This column was originally published in the Gettysburg Times, February 10, 2022.
Health has likely been the most-talked about topic of our lives during the past two years. That’s why it’s all the more remarkable that one of Adams County’s most esteemed healthcare leaders has also served as board chair for our Adams County Economic Development Corporation (ACEDC) simultaneously throughout the pandemic. His character and leadership is unsurpassed, and that’s why I want to pay tribute to him via today’s column.
I’m talking about Michael Cogliano, who is WellSpan Health Vice President, and President of WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital.
“My attention for the past two years has been almost entirely devoted to ensuring safe healthcare for our community. It has been very difficult to balance work and my responsibilities as ACEDC Chair,” Michael explains. For example, “I had a two-week period before this last surge during which I got out to meet some of our business leaders, and then another surge diverted my attention. Robin, Kaycee, and our board was sensitive to the challenge, and we all worked together to accomplish the ACEDC’s mission.”
As for accomplishments, Michael has steered our organization through one of the most challenging economic climates of our time.
“Top of mind is the administration of the CHIRP and FAIR grants, in partnership with the County of Adams. This effort disbursed millions of dollars to area business impacted by the pandemic; many of which would not exist today without this assistance,” says Michael.
As you’re reading this, our ACEDC Board will be meeting on February 10 and appointing new board positions. Thankfully, Michael will be remaining on our diverse and talented board, and we are thrilled to welcome a new Board Chair, Peter Martin of Crown Community Development, the umbrella business atop Adams County’s new Amblebrook community. Pete has an awareness of the real estate market that will be very helpful to the Alliance. Each of our board members brings a valued and unique perspective!
“I had no past experience in economic development when I joined the ACEDC board, and I had a steep learning curve,” Michael reflects. “It has been interesting to learn all the ways in which the Alliance supports business through loans, advocacy, and as a source of information. Our board includes representatives from key businesses and industries in Adams County, which ensures equal representation. I also gained an appreciation for the partnership with, and support of the County of Adams and the Commissioners.”
Thank you, Michael: Our organization has been so very fortunate. But beyond that, our Adams County community has benefitted from this genuine, intelligent, kind man’s talents and leadership through the ACEDC, and somehow concurrently, guiding our county’s hospital. I have no doubt our community’s care is—and will continue to be—all the better because of his leadership.
And a reminder: The Alliance is hosting a free webinar, “Learn About Loans” on February 22 at 10 a.m. It’s open to anyone interested in learning more about various types of business loans available through the Alliance. More information, including the free registration link, is available on our LinkedIn and Facebook pages.
Robin Fitzpatrick is President of Adams Economic Alliance, which comprises three organizations: The Adams County Economic Development Corporation (ACEDC), the Adams County Industrial Development Authority (ACIDA) and the Adams County General Authority (ACGA). For more information, see adamsalliance.org, or follow us on Twitter (@AdamsAlliance), Facebook (Facebook.com/AdamsAlliance) and LinkedIn (Adams Economic Alliance).
