KATY KANELOPOULOS HIRED TO CONTINUE AARON WIEGAND’S LEGACY
West Chester Township Administrator, Larry D. Burks and the Board of Trustees promoted Katy Kanelopoulos as Director to lead the West Chester Community Development team.
Katy assumed responsibilities and has been acting director since the passing of previous director Aaron Wiegand in December. Aaron encouraged staff to seek professional development in pursuit of exceptional service to the community. Throughout his long public fight with cancer, Aaron was committed to team building and Katy has that same outlook.
The Community Development Department focuses on the Township’s economic development efforts, township planning, zoning enforcement and permitting. The staff of the Community Development Department are experienced professionals, serving the residential and business communities as a one-stop shop for those who require assistance in these areas.
West Chester Township has a reputation for being business friendly and seeking the implementation of highest and best use for the sustainability of the community. The Community Development team works to streamline property maintenance and permitting processes for customers and support new and existing businesses. In the coming months, the Community Development team will also unveil and oversee the implementation of a new zoning resolution.
“I’m excited to continue the business-friendly excellent customer service the Community Development Department is known for providing and working with Township Administration and the Board of Trustees to retain the marketability and sustainability of the community,” Katy said. “I’m looking forward to leading the team and continuing the success of West Chester.”
Katy, a graduate of Ball State University, has worked as the Economic Development Manager for the past two years. Katy’s excellent collaboration and management skills have supported creation of nearly 2,000 new jobs, retention of more than 3,900 jobs, and addition of nearly 5 million square-feet of new projects totaling more than $119 million in capital investment—an amazing feat in just two years.
As a small business owner in a neighboring community, Katy has a heart for supporting small, family-owned businesses and doing what she can to help them succeed. In 2023, Katy implemented West Chester’s SPARK Grant Program—the township’s first small business revitalization grant program for existing West Chester businesses with $114,000 awarded to small businesses for improvement projects.
West Chester currently seeks public input on zoning matters in the community and the service of the Community Development Department itself. Find the survey at https://www.westchesteroh.org/government/general-government/zoning-code-updates.
The now vacant position of Economic Development Director is posted at https://westchestertownshipoh.applytojob.com/apply/Ct6OTfY7ou/Economic-Development-Manager for qualified candidates interested in applying.
Feel free to reach out and set up a time to meet with Katy at kkanelopoulos@westchesteroh.org or 513-759-7325.