The firm has hired Sheila Johnson, former vice president of Berks Economic Partnership and PPL Economic Development Director.

Johnson will begin serving City Center immediately as a consultant from her firm, Innisfree Advisors LLC.

City Center is building two high-rise Class A office buildings adjacent to Allentown's coming arena at Seventh and Hamilton streets. Both buildings are due for completion in 2014.

City Center also will include a 180-room full-service hotel attached to the arena and has plans for extensive commercial, retail and residential development downtown over the next decade.

In her new role, Johnson will develop a comprehensive strategy for out-of-area business prospecting and marketing for City Center, including partnerships with economic development organizations and governmental economic contacts.

She also will identify out-of-area and out-of-state businesses to target, develop a lead-generation program and implement marketing tactics to support those efforts.

"Sheila brings to City Center an exceptional economic development record that includes national and global experience, Fortune 500-company experience and expertise in creating strategic alliances," said City Center president J.B. Reilly. "She understands the innovative environment we're creating at City Center, and I'm certain she'll help us convey to all the right audiences everything this unique project has to offer."