Benjamin G. Bush, MPA
Executive Director
Ben joined Forward Lawrence in July of 2023. Since assuming the leadership role for the Forward Lawrence Chamber and Economic Alliance, Ben successfully restructured the organization to ensure a greater value proposition for its members, greater community participation, and has strengthened the organization’s financial position.
Ben’s mission for Forward Lawrence is to be the driving force enhancing economic growth and opportunity throughout Lawrence County while serving as the voice of business and industry and promoting excellence in leadership, collaboration, and development activities.
For the last 17 years, Ben Bush has dedicated himself to a career in public service. In his most recent role, he served the Commonwealth, specifically the General Assembly, as a District Director for State Senate leadership. In this role, Ben was responsible for oversight of district operations, including constituent services, community, and economic development projects, strategic partnerships as well as assisting municipalities and non-profits with grant application and administration issues.
Earlier in his career, Ben served 7+ years in the US Army in various capacities in the Intelligence field. Ben deployed to the Central Command Area of Operations in 2011 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He ended his Military career in 2013 as his battalion’s intelligence noncommissioned officer in charge.
Ben attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania, receiving his BA in 2014. He returned to IUP to finish his graduate studies receiving an MA in Public Affairs with a concentration in Local Government Administration in 2022. Ben currently resides in Neshannock Township with his wife Jennifer and their three children, Chris, Charlie, and Ava.
Contact Ben at bush@lawrencecounty.com
Diane Lynn Richardson, CEcD, EDFP
Assistant Director of Economic Development
Diane Lynn joined the team in June of 1991. She holds a B.A. degree in Art History from Mansfield University, PA, Paralegal Certificate from Penn State University, A.A. degree from Butler County Community College, an Economic Development Finance Professional Certificate from the National Development Council, and is an International Economic Development Council Certified Economic Developer, the standard of excellence for the economic development profession. Born and raised in Butler County and later graduating high school from New Wilmington in Lawrence County, Diane returned home in 1991 after ten years in Las Vegas, NV working mainly in the horse racing industry.
Diane’s responsibilities include:
- loan packaging
- grant writing and compliance
- managing and marketing a sites/facility database
- responding to client RFIs
- conducting client research
- helping roll out our new Leadership Lawrence County program
Diane lives on a small farm in Plain Grove Township and enjoys refinishing and upholstering furniture, sewing, and stained glass art projects. She is the mother of two – daughter, Anna, a junior at Slippery Rock University studying Marine Biology, and son, Parker, an Urban Farm Manager in Youngstown, OH – as well as the proud grand mom of Stella and Isaac.
Contact Diane at richardson@lawrencecounty.com
Lyndsey Overby, MPR, IOM
Assistant Director of Chamber Operations
Lyndsey joined the team in July 2021. She holds a B.S. in Media Communications and an M.A. in Public Relations from Full Sail University.
In 2022, Lyndsey finished 96 hours of nonprofit management training to receive her Institute for Organization Management (IOM) through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. She participated in many courses and discussions surrounding advocacy, media training, membership, finance, legal issues, human resources, and much more during this training. The institute ultimately educates participants on all facets of running a nonprofit organization.
Lyndsey's primary role is to oversee daily chamber operations such as membership, events, Leadership Lawrence County, newsletter and social media marketing, and the Forward Lawrence Young Professionals group.
Lyndsey is married to her high school sweetheart, Wes where they enjoy traveling, spending time with family, and being "dog parents" to their boxer, Jackson.
Contact Lyndsey at overby@lawrencecounty.com
Paul Bucciarelli, MBA
Business Retention and Workforce Specialist
Paul Bucciarelli accepted the Business Retention and Workforce Specialist position after serving as a business consultant with the Duquesne University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for three years. Prior to working for the SBDC, Paul spent 19 years as VP - Supply Chain Manager at PNC Financial Group. Paul previously held merchandising and management positions with New Castle-based discount retailer, Fishers Big Wheel, and Servistar, a hardware membership co-op group.
Paul will work to expand positive working relationships with such local workforce development groups as the Lawrence County Learning Center, West Central Job Partnership, CareerLink and others, as well as design and implement a face to face business call program to support the needs of area employers.
Paul holds a Master's in Business Administration from Youngstown State University and a Bachelor's degree in Advertising and Journalism form Penn State. He is a part-time faculty member for the Penn State Shenango Campus, and he also serves on the Advisory Board for PSU-Shenango. Paul lives in the New Castle North Hill Historic District.
Contact Paul at paul@lawrencecounty.com
Ashley LaPier
Membership Engagement Director
Ashley LaPier joined the chamber as their Membership Engagement Director in January 24. After coordinating the very successful New Castle Home Town Holiday Parade in 23, the chamber sought her assistance in event planning. Shortly after she started at the chamber, they realized she would also be an excellent Membership Engagement Director with plans to increase their membership numbers.
Ashley is responsible for assisting current and new members with utilizing their membership, answering questions, and adding more benefits to our membership tiers. If you are interested in learning more about membership opportunities, please email Ashley at lapier@lawrencecounty.com.
Ashley holds her BFA in Theatre Arts from Jacksonville University. Currently living in the city of New Castle with her husband and 3 fur babies, she is heavily involved with the Oneness initiative and active member of New Visions for Lawrence County. Ashley has been recognized by the New Castle Library as the Libraries Finest of 2023.
Contact Ashley at lapier@lawrencecounty.com