I have spent the last several years obtaining a unique combination of relevant work experience.  My education is in Interior Design and I began my career experience working with Design Alliance Architects.  Later, I moved out west to Phoenix, Arizona where I worked with Desert Viking Companies that specialized in the renovation of both residential and commercial historic properties.  However, my heart belongs to Pittsburgh and after boomeranging back to be closer to friends and family, I committed myself to making a difference in the city I love so much.  Over the last seven years I was fortunate to be on staff of the Mount Washington Community Development Corporation, a non profit organization whose mission is to cultivate growth and community investment in Mount Washington and Duquesne Heights.  Through this role I built strong relationships with a number of Pittsburgh neighborhood organizations and have become quite familiar with revitalization efforts all over the city.  Although born and raised in Castle Shannon where my parents still reside, I'm a city boy and love the hum of activity in an urban environment.  I would love to work with you to find your place in Pittsburgh! Feel free to contact me via email at gpanza@northwood.com or by calling my cell phone at 412-657-3375.  

Here are some highlights to my background that may be of interest to you:

·       Influenced over $5 Million in business district reinvestments as well nearly $50 Million in large scale residential development projects transforming 3 former school buildings and one former church

·       Obtained over $700,000 in grant funding to expand neighborhood development programs

·       Instrumental in the organization of two, “Evening on Grandview” annual fund-raisers, each raising over $20,000 as well as other signature events such as Mount Washington’s Light up Night, Taste of the Mount, and Taste of Shiloh 

·       Directed the MWCDC Main Street Committee to develop an award winning marketing campaign, economic restructuring survey, business recruitment package, and Business District Vision Plan to ensure continued community reinvestment which attracted over 15 new businesses and created over 50 jobs

·       Developed and launched the Mount Washington Art Marketplace which was awarded Honorable Mention by the PA Downtown Center as it was instrumental in increasing traffic in the business district and creating two start-up artist based businesses in the community

·       Conducted a crime safety assessment and spearheaded over $25,000 in beautification projects as well as provide small business assistance in Allentown, an adjacent neighborhood to Mount Washington in the City of Pittsburgh

·       Commended for seven years of service to Mount Washington and neighboring communities with a Pittsburgh City Council Proclamation declaring February 28, 2012, Greg Panza Day in the City of Pittsburgh