Meet PIDC’s New Team Members – Fall 2024

by Rachel Hazzard
October 24, 2024

Categories: Team Members,

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We’re excited to introduce the newest additions to PIDC’s growing team! Each of these talented professionals brings unique skills, experiences, and fresh perspectives that will help drive our mission to foster economic growth and opportunities throughout Philadelphia. As PIDC continues to support businesses, nonprofits, and developers in our vibrant city, these new team members will play a key role in strengthening our efforts to create lasting impact. Let’s take a moment to welcome them and learn more about their stories!


Amy Leichner

Hometown:
Glenside, PA

Role at PIDC:
Financial Reporting & Accounting
EVP & CFO

What role will you play in helping PIDC drive growth to every corner of Philadelphia? 

As CFO, I am committed to stewarding the organization’s assets with the utmost responsibility and transparency, ensuring that every financial decision aligns with and supports the organization’s core mission. I will drive growth by collaborating on new offerings to support economic development throughout Philadelphia. By aligning our financial strategies with broader economic development goals, I will help PIDC build a more vibrant, resilient, and inclusive local economy.

Philadelphia is a great place to work and live because…

Hands down, Philly has the best energy and people. Whether it’s the sense of camaraderie, the pride in our neighborhoods, or the entrepreneurial drive that fuels local businesses, Philly has an undeniable magic that makes it unlike any other city. Not to mention the city’s rich history and access to arts and culture is unparalleled. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, this city is a place where passion, creativity, and history come together to create an unmatched experience.

Clifford Sumpter 

Hometown:
West Oak Lane Philly “Uptown”

Role at PIDC:
Accounting & Financial Reporting 
Director, Treasury Operations

What role will you play in helping PIDC drive growth to every corner of Philadelphia? 

As a CDFI, a large part of what we do is lend money to help businesses. It’s very exciting that these great businesses we help are in our awesome city of Philadelphia. In my position as Director of Treasury Operations, I am responsible for ensuring that the loans we lend have the appropriate source of funds according to the type of product offered, as well as meet the guidelines allotted for those funds. I also assist in interest rate pricing to ensure that we have comparable and competitive rates for our loan products.

Philadelphia is a great place to work and live because…

Philadelphia is a great place to work and live because of the mixed culture, people, and history. Philadelphia has a bright future as a great city to advance and live in. Philly has been my home and will always be home. I have had the excitement of seeing my city evolve through the years. Neighborhoods have built a solidarity that you can feel at block parties, community events, or just talking to your neighbors. Everyone knows each other and can share warm stories of how families grew up supporting each other. I enjoy the rich storytelling of who knows who and how Philly has helped them get their start in life. When I travel to work and see the sports team advertisements, the small businesses, the schools, and the people, I feel a connection to it all.


Charlotte Merrick

Hometown:
Yardley, PA

Role at PIDC:
The Navy Yard
Director of Marketing and Communications

What role will you play in helping PIDC drive growth to every corner of Philadelphia? 

I will help raise the profile of the Navy Yard as a great place to work, live, and play, especially as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Navy Yard in 2025. The Navy Yard is going to be Philadelphia’s coolest new neighborhood, and I want to build excitement with businesses, partners, and the public.

Philadelphia is a great place to work and live because…

It’s the biggest small town in the world, where you have so many diverse opportunities and world-class experiences at your fingertips, but you can also know your neighbors and make friends with anyone.

Bruce Smith

Hometown:
Vineland, NJ

Role at PIDC:
Portfolio Management
Construction and Disbursement Compliance Officer

What role will you play in helping PIDC drive growth to every corner of Philadelphia? 

My role involves supporting PIDC in funding our portfolio and managing our ongoing construction projects.

Philadelphia is a great place to work and live because…

The culture is vibrant, the landscape is historical, and the city is constantly evolving.


Elam Boockvar-Klein

Hometown:
New York, NY

Role at PIDC:
The Navy Yard
Project Management Intern

What are you hoping to learn during your internship?

I’m excited to get a first-hand look at development at the Navy Yard, and am particularly interested in understanding how the PIDC team actualizes the intersecting goals of housing equity, climate resilience, and accessibility in this unique part of the city. My background is in housing development, so I will be really interested to see how the team attracts new residents to a place that few people have lived. Looking forward to contributing as needed!

Philadelphia is a great place to work and live because…

The passion and care that locals have for this city is unbeatable. Nobody shows up for their sports teams like Philly fans. And the food scene is AWESOME (it’s taken me a while to get over my New York snobbery, but it’s just that good). 

Join Our Team!

View career opportunities at PIDC and help us drive growth to every corner of Philadelphia.


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