Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania (Ben Franklin Northeast) has announced two additions to its team: Ayesha Haider, Portfolio Manager, and Lorraine Santoro, Office Support Coordinator.

Haider joins as Portfolio Manager for the Greater Lehigh Valley, focusing on fostering innovation and economic growth in Northampton, Lehigh, Carbon and Monroe counties.

In this role, she will help identify and support early-stage technology firms and innovative manufacturers for potential investment, guide clients through Ben Franklin’s funding and development processes, and build relationships with regional partners.

Haider has more than 10 years of experience as a business consultant working with small businesses. She specializes in technology commercialization and government contracting.

Santoro joins Ben Franklin Northeast in a multifaceted operations role supporting finance and executive operations.

Her responsibilities include helping ensure financial data accuracy, processing and reconciling transactions, supporting audits, and coordinating key office and conference center activities, along with executive support such as preparing board meeting materials and minutes.

Ben Franklin Northeast is an economic development organization that provides investment capital and business support to startups, manufacturers and business incubators in a 21-county Northeastern Pennsylvania region.

The statewide Ben Franklin Technology Partners network consists of four independent nonprofit organizations located in Bethlehem, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and State College.

Ben Franklin Technology Partners is an initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and is funded by the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority.

Information: nep.benfranklin.org