The Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) has announced the hire of Matt Cabrey as senior vice president, external affairs and strategic initiatives. Cabrey will serve as a member of the management team and will be responsible for shaping and implementing overall programmatic and operational strategies of the organization. He officially joined the CCEDC in this role on Oct. 5.

A CCEDC contributor since 2023, Cabrey has led the Ideas x Innovation Network (i2n), helping guide entrepreneurs and innovators to transform ideas from concept to commercialization, including engagement of i2n's partners and supporters across southeastern Pennsylvania's ecosystem of business, civic, higher education, and technology organizations. Cabrey created and leads i2n Angels, a group of accredited investors focused on helping early stage, tech- and solutions-focused entrepreneurs by providing funding, coaching, and mentoring. He also co-founded and implemented LionCage, a regional pitch competition developed and produced in partnership with Penn State University to engage, support, and showcase innovators and startups.

From 2014 to 2020, Cabrey led Select Greater Philadelphia, a regional business attraction marketing organization focused on growing the economic vibrancy of southeastern Pennsylvania by attracting new businesses, jobs, and talent. During his tenure, Cabrey welcomed 62 companies that created more than 1,000 new jobs in the greater Philadelphia area. He also engaged more than 150 public and private sector investors and economic development partners to support those efforts.

Overall, Cabrey has more than 30 years of experience in the economic development, biopharmaceuticals, financial services, marketing and communications, media, and nonprofit sectors. He has traveled to more than 60 cities in 18 countries, supported business operations and growth in three countries, and organized and hosted numerous regional, national, and international business initiatives, delegations, and diplomatic leaders. His previous roles included corporate communications leadership positions at Shire Pharmaceuticals, PNC Financial Services Group, Keystone Mercy Health Plan, and CBS Radio.

In his new role, Cabrey will lead a team that is responsible for investor and partner relations, along with events and sponsorships for CCEDC's various educational programs. He will continue to oversee day-to-day operations and implementation of i2n and i2n Angels while serving as a lead for key projects, including i2n's LionCage and CCEDC's PA Global Business Advisors. Cabrey holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Penn State University.