Recognizing the importance of strengthening the regional economy through attracting new businesses and helping to facilitate growth of existing businesses across the 11-county area of Greater Philadelphia, the corporate and civic leadership of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the appointment of Matt Cabrey as Executive Director of Select Greater Philadelphia (Select) and Senior Vice President, Regional Business Marketing for the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. Cabrey’s focus is to lead the Select team on its collaborative marketing and business attraction efforts nationally and internationally, reinforcing the region as a top-tier location to do business.
An accomplished executive with diverse and extensive marketing and communications experience, Matt Cabrey’s concentration with Select is on showcasing the distinguishing characteristics that make Greater Philadelphia an attractive area for businesses to thrive through engaging with investors, partners, business and civic leaders to identify organizations and support the business location and expansion process.
“The growth of our region happens when we have active and supportive participation from our business and civic leaders,” said Rob Wonderling, President and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. “Select is the driver of our business attraction plan, and we could not be successful without the ongoing commitment from the business community to invest in the future of this region, seizing upon new opportunities in energy, manufacturing, and healthcare innovation to continue to put this region on the global map for business expansion.”
Select Operating Committee Chairman William R. Sasso, chairman of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP noted “Matt has made his mark as a hands-on, collaborative leader, and his experience building partnerships will be a tremendous addition to the Chamber team and the work of Select Greater Philadelphia.”
“As Chair of First State Innovation in Delaware, we applaud the Chamber for leading the Select marketing initiatives to help tell the great story of innovation and opportunity this region offers, ultimately attracting new companies with great people and great ideas,” added Ernie Dianastasis, Managing Director of CAI, a global information technology consulting, integration and outsourcing services organization.
“Matt understands the importance of regionalism in the context of a global economy, and from my vantage point as a New Jersey-based financial services executive, that’s a great asset that will bring audiences together to deliver growth for all stakeholders,” said Michelle Y. Lee, Executive Vice President, Northeast Region President, Wells Fargo Bank.
As a native to the Greater Philadelphia region, and as a professional who has worked in several sectors, including non-profit, life sciences and financial services, Matt Cabrey brings unique insights and knowledge to his role leading Select.
“Each of us in the 11-county region has a unique opportunity to help grow our economy by attracting new organizations to locate or expand in northern Delaware, southern New Jersey and southeastern Pennsylvania,” said Cabrey. “By working collaboratively with economic development partners, as well as businesses, civic and community leaders, among others, the Select team is poised to market the region as a great, productive place for business that offers a dynamic quality of life for employees and their families.”
Prior to joining Select and the Chamber, he held numerous leadership roles with Shire plc, helping to shape the image, reputation and growth of this international specialty biopharmaceutical company. Before joining Shire, he was part of the corporate communications team at PNC Bank in southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey. He serves on the advisory board of Melmark, a human services organization dedicated to helping people with developmental disabilities; is a past board member of the Chamber; past chair of Third Century Initiative (3ci), a unique, forward-looking program of the Chamber; past board member of the Arts & Business Council, a Chamber initiative that delivers value by facilitating collaborations among arts organizations and businesses; volunteers with Pennsylvania Bio; and is a member and past chairman of the Philadelphia Public Relations Association.