Our Leadership

A proud Lehigh Valley native, Alison Pickel is a relationship-driven leader with nearly two decades of experience advancing community engagement, economic development and strategic partnerships throughout the Greater Lehigh Valley.

Prior to joining United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley as Vice President of Resource Development, Alison spent more than 17 years with the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, where she most recently served as Senior Vice President of Member Relations & Operations. Throughout her tenure, she played an integral role in strengthening one of the nation's largest chambers of commerce through leadership in membership development, organizational operations and strategic relationship management.

Pickel worked collaboratively with businesses of all sizes, nonprofit organizations, municipalities, educational institutions and community leaders to cultivate partnerships that fostered economic growth and enhanced quality of life throughout the region. She also worked closely with the Chamber's city and community chambers, supporting local business districts, advancing community-based initiatives and strengthening connections between employers, civic leaders and residents across the Lehigh Valley.

A passionate advocate for community development, Pickel helped lead the Chamber's Campaign for Community Development, a regional initiative focused on promoting equitable economic growth, strengthening neighborhoods and creating vibrant, connected communities. The initiative brought together leaders from across sectors to identify opportunities for investment and collaboration that would create long-term benefits for the region.

Among her most notable accomplishments was helping establish and grow the Chamber's nationally recognized Veterans & Military Council. Working alongside veteran business leaders and community partners, she helped build an organization dedicated to supporting veterans, active-duty military members and their families through workforce development, professional networking, leadership opportunities, advocacy and community service. Under her leadership, the Council developed signature initiatives that connected employers with veteran talent, recognized military service and strengthened support systems for those who have served our country.

Throughout her career, Pickel has been recognized for her ability to bring people together, build lasting partnerships and lead collaborative initiatives that create meaningful impact. Her work has consistently focused on connecting organizations with opportunities to invest in their communities while fostering relationships that strengthen the social and economic fabric of the Greater Lehigh Valley.

Pickel is a graduate of Temple University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in communications. She remains deeply committed to serving the Lehigh Valley and building partnerships that create opportunities for individuals, businesses and communities to thrive.