CHESTER - John H. Dixon recently assumed leadership roles with two organizations dedicated to the development of Chester and its surrounding communities. Dixon is the new Executive Director of the Institute for Economic Development as well as Coordinator of the Delaware County Keystone Innovation Zone.
The Institute for Economic Development, Inc. (IED) is a consortium of private sector corporations and non-profit institutions that work together to develop and implement a targeted mix of innovative economic development programs and activities focused on the physical, economic and social revitalization of the City of Chester.
Established by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development in 2006, the Delaware County Keystone Innovation Zone (KIZ) focuses on fostering technological and entrepreneurial development in an area that includes Chester, Marcus Hook, Trainer and Upland. The Delaware County KIZ is overseen by a Board of Operating Partners that includes University Technology Park, Villanova University, Widener University, Crozer-Keystone Health System, Chester Economic Development Authority (CEDA), Delaware County Commerce Center (DCCC), Delaware Valley Industrial Resource Center (DVIRC), Ben Franklin Technology Partners – Southeast Pennsylvania (BFTP-SEP).
Before assuming these roles, Dixon served as the Manager for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Initiatives with the DVIRC. Dixon also previously worked at Widener University as Director of Graduate and Special Programs with the School of Engineering and Coordinator for Business and Administration and Summer International Law Institutes with the School of Law. From 1995 to 2001, Dixon served with distinction in the United States Army as a medic, mental health specialist, and executive assistant to several combat support hospital commanders.
“This is an outstanding opportunity for me to help make a difference in an area that has a tremendous amount of potential. I am privileged to work with competent and focused individuals who are committed to making this community everything that it can be,” Dixon said. “One of my goals is to raise the regional profile of the IED and KIZ. I look forward to having the opportunity to tell others about all of the great things that are happening in this area so that we can continue to achieve diverse economic development.”
Dixon holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from Widener University and a bachelor’s degree in Literature from West Chester University. His affiliations include the International City/County Management Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the International Technology Education Association.
“We are pleased to welcome John Dixon to these two very important roles. John knows this community. He was educated here, he has worked here, and he shares our commitment to its continued revitalization,” said Robert J. Bruce, chairman of the IED and president emeritus of Widener University.
Gerald Miller, an IED board member and former president and chief executive officer of Crozer-Keystone Health System, said, “Congratulations to John on these appointments. Through his positions with the IED and KIZ, he will play a pivotal role in building upon the economic development successes this area has seen in recent years.”
“On behalf of Crozer-Keystone Health System, which is proud to be part of both the IED and the KIZ, I am glad to officially welcome John, who brings a great deal of leadership and experience to his new roles. I look forward to working with him on many initiatives to help enhance our community,” said Joan Richards
Dixon is based at University Technology Park, 1450 Edgmont Ave., Suite 120. He can be reached at (610) 499-7534 or john.dixon@crozer.org.
For more information about the Institute for Economic Development and its initiatives, visit www.chesteryes.com. For more information about the Delaware County Keystone Innovation Zone, visit www.delcokiz.org.