EXTON, PA — The Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) has announced the hire of Matt Cabrey as Senior Vice President, External Affairs and Strategic Initiatives, where he will serve as a member of the management team and will be responsible for shaping and implementing overall programmatic and operational strategies of the organization. He officially joined the CCEDC on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
A CCEDC contributor since 2023, Cabrey has led the Ideas x Innovation Network (i2n), helping guide entrepreneurs and innovators to transform ideas from concept to commercialization, including engagement of i2n’s partners and supporters across southeastern Pennsylvania’s ecosystem of business, civic, higher education and technology organizations. Cabrey created and leads i2n Angels, a group of accredited investors focused on helping early-stage, tech and solutions-focused entrepreneurs by providing funding, coaching and mentoring. He also co-founded and implemented LionCage, a regional pitch competition developed and produced in partnership with Penn State University to engage, support, and showcase innovators and startups.
From 2014 to 2020, Cabrey led Select Greater Philadelphia, a regional business attraction marketing organization focused on growing the economic vibrancy of southeastern Pennsylvania by attracting new businesses, jobs and talent. During his tenure, Cabrey welcomed 62 companies that created more than 1,000 new jobs in Greater Philadelphia. He also engaged 150+ public and private sector investors and economic development partners to support those efforts.
“I couldn’t be more excited to have Matt joining our leadership team. His contributions to the CCEDC have already been transformative and positioned us for the future,” said Mike Grigalonis, President and CEO of the Chester County Economic Development Council. “His experiences across multiple industries, solutions-oriented approach, advocacy for our region’s entrepreneurs, and extensive domestic and international network will serve the CCEDC well as we continue to expand our programming and influence in a variety of sectors within Chester County and across southeastern Pennsylvania and beyond.”
Overall, Cabrey has more than 30 years of experience in economic development, biopharmaceuticals, financial services, marketing and communications, media, and nonprofit sectors. He has traveled to more than 60 cities in 18 countries, supported business operations and growth in three countries, and has organized and hosted numerous regional, national and international business initiatives, delegations and diplomatic leaders. His previous roles included corporate communications leadership positions at Shire Pharmaceuticals, PNC Financial Services Group, Keystone Mercy Health Plan and CBS Radio.
“I first engaged with the work of the CCEDC more than 22 years ago, so this is a true full-circle moment for me, and I couldn’t be more excited and energized to join the CCEDC as a permanent team member,” said Cabrey “I’m honored to continue to work alongside some incredibly talented individuals, and I look forward to driving more growth and impact through our comprehensive economic development programs and strategic initiatives.”
In his new role, Cabrey will lead a team that is responsible for investor and partner relations, along with events and sponsorships for CCEDC’s many and varied educational programs. He will continue to oversee day-to-day operations and implementation of i2n and i2n Angels, while serving as a lead for key projects including i2n’s LionCage and CCEDC’s PA Global Business Advisors. Cabrey holds a B.A. in Journalism from Penn State University.
About the Chester County Economic Development Council
The Chester County Economic Development Council is a private, non-profit economic development organization promoting smart growth in Chester County and the surrounding region for more than 60 years. The CCEDC provides proven financing solutions, cultivates workforce talent, leverages business partnerships and fosters entrepreneurial collaboration. Together, with the support of the private and public sectors, CCEDC initiates, implements and innovates programs that improve the business community and enhance the quality of life in Chester County. For more information, visit www.ccedcpa.com.
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