Cody Goss, the new executive director of Harrisburg Young Professionals
Harrisburg Young Professionals appointed a new executive director Wednesday, filling a post open since last fall.
Cody Goss, of Midtown, who has served as the group’s part-time communications coordinator since 2024, has been hired to lead the city-based nonprofit. Originally from Milton, he and his wife have lived in Harrisburg for the last nine years.
The 31-year-old will be officially introduced as the organization’s leader later this month at its Feb. 25 annual meeting. In the meantime, Goss said that he is jumping into the full-time role “head first.”
“HYP is just such a positive organization to be around,” Goss said, noting he is excited to uphold the organization’s mission—“to make Harrisburg a better place to live, work and play.”
“Meeting people within the community, making a positive impact, and driving HYP to be more successful— those are my overarching goals,” he said.
Goss graduated from Harrisburg University last month with a degree in business administration.
While obtaining his degree, he said that he gained a good understanding of how to build customer and sponsor relations and bolster community engagement. He sees opportunities for HYP to engage more up-and-coming professionals at local colleges like HACC, Central Penn College, and Harrisburg University and help them understand what the group can offer.
“There’s tons of organic social opportunities where you don’t have to necessarily be in a suit and tie and passing out your business card, but you can genuinely meet people,” Goss explained.
HYP President Faniel Yemane indicated that Goss’s existing commitment and involvement with HYP give him a great starting place as the organization’s lead.
“As we step into this next chapter, I have full confidence in Cody’s ability to lead with clarity, energy and purpose,” Yemane said.
The organization’s former executive director, Meghan (Bachmore) Vanderstappen, left the role in October of last year after a three-and-a-half-year stint. She began in January 2022.
Prior to Vanderstappen, the position had been empty for two years. Her predecessor, Derek Whitesel, stepped down just before the COVID-19 pandemic.
HYP will host its 28th Annual Meeting and Awards Night on Feb. 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Strawberry Square.
For more information on HYP, visit its website.
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