Longietti Brings Leadership to City of Hermitage
HERMITAGE – Retiring state legislator Mark Longietti has been named the new director of business and community development for the City of Hermitage, assuming his new duties Jan. 3.
Longietti, a Democrat, served eight terms as state representative for the seventh legislative district before announcing his retirement earlier this year. His tenure in the house focused on areas of economic development and education, while he served on the house commerce, education, tourism and transportation committees.
“I am excited about the opportunity to join the city of Hermitage team and to focus my efforts on helping advance business and community development throughout the city and broader community,” Longietti said. “I look forward to partnering with a wide array of organizations and individuals as we enhance the economy and quality of life in the city and across the region. The opportunity is a natural extension of my work in the legislature and I will draw on my experience to contribute as a member of a solid municipal team.”
In his new position, Longietti will work to strengthen existing relationships with city businesses and industries, using his expertise to assist them in identifying and assessing their needs, then determining solutions to implement.
Working with city officials and city staff to attract new business and industry, Longietti will maintain the city’s relationships with organizations like the Hermitage Community and Economic Development Commision, Penn-Northwest Development Corp., Shenango Valley Enterprise Development Zone and the Shenango Valley Chamber of Commerce. He also will identify funding sources for development.
“The addition of Longietti to fill this position will provide more support for our existing businesses and industries, including those coming to Hermitage from Wheatland as the result of the merger,” said Duane Piccirilli, president of the Hermitage board of commissioners. “His skill set, character and experience make mark the perfect individual to assume the duties and responsibilities of this new position.”
Longietti will report city Manager Gary Hinkson who said, “As we move forward with several new economic and community development initiatives, this position will strengthen our support for our existing businesses and industries and attract new businesses to the city. Also, Mark’s experience will prove extremely helpful as the work on the merger transition with the Borough of Wheatland moves forward. Mark’s proven leadership skills, professional background and strategic relatioinships are invaluable assets and we are very excited to have him join our management team.”
A lifelong resident of the Shenango Valley, Longietti is a graduate of Westminster College with degrees in economics and political science, as well as a graduate of Boston College Law School. He and his wife, Tina, are residents of Hermitage.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
