About PIA

PIA is a commercial economic development enterprise dedicated to sustainable community economic development and job opportunities. Progress Investment Associates was originally founded in 1962, as Zion Investment Associates, by the late Rev. Dr. Leon H. Sullivan in Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Sullivan, who was the first African American to sit on the board of General Motors Corporation, saw economic development and job training as key components to advancing opportunities for blacks. His primary goal was to encourage the development of black-owned businesses and black self-empowerment. The company was a pioneer in the 60’s, by investing in and starting new businesses.

PIA created and owned several revenue-generating entities that contributed to the economic welfare of African Americans. Several of those companies included, Progress Aerospace Enterprises, Progress Garment Factory, Progress Construction, Progress Appliances, Our Markets, and Progress Plaza Shopping Center.

• Anthony M. Johnson, Sr.
  Chairman
• Pamela Rich-Wheeler
  Vice Chair
• Lawrence S. Spruel, Jr.
  Treasurer
• Cynthia Fullenwellen
  Secretary
• Jewell Antoine-Johnson
• Kenny Ashe
• Donald Birts
• Kerri Conner Matchett
• Daryl DeBrest
• Ronald J. Harper, Esq.
• Wendell R. Whitlock
  Chairman Emeritus