Lehigh Valley Business recognizes LVCF president and CEO among the region’s most influential nonprofit leaders
ALLENTOWN, Pa., July 27, 2026 — Erika Riddle Petrozelli, CPA, CAP®, president and CEO of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, has been named to the 2026 LVB300 in the Nonprofits category.
Presented by Lehigh Valley Business, the LVB300 recognizes 300 of the most accomplished and influential leaders shaping the Greater Lehigh Valley’s economy and communities. Honorees are selected by the publication’s editorial team based on sustained professional success, adaptability in the face of economic change, and commitment to their industries and communities. The 2026 honorees represent leaders across more than two dozen business and professional categories.
The Nonprofits category recognizes leaders whose organizations improve quality of life, expand opportunity and strengthen the social fabric of communities throughout the Lehigh Valley.
“I am grateful to be included among so many leaders who are working every day to strengthen the Lehigh Valley,” Petrozelli said. “This recognition reflects the collective efforts of LVCF’s staff, Board of Governors, donors and community partners. Our work depends on bringing people and resources together around shared priorities and creating opportunities for lasting community impact.”
Petrozelli joined LVCF in 2014 and became president and CEO in 2019. Under her leadership, the Community Foundation has grown into an approximately $140 million regional philanthropic organization that connects donors, nonprofits, professional advisors and community partners to address critical needs and expand charitable impact throughout the Lehigh Valley.
As president and CEO, Petrozelli provides strategic leadership for LVCF’s philanthropic mission, donor engagement and community-impact initiatives. She has guided the Foundation’s continued growth while strengthening partnerships across the nonprofit, philanthropic, civic and business sectors.
In its profile of Petrozelli, Lehigh Valley Business highlighted her role in helping transform LVCF from a primarily transactional grantmaking organization into a regional philanthropic leader. The profile also recognized her collaborative leadership and the Foundation’s work to respond to emerging community needs.
One example cited by the publication was the Critical Support Fund, established by LVCF and United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley in 2025. The collaborative fund raised $689,000 to provide food assistance and emergency support for families affected by reductions in public benefits and growing economic pressures.
Petrozelli is a certified public accountant and holds the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® professional designation. Her leadership focuses on building relationships among donors, nonprofit organizations and community partners while positioning LVCF to respond effectively to the region’s immediate needs and long-term opportunities.
To read Petrozelli’s complete LVB300 profile, visit:
https://lvb.com/lvb300/nonprofits/erika-riddle-petrozelli/