Meet PIDC’s New Team Members – Summer 2024

Scott Dever

Hometown:
Philly, born and raised!

Role at PIDC:
Navy Yard – Utilities
General Manager, Electric Utility

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

Working with our team and other strategic partners, we are exploring different ways to power the expansion of the Navy Yard in the most efficient and sustainable way possible, including renewables. In addition, I look forward to having input on the best ways to maintain the current distribution system and keep it running as efficiently as possible so that we can continue to safely serve our customers at the Navy Yard.

Philadelphia is a great place to work and live because…

Of the people!!! We may get some bad publicity at times, but I’ve worked on the streets and in the houses of people in every neighborhood of the city for a lot of years and I wouldn’t change those experiences for anything!

Janée Fenter-Moore

Hometown:
Ocean Township, New Jersey

Role at PIDC:
Financial Services – NMTC
Director, NMTC

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

My role will be to ensure the New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) program, which is a federal program that PIDC participates in, continues to thrive. I will continue to advance NMTC practices while supporting impactful, transformative projects and attract private capital to help economically distressed communities.

Philadelphia is a great place to work and live because…

Of its rich history, lively art scenes, amazing restaurants, and diverse culture.

Rachel Hazzard

Hometown:
Mantua, NJ

Role at PIDC:
Marketing & Communications
Director, Marketing & Communications

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

As the Marketing and Communications Director, I’m here to tell PIDC’s story. By sharing the successes of our clients, the impact of major revitalization projects, and promoting our resources to underrepresented entrepreneurs and small businesses in our city, I’ll help PIDC grow Philadelphia’s economy through inclusive financing and development.

Philadelphia is a great place to work and live because…

This city is a hub for incredible culture, unique small businesses, and educational excellence. Its diverse population creates a welcoming and supportive community that makes the “City of Brotherly Love” something truly special. And with an excellent food scene and attractions large and small, there’s no shortage of snacks to eat and things to do. Plus, there are no better sports fans on the planet—GO BIRDS!

Lashay Smith

Hometown:
North Philadelphia

Role at PIDC:
Marketing & Communications
Marketing & Events Coordinator

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

As I join the PIDC team as the Marketing and Events Coordinator, I will aid in helping tell the stories of our many clients around Philadelphia through newsletters and social media, and I’ll help tell PIDC’s story and mission through our marketing channels, including our internal and external events. With my experience in digital communication and social media marketing, I will continue to grab the attention of new and existing clients and share the many opportunities that PIDC offers for our business community.

Philadelphia is a great place to work and live because…

Philadelphia is a great place to work and live because of the many communities and places that you get to experience. Growing up in Philadelphia, I was able to experience Philadelphia as a community with many different businesses, different jobs that are offered, and of course, our energetic sports teams and fans.

Alexa Fichera

Hometown:
South Philadelphia, PA

Role at PIDC:
Navy Yard
Marketing & Community Engagement Intern

What are you hoping to learn during your internship?

During my internship, I hope to learn more about the Navy Yard and how I can use marketing strategies effectively to increase the community engagement here.

Philadelphia is a great place to work and live because…

Philadelphia is a great place to work and live because it offers a vibrant and fulfilling environment for both professional and personal life, due to the diversity that unites a variety of cultures and personalities.

Janet Gleason

Hometown:
Orange County, CA

Role at PIDC:
Real Estate Services
Real Estate Services Intern

What are you hoping to learn during your internship?

I am hoping to learn how to successfully and equitably leverage public and private resources to redevelop underutilized public land. Additionally, I hope to gain a better understanding of how institutions can ensure the needs and desires of residents, especially residents from communities that have been historically excluded from redevelopment decisions, are placed at the forefront of large-scale redevelopment projects to ensure that these investments are not just financially viable, but economically, socially, culturally, and environmentally beneficial. 

Philadelphia is a great place to work and live because…

There are endless opportunities to explore amazing neighborhoods, parks, venues, block parties, mom and pop shops, and unique spaces via bike, bus, trolley, or train.

Elva Bofang Jiang

Hometown:
Beijing, China

Role at PIDC:
Capitalization & Impact
Economic Development Intern

What are you hoping to learn during your internship?

As an intern, I will aid in implementing strategies and systems to evaluate outputs, outcomes, and impacts related to lending, business advisory services, community revitalization activities, real estate services, and economic development. I will be helpful in fortifying a data-driven “feedback loop” to continuously improve the delivery of products and services in support of PIDC’s mission!

Philadelphia is a great place to work and live because…

Philadelphia is home to numerous renowned colleges and universities, such as the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, and St. Joseph’s University, which provide students and scholars with an excellent educational and research environment. In addition, Philadelphia is rich in cultural and historical resources, with museums, art galleries, and historical sites located throughout the city, attracting culture lovers from all over the world.

Philadelphia’s Chinatown is a key factor in attracting Chinese to move to Philadelphia. Chinatown provides a familiar cultural environment for new immigrants with easy language exchange. In addition, Chinatown preserves many traditional Chinese cultures and customs, and organizes various festivals every year, such as the Chinese New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival. Conveniently located in downtown Philadelphia, Chinatown’s proximity to the city’s major business districts and tourist attractions makes it easy for residents to enjoy the city’s resources and services.

Jetmir Koboci

Hometown:
Born in Kukës, Albania; Grew up in Northeast Philadelphia

Role at PIDC:
Legal
Legal Intern

What are you hoping to learn during your internship?

I’m hoping to gain a deeper understanding of real estate and banking law.

Philadelphia is a great place to work and live because…

Philadelphia is a great place to work and live because of its cultural diversity and inclusive atmosphere. We have the best of a big city without the grand costs. The hustle and bustle of Center City, exquisite culinary scene in Northern Liberties, historical significance of Old City, and vibrant sports scene make Philadelphia a unique city to work and live in.

Ayodeji Oyemakinde

Hometown:
Lagos, Nigeria

Role at PIDC:
President’s Office/ IEDC Working Group
IEDC Summer Intern

What are you hoping to learn during your internship?

I am very excited to be working on the IEDC Equity Action project. At the end of my internship, I hope to have learnt more about social impact investing and also to have been able to add significant value to the project.

Philadelphia is a great place to work and live because…

Of the food scene, there is something for every foodie in Philly. Philly is very affordable, with a strong sense of community. I also love the sports scene, a very passionate fanbase with strong teams in all the major leagues.

Tristan Nicholas Travis

Hometown:
Philadelphia

Role at PIDC:
IT
IT Intern

What are you hoping to learn during your internship?

I’m hoping to further my understanding of the IT field as my college courses have taught me so far, but in a professional environment. This can be anything from systems analysis, using and deploying proprietary software, furthering my understanding of cloud software, as well as data entry and management.

Philadelphia is a great place to work and live because…

Philadelphia is a great place to work and live because I was born here! Jokes aside, Philadelphia in particular is great because I already have quite a few contacts in the IT field who either live here, or visit here often, giving me opportunities to learn from those I already know while also being in a comfortable & familiar environment.