With an eye toward expanding its data analysis and presentation, Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. (LVEDC) has named Frank Alvarado as Director of Research and Data Management.

Alvarado has been with LVEDC for about five years and previously served as Talent Strategies Manager.

LVEDC publishes extensive data to tell the story of the Lehigh Valley’s economy and workforce. Alvarado has vast experience crunching numbers and presenting them in a visually appealing manner. He recently was certified as a user of Tableau, a data visualization software.

"It's been wonderful to watch Frank's growth. He started with us as an intern and has developed into a key part of LVEDC's professional staff. With his technical knowledge and eye for data that is critical to LVEDC's mission, he's a natural for this new role," said Don Cunningham, LVEDC President and CEO.

Alvarado’s duties have included production of LVEDC’s annual Hot Careers Guide.

He will be responsible for tracking and reporting economic and demographic “vital signs” of the Lehigh Valley. He will identify opportunities for research ­–– such as cost-of-living and labor market and wage rate analysis –– that will enhance LVEDC’s ability to market the region’s economic assets.

"The time I’ve spent at LVEDC has allowed me to further explore my interest in research and data analysis and I’m looking forward to performing new duties and taking on new responsibilities to continue to support LVEDC initiatives,” Alvarado said. “I am grateful for the continued opportunities for career advancement that have been provided by LVEDC."

He joined LVEDC in 2016 as an intern. He was hired to a temporary, full-time position as Assistant Director of Outreach and then promoted to a permanent full-time position as Talent Strategies Manager.

“It has been a gift working with Frank closely on talent strategies for the past five years. He is not only a pleasure to work with but also a creative thinker and versatile utility player,” said Karianne Gelinas, Vice President of Regional Partnerships & Talent Strategies at LVEDC. “Each time Frank has been met with a challenge, he has excelled. I’m thrilled for his promotion and opportunity for growth here at LVEDC.”

LVEDC scrutinizes data from the Census Bureau and other sources to measure the Lehigh Valley’s performance in many sectors, including population growth, educational attainment and age of the population, and employment by sector. Those are metrics that businesses consider when choosing where to locate or whether to expand.

LVEDC also publishes quarterly reports about commercial real estate that highlight new space that has been completed or is under construction, as well as vacancy rates and average rent.

“Frank is tenacious and innovative, and his talents will improve LVEDC’s already robust data analysis,” said Nicole Radzievich Mertz, Vice President of Marketing, Communications, and Research at LVEDC. “This new position will allow him to tap the full potential of his growing skill set, for the benefit of the Lehigh Valley.”