Director

Lauren Connelly

Lauren is the Director of Allegheny County Economic Development (ACED), where she leads countywide efforts to advance inclusive economic growth across 130 municipalities. She oversees business development, housing, community revitalization, infrastructure investment, and long‑range planning, focusing on aligning public resources and private investment to strengthen communities and support emerging industries.

Since returning to ACED in 2024, Connelly has guided a more coordinated countywide economic development strategy, deploying tens of millions of dollars into housing, site and business development, Main Street revitalization, blight remediation, and programs that support homeownership and neighborhood investment.

With more than 20 years of experience in economic development, public policy, and community organizing, Connelly previously served as ACED’s Assistant Director and as Vice President of Local Government Affairs and Advocacy for the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce. She also led two Lawrenceville-based community organizations, helping guide major public and private investments while advancing responsible development, affordability, and quality‑of‑life initiatives.

She has served on numerous boards and commissions, including the Pittsburgh Planning Commission and the Urban Redevelopment Authority Board, and currently serves on the boards of InnovatePGH, Riverlife, and the Irish Society for Education and Charity.

A graduate of Allegheny College, Connelly lives in Pittsburgh’s Stanton Heights neighborhood with her husband and son.