Experience, integrity, success

Lift Development was established in 2013 by John Tierney and Matt Tunnell. John and Matt are experienced and respected real estate developers and entrepreneurs in the Southcentral Pennsylvania business community. The pair have successfully completed award winning projects with involvement in many of the region’s high profile projects. 

Their successful projects include: The Midtown Cinema, the region’s only arthouse movie theater; Nittany Place, the leading provider of student housing at Penn State Harrisburg; and, Zeroday Brewing Company, a top brewer in Harrisburg’s emerging craft beer scene.

John Tierney

Partner & Co-Founder

John has concentrated his career managing complex financial and accounting issues for Southcentral Pennsylvania’s most dynamic companies including: The Hershey Company, TE Connectivity, Intercon Systems, and TVC. He has nearly forty years of experience serving as a corporate CFO, controller and various other financial roles. John brings his solid financial and operational background to the firm as well as the strategic vision to guide the firm through the complexities of real estate development and business investment. He is focused on providing a solid return on capital for all Lift Development projects and investments. John and his family are recognized leaders and investors in the region’s arts and culture community. John achieved an undergraduate degree from Rollins College and a MBA from Penn State University.

Matt Tunnell

Partner & Co-Founder

Matt has lived in Southcentral Pennsylvania for virtually his entire life. He is an active member of the region’s real estate development, business investment, and economic development community. His two decades of work include involvement in many of the highest profile projects in Southcentral Pennsylvania.  He has broad experience managing complex projects and working with federal, state, and local leaders. Matt serves on several Dauphin County economic and community development boards and authorities. He is also a member of the Penn State Harrisburg Board of Advisors. Matt’s past experience includes serving as a top official at the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for Governor Tom Ridge. Matt achieved an undergraduate degree from Bucknell University and a MBA from Penn State University.

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