Strengthening Regional Collaboration Through a Shared Role
Posted on Feb. 9, 2026 / ERCGP News and Announcements / Subscribe 0
Strong communities are built through collaboration, coordination, and a shared commitment to moving forward together. In Erie, that work increasingly depends on aligning efforts across organizations that are focused on economic development, investment, and long-term regional growth.
To support that alignment, Infinite Erie and the Erie Regional Chamber have established a collaborative role designed to strengthen coordination among Erie’s economic development organizations. Colleen Dougherty serves as Director of Regional Collaboration and Economic Development, a joint position that supports both organizations and helps ensure shared priorities move forward in a coordinated way.
Implemented last year, the role reflects a growing recognition that Erie’s progress depends not just on strong individual organizations, but on how well those organizations work together. By creating a shared position, Infinite Erie and the Chamber are working to reduce duplication, improve communication, and advance economic and community development goals through a more unified regional approach.
“We’re so excited to continue our work with Colleen,” said Kim Thomas, executive director of Infinite Erie. “Her experience, dedication, and passion for Erie’s future make her an incredible partner as we strengthen connections across our community.”
In her role, Dougherty works across both organizations to help align initiatives, connect partners, and ensure that opportunities related to economic development are shared and advanced collaboratively. Rather than operating in separate silos, the role is designed to create a central point of coordination that supports collective impact.
“Erie has an incredible network of organizations doing important work,” Dougherty said. “I’m excited to help connect those efforts, deepen collaboration, and ensure we’re moving forward together in ways that benefit our entire community.”
Dougherty brings a strong background in metro-level research and collaborative problem-solving to the position. She previously served as a research officer with Nowak Metro Finance Lab at Drexel University, where her work focused on identifying challenges and opportunities facing cities and metro areas and capturing solutions that support sustainable development. She also serves as a non-resident fellow with Das Progressive Zentrum, contributing to its Transatlantic Dialogue on the Industrial Heartlands.
Her work is grounded in both global perspective and local commitment. Born and raised in Erie, Dougherty attended Fairview High School before earning a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, law, and politics from John Carroll University and a master’s degree in German and European studies with a focus on industrial regions from Georgetown University.
Locally, Dougherty is actively engaged in the community. She is a member of the Erie Women’s Fund at the Erie Community Foundation and serves as vice chair of the grants committee for the Emerging Erie Fund.
“At the Chamber, we believe strong collaboration is the foundation of a strong community,” said Brandon Mendoza, president and CEO of the Erie Regional Chamber. “Colleen brings both experience and a deep commitment to partnership-building, and we’re proud to support this role.”
As Erie continues to pursue inclusive, sustainable economic growth, the shared role reflects a commitment to working differently and more collaboratively. By aligning leadership, resources, and action, Infinite Erie and the Chamber are reinforcing the idea that regional success is strongest when it is coordinated, intentional, and built together.
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