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Allentown City Council unanimously confirmed the appointment of Vicky Kistler as Community and Economic Development (CED) Director following Mayor Matt Tuerk’s recommendation to promote her to this Cabinet level position.
“I’m excited to work with Vicky, who’s proven herself to be a fantastic leader in managing the City’s health bureau for the past fifteen years,” said Tuerk. “Her experience in public health will center our department’s activities on resolving the social determinants of health that play a huge role in outcomes for our residents.”
Kistler served as Director of the City’s Health Bureau prior to stepping up as Interim CED Director this past February.
As CED Director, she will oversee the Building Standards and Safety Bureau, Business Development Office, Health Bureau, Housing and Federal Grants Office, Human Relations Office, Planning and Zoning Bureau, and Special Events Bureau.
Kistler will also serve as the main liaison between the City and its various community partners that influence the social determinants of health, including business, educational, and health care partners.
“I’m grateful to Mayor Tuerk and to Allentown City Council for this opportunity of a lifetime,” Kistler said. “CED is an important arm of the City and I look forward to using my public health background to help address the social determinants of health in this role. One way to do that is through our neighborhoods, and I will look to blend the Recreation Department and Special Events Bureau to create an Office of Neighborhood Engagement that will involve neighborhoods in social activities.”
Kistler has been with the City for twenty-nine years and holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Bloomsburg University and a master’s in Education and Community Counseling from Lehigh University.
The City will conduct a search for a new Health Bureau Director, which is currently being led by Garry Ritter.
Information provided to TVL by:
Genesis Ortega
Communications Manager
Office of the Mayor
http://www.AllentownPA.gov
