The Pennsylvania Ag Discovery Center has named Amanda Gietka as its new executive director. In this role, Gietka will lead the organization as it advances the development of a landmark educational destination dedicated to celebrating Pennsylvania agriculture and inspiring future generations to explore the industry’s diverse career opportunities.
“Amanda brings the leadership, energy, and nonprofit management experience needed to guide the Discovery Center through the next important stage of its development,” said David Smith, Chair of the Pennsylvania Ag Discovery Center Board of Directors. “Her ability to build partnerships, engage communities, and translate a bold vision into action will be invaluable as we work to bring this one-of-akind destination to life.”
Gietka brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and community engagement, including prior service as executive director of the Waynesboro Area YMCA. Throughout her career, she has secured significant grant funding, led successful annual giving efforts, and played a leadership role in a major capital campaign for a new Boys & Girls Club facility. Drawing on this experience, and on the heels of a momentous $2 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant award for the project, she will lead the Discovery Center’s fundraising efforts, partnership development, public engagement initiatives, and the planning required to advance the project from concept through construction and opening.
“I am honored to join the Pennsylvania Ag Discovery Center and help lead a project with such tremendous potential for education, workforce development, and economic growth,” said Gietka. “Agriculture touches every Pennsylvanian, yet many people have limited opportunities to understand where their food and products come from or the remarkable range of careers available within the industry. The Discovery Center will create an engaging destination where visitors can make those connections, and I am excited to work with the Board and our partners across the Commonwealth to make that vision a reality.”
The Discovery Center is advancing plans for an immersive agricultural education and tourism destination on Gettysburg Village Drive in Mount Joy Township, adjacent to the Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg. The proposed facility will feature hands-on and digital experiences, STEM-integrated exhibits, food labs, outdoor educational and play areas, and spaces for community events. Its programming will connect visitors with the people, products, processes, and innovations that shape Pennsylvania agriculture.
The project reached several major milestones in 2026, including completing due diligence and securing its future site in January. In July, the Discovery Center received $2 million in RACP funding to support site preparation activities needed before vertical construction can begin.
Once complete, the Discovery Center is expected to welcome approximately 175,000 visitors annually, including students, families, and tourists. In addition to advancing agricultural education and career awareness, the facility is expected to support regional tourism and generate economic benefits for nearby hospitality, retail, dining, and other businesses.
Agriculture contributes more than $100 billion annually to Pennsylvania’s economy and supports more than 580,000 jobs statewide. The Discovery Center is being developed to increase public understanding of this vital industry, highlight its statewide economic and cultural importance, and inspire young people to pursue educational and career opportunities in agriculture.