The continued success of the North Carolina Economic Development Association depends largely on the time and talent members provide through our standing committees. The members of these committees have an opportunity to support NCEDA’s important efforts and achieve professional and personal growth by serving in the areas that interest them.
NCEDA needs and appreciates the work of active and involved members, and serving on a committee is a great way to provide that support. We encourage you to identify the area that interests you most and contact the chair of that committee to learn how you can become involved.
CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE 2025-26 COMMITTEE SIGN-UP FORM
If you have any trouble accessing the form, view the committee opportunities below, and email Liz Dobbins-Smith with your committee preference(s).
2025 Fall Conference Committee
Co-Chairs: Clark Duncan and Marvin Price
This committee is responsible for selecting the theme of the Fall Conference, shaping the overall vision and content of the program, and working closely with the NCEDA management team to support planning and logistics. Its role includes identifying session topics, recommending speakers, and helping ensure a valuable and engaging experience for all attendees. The committee meets every other week via Zoom beginning in early August until the conference.
2026 Spring Conference Committee
Co-Chairs: Jenn Bosser and Leigh Cockram
This committee is responsible for selecting the theme of the Spring Conference, shaping the overall vision and content of the program, and working closely with the NCEDA management team to support planning and logistics. Its role includes identifying session topics, recommending speakers, and helping ensure a valuable and engaging experience for all attendees. The committee meets every other week via Zoom beginning in December until the conference.
2026 Annual Conference Committee
Chair: André Lennon
This committee is responsible for selecting the theme of the Annual Conference, shaping the overall vision and content of the program, and working closely with the NCEDA management team to support planning and logistics. Its role includes identifying session topics, recommending speakers, and helping ensure a valuable and engaging experience for all attendees. The committee meets every other week via Zoom beginning in late March until the conference.
Advancement and Engagement Committee
Co-Chairs: André Lennon and Marvin Price
This committee was established in 2023 to implement inclusive strategies that foster advancement, engagement, collaboration, and opportunity for all within the Association, the Foundation, and the Economic Development Profession – ensuring all voices are represented, valued, and empowered at every level. The goal is to create an environment where individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, roles, and communities feel supported, welcomed, valued, and encouraged to engage fully. Committee members meet quarterly via Zoom to identify outreach opportunities, recommend initiatives, and support efforts that foster a more connected and representative membership experience.
Emerging Executives Committee *
Chair: Anna Walker / Vice Chair: James Carter
This committee leads the planning and execution of the annual Emerging Executives Forum by providing input on relevant topics, selecting engaging speakers, and coordinating the event schedule. In addition to shaping this signature event, the committee also organizes NCEDA’s community service projects, fostering member involvement and local impact and will lead the coordination of the annual Career Trek. It further plays a key role in overseeing the NCEDA Mentorship Program, working in close partnership with the Professional Development Committee to connect emerging professionals with experienced leaders and support career growth across the organization. Committee members meet virtually every other month, with meetings occurring more frequently in the weeks leading up to the Forum.
* To serve on the Emerging Executives Committee, members must be under the age of 40 or have fewer than five years of experience in the field of economic development.
Legislative Committee
Chair: Timothy Downs / Vice Chair: Trey Cash
This committee addresses NCEDA’s legislative priorities and updates, calls to action, the annual Legislative Day, and other legislative outreach. Members serve as key links to activate our grassroots advocacy for issues critical to North Carolina’s economic development. The committee meets several times a year via Zoom and will also convene once in person on the morning of December 4 in Raleigh, prior to the Triangle Networking Lunch.
Marketing and Membership Committee
Chair: Natalie Hawkins / Vice Chair: Dan Warrick
This committee plays a key role in developing both internal and external marketing strategies to enhance NCEDA’s visibility and impact. In addition, the committee supports member engagement by leading recruitment and retention initiatives, helping to grow and strengthen the organization’s statewide network. Efforts may include promoting member benefits, supporting outreach campaigns, and identifying opportunities to connect with prospective and existing members in meaningful ways (including the virtual New Member Orientation sessions offered three times per year). Committee members meet virtually once a month during the program year.
Professional Development Committee
Chair: Julie Pruett / Vice Chair: Nate Groover
This committee is responsible for guiding the content and structure of NCEDA’s educational offerings, including webinars, networking luncheons, and the Practitioners Workshop. The committee also oversees NCEDA’s awards selection and collaborates with the Emerging Executives Committee on the Mentorship Program and other initiatives supporting early-career professionals. In addition, they work with the NCEDA Foundation to review and select scholarship recipients during the fall and spring cycles. The committee meets virtually once a month during the program year.
