An attorney who concentrated her practice on employment discrimination and higher education and the former executive director of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs joined the staff of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority this November.
V. Amanda Witts, Esquire, is the new deputy general counsel, joining the Convention Center after practicing with The Tucker Law Group, a boutique litigation firm, based in Philadelphia. María Montero joined the authority as external affairs manager, bringing a passion for women’s leadership and a deep commitment to the Latino-Hispanic community.
“We are very proud to welcome Amanda and María to our staff as uniquely qualified women who are ready to make a tremendous impact here at the Commonwealth’s biggest economic driver for Southeastern Pennsylvania,” said Gregory J. Fox, chairman, Convention Center Authority. “Their talent and experience will fill critical roles on our team as we continue to build business at the Center, in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania.”
Montero received an executive appointment in the Commonwealth to serve as the executive director for the Pennsylvania Commission for Women and then as the executive director of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs (GACLA). She is a first-generation American, a graduate of Marian Catholic, St. Joseph’s University, and Widener Law with a concentration in law and government.
“I love Philly and feel honored to be able to serve Philadelphia, Southeastern Pennsylvania, and the Commonwealth as a conduit to all our stakeholders and community in helping to communicate and to share the amazing opportunities for economic prosperity the Pennsylvania Convention Center brings to our region,” Montero said.
Witts has handled a wide-range of civil cases at all stages, litigating in both state and federal courts and representing clients before administrative agencies such as the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Ms. Witts previously practiced at the Florham Park, N.J., office of Drinker, Biddle & Reath, LLP, where she focused primarily on large-scale, products liability matters. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Witts graduated from Hampton University and Georgetown University Law Center. She is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania, the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, New Jersey and the District Court of New Jersey.
“As a native Philadelphian, I am committed to serving Philadelphia and the Commonwealth in unique and progressive ways. For that reason, I am excited to join such a dynamic team, where I will have the opportunity to provide strong legal counsel and assist in developing and further enhancing diversity policies and trainings that will ensure that the Convention Center employs suppliers and vendors as talented and diverse as our city and state,” said Witts.
