Letter from the CEO: How the Hub is Meeting the Moment

In early August, I attended Appalachia Community Capital’s Opportunity Appalachia Investor Convening in Asheville, NC — a gathering that reaffirmed the power of local leadership to shape economic futures. The convening featured 28 projects seeking to secure over $250 million in investment while creating more than 2,200 quality jobs across central Appalachia. To witness the pride and passion these community members had for their projects was truly inspiring. I have never been prouder to be a southerner with deep roots in Appalachia. Those few days in Asheville reaffirms why supporting community-driven solutions is at the heart of what we do at the Hub.

While in town, I also revisited the rolling hills near my alma mater, Warren Wilson College, and witnessed both the devastation left by Hurricane Helene and the resilience of communities rebuilding in its wake. It felt like the perfect prelude to the convening—an inspiring reminder of what’s possible when vision meets support.

The theme of resilience is deeply personal to me. I come from a long line of moonshiners and farmers in Wilkes County, NC, where my grandmother was one of 14 children. Among my most treasured keepsakes are handwritten moonshine recipes and family stories passed down from my great uncle—symbols of generations who built opportunity in the face of hardship. Their grit and creativity fuel my own approach to leadership today.

In early 2024, the SWPA Municipal Project Hub was launched to help communities meet the moment and advance meaningful, impactful, and sustainable projects in their backyards. Over the last 18 months, we have helped secure over $22 million in grant funding across ten counties — transformative investments that will help improve main streets, update critical infrastructure, and inspire more resilience in the region.

Since taking this role, I have been leaning into how my personal values shape how I want to lead this organization from an authentic place and have the courage to meet the opportunity. A quote I keep above my desk is from Irish journalist Keelin Shanley who says, “Courage is the ability to put worry, ego, and fear to one side and push forward to try and bring about the change.” My personal motivators are to improve, overcome, collaborate, realize the vision and maximize impact. This feels like an accurate reflection of who I am as a person and why I have chosen the career path I have.

That’s why I am especially proud to share that the Hub will continue its critical work with an expanded vision and strategy for the years ahead. Over the past several months, our team has been taking stock of the opportunities and challenges facing the region, sharpening programs set to launch in 2026, and growing our own organizational capacity.

Our mission remains rooted in impactful project development, strong municipal collaboration, and innovative financing strategies to spur equitable economic growth across Southwestern Pennsylvania and the broader Appalachian region. This moment calls for courage, empathy, and fresh thinking—and I believe we are ready.

I invite you to walk alongside us. Stay connected, watch for upcoming announcements, and join us in ensuring this region thrives for generations to come. Together, we can build on Southwestern Pennsylvania’s and Appalachia’s strength and promise.

Yours in service,

Megan Zeigler

Chief Executive Officer