About Us
Harrisburg Young Professionals (HYP) is a group of young, active, civic-minded professionals who have a clear vision of Harrisburg’s future as a great place to live, work, and play. We are part of a movement that is breathing new life into urban areas and lessening the negative impact of suburban sprawl. We also work to prevent the migration of educated young people to larger cities (often referred to as “brain drain”) and to encourage those who have left to return to the Central Pennsylvania region.
Origins
In the spring of 1998, five friends recognized the need for young professional men and women to come together and take action in the city of Harrisburg to encourage growth. The founders of HYP, J. Alex Hartzler, Eric Morrison, John Norton, Greg Rothman, and Dan Schwab.
J. Alex Hartzler, former president of HYP, explains, “Harrisburg is a city we believe is poised to experience a long-overdue renaissance…The energy, enthusiasm, and talent of the new members stand out as most encouraging for the city’s future.”
The year 2023 marks HYP’s 25th Anniversary! In 2018 we interviewed some of our founders and past board members for the 20th anniversary.
Mission
HYP serves as a catalyst in making Harrisburg a better place to live, work, and play while developing and retaining future leaders.
Structure
HYP is led by a Board of Directors, all forty years of age or younger. Within the Board, there are the offices of President, Vice-Presidents (2), Secretary, and Treasurer.
HYP has nine standing committees, one partnership committee, and three administrative committees. The chairpersons of the committees are nominated by the Nominating Committee and approved by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. The committees are:
Standing Committees
- Arts & International Committee
- City Living Committee
- DEIB
- Economic Development Committee
- Marketing & Public Relations Committee
- Membership Committee
- Outreach Committee
- Social Committee
- Sports & Fitness Committee
Partnership Committee
- HYP Toastmasters Committee
Administrative Committees
- Finance Committee
- Nominating Committee
- Personnel Committee
The HYP Board of Advisors, led by Chairperson Joe Massaro (President & CEO, PR&LA) includes representatives from local businesses such as the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC, Central Penn Business Journal, Harristown Development, Members 1st Federal Credit Union, and more.