Harry Young has been named as first executive director of the Central Pennsylvania Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.
It is a brand-new position for the chamber, said Young, who worked previously as a food and beverage manager for Hershey Entertainment and Resorts.
In his new role, Young will serve as the voice of the chamber to build business, promote economic development and fulfill the organization’s mission of fostering LGBT business equality and inclusion in Central Pennsylvania.
Young brings years of experience in the LGBT business-equality movement, having volunteered on the chamber’s board of directors, most recently as president and CEO and as Northeast regional chair of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce’s Affiliate Chamber Council.
“In my years with Central Pennsylvania Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, I’ve witnessed firsthand the achievements of our dynamic and vibrant LGBT and allied business community here in Central Pennsylvania, and I’m honored and excited to serve in this new capacity,” Young said in a statement.
An affiliate of the national LGBT chamber, the Central Pennsylvania group is based in Harrisburg and covers eight counties: Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York counties.
“This is a critical step in serving our members and this region,” chamber vice president Cory Messinger, said in a statement. “Hiring an executive director dedicated to advancing our mission creates incredible opportunities for the chamber and its members.”
