President - Catawba County EDC

Are You the Next EDC President?

Catawba County (pop. 168,000) is recognized as a regional center for advanced manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, technology, and education. Historically known for its furniture manufacturing and textile industries, the county is now home to world-class manufacturers, a growing technology sector, and significant data center investments. The county's central location, strong transportation network, and skilled workforce continue to attract new industry and support economic growth throughout the region.

The next EDC President will play an integral role in attracting new industry, supporting existing industry, and working with local, state and federal officials to support clear and thoughtful decision-making. The goals are the same as most economic development corporations, maximize opportunities for job growth, tax base generation, and long-term economic health, but the ingredients present in this region are unique.

To work in Catawba County is to quickly hear about “the secret sauce” that has lead to our success in economic development, but it’s really not that secret. It’s a long-term history of cooperation and collaboration built on institutional and individual trust. The result is a region that was able to recover from the devastating job losses in the first decade of the twenty-first century through thoughtful planning and a willingness to make targeted investments to maximize community benefit. To continue this success, we are searching for an EDC president who can carry on the legacy of creating and sustaining a bold shared vision, and the industry know-how to work at all levels and sizes of local, state and federal government.

The ideal candidate will:

 Be a forward-thinking leader who can articulate and execute a compelling vision for Catawba County's future, possess the ability to anticipate economic trends, identify emerging opportunities, and develop strategies that strengthen the county's competitive position while maintaining alignment with community values and priorities.

Be comfortable leading through both opportunity and change, bringing strategic focus, sound judgment, and a results-oriented mindset to the organization.

Have the ability to develop trust-based relationships across a diverse group of stakeholders, including local elected officials, corporate executives and business leaders, educational and workforce development partners, state, regional, and federal agencies, utility providers and infrastructure partners, and civic leaders.

Demonstrate the ability to clearly communicate complex economic development issues.

Advocate effectively for strategic investments and initiatives.

Tell the Catawba County story in compelling and authentic ways.

The ideal candidate is a visionary strategist, trusted relationship builder, skilled communicator, and proven executive who can leverage Catawba County's strengths to attract investment, create opportunity, and lead the community's economic development efforts into the future.

A Thriving Manufacturing and Innovation Economy

Catawba County is nationally recognized for its manufacturing strength and industrial competitiveness. Advanced manufacturing serves as the foundation of the local economy, with more than 400 manufacturing firms employing nearly 30 percent of the workforce. The Hickory Metropolitan Statistical Area consistently ranks among the nation's leaders in manufacturing concentration, reflecting a long-standing culture of innovation, productivity, and entrepreneurship.

The community is experiencing exceptional economic momentum. Recent announcements, including Prysmian's historic $1 billion expansion project and the creation of hundreds of new jobs, demonstrate the county's ability to compete successfully for transformative investments and position itself for continued growth.

Talent, Workforce, and Quality of Life

Catawba County's economic success is supported by a strong talent-development ecosystem that includes Catawba Valley Community College, Lenoir-Rhyne University, and Appalachian State University's Hickory campus. These institutions provide critical workforce training, degree programs, and industry partnerships that help employers meet evolving workforce needs.

The region also offers an exceptional quality of life. National publications have recognized the Hickory area among the nation's most affordable places to live, while residents benefit from a unique combination of economic opportunity, outdoor recreation, vibrant communities, and reasonable living costs.

The Opportunity

The next President of the Catawba County EDC will have the opportunity to lead one of North Carolina's most respected economic development organizations during a period of significant growth and transformation. Working closely with public and private stakeholders, the President will build on the county's manufacturing leadership, expand opportunities in emerging industry sectors, strengthen workforce initiatives, and champion a bold vision for long-term economic competitiveness.

This position requires a visionary and collaborative leader who can balance strategic growth with community values, cultivate meaningful partnerships, communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, and serve as the chief advocate for Catawba County's economic future. The successful candidate will inherit a strong foundation and have the opportunity to shape the next chapter of prosperity for one of North Carolina's most dynamic communities.

A Sample of Key Focus Areas for the Next 3-5 Years Include:

Structuring a long-term vision of product sustainability, including diversity of industry and diversity of project size, and development of a program/regiment to ensure proactive awareness and control of the most desirable land for industrial development.

Codify and prioritize current and past successful practices, both internally and with external partners.

Continuous education of newly elected/appointed officials in the region regarding the the value and impact of economic development efforts with transparency and credibility.

Education & Experience 

Bachelor’s degree in related economic development or business field

Certified Economic Developer (CEcD)

10 years of substantial experience in planning, economic and/or community development, business or related field or an equivalent combination of education, experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Experience managing projects and people in a nonprofit, public agency or private company.

Direct experience developing close working relationships with governmental groups at the local, state and federal level, and constituents/stakeholders which might include elected officials, board of directors, employees and other business and community support organizations.

Salary and Benefits

Salary Range: The salary will be competitive relative to industry norms for similar agencies and responsibilities. The position is exempt.

Benefits: Medical & dental insurance, short- and long-term disability, life/AD&D insurance, 8% retirement (SEP plan), mileage reimbursement or use of company vehicle for business-related travel, payment of professional dues & memberships, paid holidays, annual leave, sick leave.

Governance

The President is appointed by the Catawba EDC Board of Directors, which is made up of 9 members who serve staggered, three-year terms.

5 members appointed by Catawba County 2 members appointed by the City of Hickory 1 member appointed by the City of Conover   1 member appointed by the City of Newton

Catawba County’s continued success is due in large part to the role of the EDC as a clearinghouse for large economic development interests and projects within the county. The EDC President serves as a trusted resource to both elected officials and appointed staff, which results in tangible outcomes for the community, and the entirety of the EDC staff are a resource to local governments and industry.

After nearly 30 years of service, the current EDC President is retiring from the role, and will be available in an advisory capacity. The successful candidate will inherit a strong foundation and have the opportunity to shape the next chapter of prosperity for one of North Carolina's most dynamic communities.