NEW CASTLE, Pa. – The New Castle Citywide Development Corp. announced the appointment of Jondavid “JD” Longo as its new executive director.
Longo, who has served as mayor of Slippery Rock since 2018 and as an educator with Butler County Community College since 2019, has focused on initiatives that create environments that facilitate economic growth and development. In his role as mayor, he reduced fees for businesses, created new community events and led efforts to revamp code and zoning statutes to encourage entrepreneurial growth in the community.
In his new role, Longo will oversee the operations of the CDC, act as a liaison to city government, businesses and residents, and lead the implementation of plans for the continued revitalization of downtown New Castle and its neighborhoods.
Longo is a Marine Corps combat veteran and served as an 0311 Infantry rifleman in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom and in Latvia during Operation Saber Strike in 2012. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Slippery Rock University and a master’s degree in public administration and policy from American University in Washington, D.C.
“We are excited to welcome JD as our executive director,” said Tom Sabol, CDC board president. “His proven leadership as a public servant, veteran and educator, as well as expertise in public administration, align seamlessly with the CDC’s vision for New Castle.”
Longo has local family ties as well.
“As someone whose family lived in Mahoningtown for many years, I am honored to join the New Castle CDC and serve this dynamic community that means so much to me. I look forward to working with the CDC board, New Castle city government leaders and community stakeholders to build on New Castle’s strengths, and create opportunities for economic growth.”