October 20, 2026
RALEIGH, N.C., October 20, 2026 – The North Carolina Economic Development Association (NCEDA) recognized four longtime members with its Lifetime Service Award during the association’s Fall Conference in Asheville on October 20.
The Lifetime Service Award recognizes NCEDA members who have made significant contributions to the association and the economic development profession through their leadership, service, and commitment to others.
The 2026 Lifetime Service Award recipients are:
Joanna Helms: With more than 25 years of involvement in NCEDA, Joanna Helms has played a significant role in economic development across North Carolina. She spent 21 years leading economic development efforts in Wayne County before becoming the Town of Apex’s first Economic Development Director in 2014. In recognition of her contributions to the profession, she was named NCEDA Economic Developer of the Year in 2008. Most recently, she helped secure the NC Children’s Hospital, a project recognized with NCEDA’s 2026 Large Market Deal of the Year Award. Helms has served three terms on the NCEDA Board of Directors, chaired numerous committees, and served as 2023–24 NCEDA President.
Raul Peralta: Through his work as Senior Vice President with ECS Southeast, Raul Peralta has provided technical expertise on economic development projects and sites throughout North Carolina, building strong relationships with professionals and communities across the state. An NCEDA member for more than 30 years, Peralta has served on the Board of Directors, supported membership growth, moderated numerous conference sessions, and played a key role in the association’s fundraising efforts. He has also contributed his time and expertise to the Southern Economic Development Council and the North Carolina Community College System.
Mark Pope: As President of the North Carolina Global TransPark Economic Development Region, Mark Pope leads economic development efforts across Greene, Lenoir, and Wayne counties, building on a career dedicated to bringing jobs and investment to eastern North Carolina. Named NCEDA’s Economic Developer of the Year in 2011, Pope has also been a dedicated mentor to emerging professionals. During his more than 20 years as an NCEDA member, he has served on the Board of Directors, held every position on the Executive Committee, including President in 2018-19, and chaired numerous committees.
Melanie O’Connell Underwood: A trailblazer in North Carolina economic development, Melanie O’Connell Underwood was the first woman in the state to earn the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation. Throughout her career, her work has helped bring more than 19,000 jobs and $5 billion in investment to North Carolina. Her experience spans Chatham County, Mooresville, and her current role with the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC). An NCEDA member since 1987, Underwood has served on several committees, helped plan conferences, and participated in the association’s Mentorship Program since its inception, while mentoring generations of economic development professionals.
“Economic development is ultimately about people, partnerships, and a shared commitment to creating opportunity for others. The individuals receiving this year’s Lifetime Service Award have demonstrated that commitment throughout their careers, strengthening not only the communities they have served, but our profession and the state of North Carolina. Their leadership, collaboration, and willingness to invest in others represent the very best of economic development. On behalf of NCEDA, it is a privilege to recognize and celebrate their extraordinary service and lasting impact,” said André Lennon, President of NCEDA.
