TheBurg

1. Why did you decide to go into your profession? I like to think my profession picked me. I've always been a connector and a communicator with an innate interest in event planning. From the beginning of my career, I've been drawn to jobs that allow me to pursue those elements of my personality. Prior to taking the new role of leading the ExploreHBG program in 2018, I was the Director of Business Development for the City of Harrisburg. at was a perfect job for someone like me who loves this city and enjoys networking with the local business community. My greatest joy came from creating new events and business opportunities that would bene!t everyone who lives, works and plays in the city. In many ways, my role at ExploreHBG is a continuation of those elements from my previous job, but with more layers of responsibility and a slightly broader scope. 2. What makes your approach to your job di!erent or unique? My greatest successes have come from my strong belief in the power of partnerships and focusing on authenticity. When I was hired in 2018 to expand the ExploreHBG brand into a more formalized and comprehensive marketing and outreach program, I started with a vision that embraced those core beliefs. 1. Why did you decide to go into your profession? My current role is Regional Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Manager for Pennsylvania, but I have worked for M&T Bank for 38 years! I started in 1981 at a predecessor bank in Altoona as a mortgage clerk. One of the many great things about M&T Bank is the ability to advance your career through internal opportunities. In 1987, I took advantage of an opportunity to work at the newly formed holding company and moved to Harrisburg. I quickly discovered that I liked working with customers—providing solutions and !nancial advice. e decision to move into CRA was an easy one for me. e CRA is about serving low- and moderate-income people and communities. Prior to this role, I spent three years focusing on mortgages for low- and moderate-income individuals. e mortgage process is complex, and I absolutely loved helping someone get to the closing table. I was delighted to be part of that journey and worked hard to ensure that I was setting my customers up to succeed. So, I feel that my profession found me, and I enjoy every minute of it! First, I wanted ExploreHBG to be authentic. It had to reect our community values, our diverse culture and our local avors, while giving visitors an honest glimpse into the events, businesses and attractions that make Harrisburg so unique. Second, I realized we would need to rely heavily on local collaboration to successfully grow our program and widen our impact. rough our community and business partnerships, we have been able to quickly expand ExploreHBG.com with more videos, timely blogs and dynamic imagery, all supported by an aggressive advertising plan. To date, our "We Own the Weekend" campaign has generated 51 million impressions through billboards, online and transit ads, resulting in a 167 percent increase in website trac. We have also secured a number of cooperative agreements with community organizations that are resulting in greater support for new and existing events that draw visitors to the city. 3. What's the most fun part of what you do? It's hard to pinpoint the "most fun" part of this job. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to work with incredibly talented entrepreneurs, event planners and nonpro!t leaders. I especially love o&ering my audience "sneak peeks" into upcoming events, special retail o&ers and new business openings. I also enjoy writing for the ExploreHBG Blog, where I get to share recommendations, quirky HBG history, event guides and so much more. 2. What makes your approach to your job di!erent or unique? I work with many di&erent regions across Pennsylvania, each with its own unique needs. I like to roll up my sleeves and work side-by-side with not only my colleagues, but with the community-based organizations that serve our regions. is approach provides a regional viewpoint that is essential for the bank to continue its good work in helping its communities. It's important to be integrated in this type of role. Your perspective is enhanced, and I feel that helps me when I'm advocating at the regional level. 3. What's the most fun part of what you do? In addition to serving the communities across Pennsylvania, I would also include my service to the bank's diversity and inclusion e&orts. I am a founding member of the bank's Women's Interest Network (WIN) Resource Group for South/Central Pennsylvania. It's one of three resource groups in the Pennsylvania market. Our mission is to promote individual development that helps our members achieve their career and personal goals. We do this through programming, leadership training, mentoring and volunteerism. We believe that a strong, supportive network of women is bene!cial not only for each individual, but also for the community at large. It's easy to see why this initiative tops the list! EXPLOREHBG 717.635.6210 EXPLOREHBG.COM M&T BANK 717-213-3101 MTB.COM DEVAN DRABIK, Director GAIL M. D'ANGELO, Administrative Vice President & Regional CRA Manager

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