From a casino and racetrack to a soccer stadium and the revitalization of the county’s waterfront refinery region, Patrick Killian has paved the way for economic development in Delaware County in the last 25 years.

In his role as director of the Delaware County Commerce Center, Killian has attracted global companies to Delco, facilitated redevelopment of countless properties, and created a 10-year road map for economic development with a marketing campaign that encourages businesses to get “The Edge” in Delco.

His efforts have yielded countless benefits for all Delaware County residents that include jobs, a growing tax base, and sustained growth to maintain the quality of life residents enjoy.

County Council recently recognized Killian, and applauded him for being named 2016 Economic Developer of the Year by the Pennsylvania Economic Development Association, a statewide group of economic development professionals.

“One would be hard-pressed to name someone who has had more of an impact on economic development projects in his community in recent years than J. Patrick Killian,” the awards committee said.

“From the revitalization of the Delaware River waterfront to the development of a new energy industry in Delaware County, which Sunoco and ConocoPhillips oil and gas refineries now call home, Killian is recognized for the significant role he plays in economic development across all sectors in southeastern Pennsylvania.”

Economic development in Delaware County during Killian’s tenure includes:

• The attraction of the North Headquarters of SAP to Newtown Square. SAP is the second largest manufacturer of business software in the world and employs 2,500 people at its county office.
• Playing an instrumental role in the development and construction of the $262 million professional soccer stadium on the Chester waterfront, which is now called Talen Energy Park, home to the Philadelphia Union.
• Working to revitalize waterfront refinery properties that shut down in 2013, successfully encouraging alternative uses of the properties to be an energy hub for the East Coast.
• Directing a year-long development of a 10-year local economic development strategy, which includes a new marketing campaign and the establishment of a high-tech business accelerator.

“In over 25 years, Patrick has been involved with over $1 billion dollars of investment, thousands of jobs created, and a wide array of development in our small county,” said County Chairman Mario Civera Jr. “County residents are fortunate to have the experience, talent, and dedication that Patrick has provided to our county for 26 years. He is the catalyst behind much of our economic success.”

Killian, a Haverford resident, said his favorite part of the job is continuing to learn new things and putting them into practice for the benefit of county residents.

“What makes it rewarding is you are constantly learning new things, whether it is how to design and build a soccer stadium, how much slot machines pay off, what is the price margin on a barrel of oil to maintain a successful refinery, or how many barrels of natural gas move through a pipeline daily,” he said.