Rachel McDevitt, Vice President of Human Resources at C.F. Martin & Co., Inc., has joined the Board of Directors of Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC).

McDevitt is a seasoned senior executive and human resources leader with more than 25 years of experience driving strategic people initiatives across diverse industries. She joined C.F. Martin & Co., Inc., maker of the iconic Martin Guitars, in 2023, bringing a passion for organizational excellence and a deep commitment to employee engagement and culture.

Since joining Martin Guitar, McDevitt has led transformative HR strategies focused on operational efficiency, talent acquisition and retention, and fostering a high-performance, values-driven workplace. Her leadership has been instrumental in aligning HR practices with business goals to deliver measurable impact.

“We are thrilled to have LVEDC’s first-ever board member from Martin Guitar and for it to be Rachel. Martin is a globally recognized brand made right here in the Lehigh Valley and Rachel is a very experienced executive with a successful career in human resources and talent supply leadership in a variety of industries. The strength of our economic development coalition comes from the companies and people willing to be part of it,” said Don Cunningham, President & CEO.

The Lehigh Valley has been home to Martin Guitar’s headquarters and flagship manufacturing facility since 1839. Musicians around the world recognize Martin’s family of instruments for their superior sound, quality, and craftsmanship. The most well-known of these instruments is the acoustic guitar, played by famous artists ranging from Willie Nelson to John Mayer.

McDevitt replaces outgoing LVEDC Board Member Adam Galczynski, Corporate Director of Sales/Lehigh Valley Director for UGI Utilities, Inc.

A public-private partnership, LVEDC is governed by a Board of 35 directors, the majority of whom are private sector leaders elected by the organization’s Executive Tier investors. Public sector and other regional organizations such as city mayors and county executives are on the Board through their positions.

The LVEDC Board helps set strategies that lead to the creation of employment opportunities for people of all education and skill levels and is essential in the development of LVEDC’s long-term strategic plan by defining its vision, priorities, and strategic initiatives.

A Pittsburgh native, McDevitt has lived in the Lehigh Valley for more than two decades. She holds a Master’s Degree in Human Resources and Industrial Relations from West Virginia University and serves on several local boards, including Valley Youth House and Martin Guitar's Charitable Donations Committee.

She resides in Easton with her husband, Matt, and their two daughters.

(Photo courtesy of C.F. Martin & Co., Inc.)