Meet Sharon DeAndrea, Clarion County’s New Community Development Manager

Business owners and community leaders across the region will see a new face at the Clarion County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC). Sharon DeAndrea was recently hired as the Community Development Manager and will lead various community-based initiatives, starting with the CCEDC’s Main Street Matters Façade Improvement Program.

“Our goal is to bring our small rural towns into the spotlight,” says Sharon. “We want to bring more businesses here, which in turn will bring more people here. We also want to support local businesses and create opportunities for them.”

Sharon brings a diverse background to the role, with experience in music, marketing, and community outreach across industries ranging from legal to healthcare and construction, as well as her most recent work with State Representative Josh Bashline.

This is a New Position for the EDC

The Community Development Manager is a new role for Clarion County and will allow the EDC to scale its efforts. Sharon will work alongside executive director Jarred Heuer and the CCEDC’s tourism team, Discover Clarion County.

Jarred announced the creation of the Community Development Manager role at the EDC’s annual meeting. Sharon wasn’t looking for a new job at the time. However, as Heuer described the role, Sharon realized it sounded perfect and aligned with her skill set, and she was impressed by the CCEDC team and their goals.

Sharon’s goal is to leave Clarion County better off than how she found it. She’s eager to talk to people, share resources, and learn more about economic development to better support the region.

“You always want to help your neighbor, and my role at the EDC lets me do that,” says Sharon. “Even though it's often easier to go to Walmart, you want to support local businesses and invest in the people around you.”

DeAndrea is Starting with the Facade Improvement Program

Her primary project at the EDC will be coordinating the CCEDC’s Façade Improvement Program. In May 2026, the CCEDC was awarded $100,000 through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Main Street Matters program to launch a regional façade improvement initiative across Clarion County. Through the program, businesses in Clarion, East Brady, Foxburg, and New Bethlehem may apply for dollar-for-dollar matching grants of up to $10,000 for exterior improvements that enhance the appearance, safety, and functionality of their buildings. 

Eligible projects include window and door replacements, exterior painting, updated signage, lighting improvements, and other façade enhancements.

The regional program builds on a successful pilot launched earlier this year in downtown Knox using funding from the McElhattan Foundation. Several property owners have already completed visible building improvements through the initiative.

The program is intended to preserve and strengthen Clarion County’s downtown business districts, which are vital to both the local economy and the identity of each community. One early success story is Shear Cheveax Styling Salon in Knox, which used the program to help preserve its more than 100-year-old building through new siding and trim improvements.

DeAndrea Embraces Farm Life in Clarion County

For much of her life, Sharon was a city girl. She grew up in Pittsburgh and spent most of her life there, other than a brief detour to Florida. She moved to Clarion County six years ago and very much enjoys living on her farm with her husband, three horses, five dogs, two cats, and 15 chickens.

“I love it here,” she says. “We’ve got a beautiful farm and enjoy every minute of living the country life. It’s peaceful and tranquil. My husband and I spend evenings driving around in the SXS, taking in nature. We love deer spotting and finding new places to take an adventure. It’s not unusual to see more than 40 deer on an evening ride or even a couple of black bears swimming in the creek.”

Sharon also appreciates how community-minded Clarion County residents are. Her neighbors actively introduced themselves when she moved here and offered support when they needed help building her barn.  

“It’s a small community, and people step in to help,” she says. which is incredibly refreshing after living in the city.

This connection to her neighbors, who quickly became friends, emphasizes her goal of building community in the region. She wants to see Clarion County grow through resource sharing, Main Street efforts, and greater economic development.   

Get Involved in Local Economic Development

Economic development benefits all businesses and residents. It creates new opportunities and amenities for everyone in Clarion County. Keep up with the EDC and see what new projects are coming up. You can also become a member and invest in Clarion County's growth.

If you see Sharon around town, stop and say hello. She will be happy to learn about your business, community activities, and/or ambitions. Be sure to ask about her daughters or farm animals. She’s always happy to talk about her family and fur or feathered friends!