Ed Silvetti Receives DDAA's 2014 John D. Whisman Vision Award

WASHINGTON, March 26, 2014—Ed Silvetti, retired executive director of the Southern Alleghenies Planning and Development Commission (SAP&DC) in Pennsylvania, received the 2014 John D. Whisman Vision Award from the Development District Association of Appalachia (DDAA) March 24 at its annual conference in Arlington, Virginia. More than 200 local development officials representing 73 economic planning and development districts in Appalachia attended the conference, held March 23–25.

The DDAA presents the John D. Whisman Vision Award each year to an individual who has provided exemplary service and leadership in Appalachia and demonstrated a commitment to the ideals of state and federal cooperation.

Silvetti led the commission serving six west-central Pennsylvania counties for two decades, supporting small- and medium-sized business development, funding infrastructure projects, and promoting job training and transportation planning.

Silvetti was cited by the DDAA as a “champion for regional planning and development” throughout an exemplary career. He was also recognized for the strong leadership and vision he provided to the Southern Alleghenies Planning and Development Commission.

Established in 1976 by the executive directors of Appalachia's local development districts, the DDAA provides professional and technical training opportunities for local economic development officials and community leaders; directs an annual best-practices conference; and promotes improved communication and quality of service throughout the Appalachian Region.