, Socie brings a deep appreciation for the strengths of the region and the value of its close-knit communities.

“We are excited to welcome Sherry to the Southern Alleghenies Planning and Development Commission team,” said SAP&DC Executive Director Steven Howsare. “Her extensive background in strategic planning, grant administration, and local government, along with her proven success in securing critical funding opportunities, will be a tremendous asset to the organization and to the communities we serve throughout the Southern Alleghenies region.”

“Hearing Sherry accepted a position at SAP&DC is bittersweet,” said Blair County Commissioner David Kessling. “Sherry has had such a positive impact on this County, it will be hard to replace her. She is always energetic and truly cares not only about this County but Municipalities/Townships as well as Fire and Police department in securing much needed grant funding. We wish her well with her new appointment but it is hard to see her go.”

As Socie assumes her new role, Zachary Lee, SAP&DC’s current Director of Business Development, will transition into the position of Community and Economic Development Program Manager.

SAP&DC is pleased to welcome Socie to its leadership team and looks forward to the expertise and vision she will bring in advancing economic development efforts throughout the Southern Alleghenies region.