LATROBE, PA – The Saint Vincent College Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is pleased to announce the appointment of April Kopas as its new executive director.
“I am honored to be part of the rich tradition of Saint Vincent College and to lead the Small Business Development Center’s efforts to help businesses start, grow and prosper in Westmoreland and Fayette counties,” Kopas said. “Strengthening communities remains my top priority through transformative collaboration with businesses, students and community partners.”
Kopas’ appointment began July 27.
She has spent her career serving and helping to strengthen communities and businesses throughout Westmoreland County in several leadership positions.
Kopas was Westmoreland County’s first business development director, assisting thousands of businesses ranging from startups to multinational corporations. Later, as executive director of the Westmoreland County Redevelopment Authority, she founded the Westmoreland County Land Bank—one of the first in the Commonwealth—to remediate blight, revitalize vacant spaces, create new business investment opportunities and improve neighborhoods.
She also served as chief executive officer of the Westmoreland Cultural Trust and was a Seton Hill University Entrepreneurial Excellence Award recipient in recognition of her career achievements.
The new SBDC head has a long history of board service for nonprofit organizations, including with the Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/Fayette, Inc. and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. She is active with the Westmoreland County Autism Society and is also a certified direct support professional to help those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Kopas holds a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs. She earned an undergraduate degree from West Virginia University and is a Greensburg Central Catholic High School alumna.
She resides in Hempfield Township with her husband, Ted. The couple has five children and two granddaughters.
The Saint Vincent College SBDC is part of a statewide network of 15 centers serving all 67 counties in Pennsylvania and is an accredited affiliate of the national network of Small Business Development Centers. Its mission is to grow the economy of the Westmoreland and Fayette county area by providing entrepreneurs with the education, information and tools necessary to build successful businesses.
