Brandon J. Mendoza Appointed New CEO by Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership Board of Directors

The Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership (ERCGP) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Brandon J. Mendoza as the organization’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 2, 2025. Mendoza brings 13+ years of experience leading economic development initiatives and chamber activities for large, membership-based organizations.

“Brandon’s proven track record of success in strategic planning, economic development project management, and organizational revitalization makes him an ideal leader for the ERCGP,” said Dr. Chris Clark, Board Chair. “His experience navigating complex collaborations and fostering growth within organizations aligns perfectly with our vision for the future of Erie.”

“I am beyond excited for the opportunity to lead the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership”, Mendoza states. “I believe Erie’s greatest days lie ahead and I am excited to be an ambassador for this region. Erie’s story is one that needs to be told within the Commonwealth, nationally, and internationally. This city is a beauty on the lake, but we need more people to experience that beauty. Under my leadership, this chamber will support business investment, community partnership, and placemaking. My family and I can’t wait to settle into the community and embrace this great region.”

Most recently, Mendoza led Public Affairs & Government Affairs at the Master Builders’ Association of Western Pennsylvania, Inc. (MBA), the Pittsburgh region’s commercial construction association. Prior to his tenure at the MBA, Brandon was the Executive Director of NAIOP Pittsburgh, the local chapter of the national association that represents the interests of developers and owners of industrial, office, mixed-use and related commercial real estate.

He has extensive knowledge about land use policy, advocacy, nonprofit fundraising, and PAC fundraising. Brandon has raised millions of dollars in his career. He was named NAIOP Corporate Executive Director of the Year in 2020. He was also named to the Pittsburgh Power 100 list by the Pittsburgh Business Times in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Brandon was named to City & State’s Power 100 for 2023 and to their Trailblazers in Building & Infrastructure in 2024.

Prior to NAIOP, Brandon served as Government Affairs Manager for the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce, the advocacy affiliate of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development. He led the chamber’s federal and local government affairs strategies. In addition to his advocacy role, Mendoza directed the chamber’s legislative events, and raised nearly $1 million in sponsorships in his tenure, while also growing the events’ reputation in the community. Mendoza also brings a strong economic development track record to the position, having led the chamber’s advocacy efforts to build the incentive package for Shell Chemical’s multibillion petrochemical investment in Beaver County. In addition to his work on economic investment, he has an extensive history on transportation and immigration policy.

Mendoza received his Master of Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public & International Affairs (GSPIA), and his B.S. from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania. He is a graduate of Leadership Pittsburgh’s Leadership Development Initiative XXI, and in 2017, he was selected by The Incline as one of 18 rising political leaders shaping Pittsburgh’s tomorrow. Brandon sits on the boards for Partner4Work and the Graduate School of Public & International Affairs (GSPIA) at the University of Pittsburgh.

Mendoza’s experience and expertise will be invaluable as the ERCGP continues to drive economic growth and prosperity in the Erie region and continues to work with local businesses to foster their success. The Board is confident that under his leadership, the organization will achieve new heights in supporting its members and the community.

About the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership Board of Directors
The Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership Board of Directors is comprised of 28 member-organizations and regional employers representing Erie’s industries. The Board oversees the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, a 501(c)3 membership organization leading Erie’s economic evolution. To learn more, visit: eriepa.com.