グリーンビル・イースタン・ノースカロライナ（ENC）アライアンスは、2022年9月26日付で、公認経済開発者（CEcD）のジョシュ・ルイスを会長に迎えることになった。ルイス氏はノースカロライナ州とバージニア州の組織で13年以上の経済・労働力開発の経験を持つ。
"I am humbled by the opportunity to join the Greenville ENC Alliance as the next president,” shared Lewis. “It was very clear during the discovery phase of the recruitment process that the area is rich with assets such as infrastructure capacity, human capital, community amenities, higher education opportunities, as well as attractive and growing industry. Above all, I witnessed a strong passion for this community coupled with a desire to maximize success.”
Lewis most recently served as the executive director of the Mount Rogers Regional Partnership, a regional economic development organization serving a multi-county area in Virginia. He has previously held board and development roles with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Downtown Roanoke, United Way, and Goodwill Industries. During his career, Lewis has helped to create more than 5,000 jobs and $1 billion in capital investment.
“The board of directors is excited to welcome Josh Lewis and his family to Greenville and our Pitt County community. Josh has an extensive background in economic development and under his leadership we look forward to continuing the mission of the Alliance and achieving even more success in economic growth and prosperity in Pitt County and eastern North Carolina,” shared Greg Steele, chair of the Greenville ENC Alliance. “We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to Tom Kulikowski who has served as the organization’s interim president during this transition period.”
A search committee was formed in early 2022. The committee contracted with the Nautilus Group, a professional executive search firm with roots in eastern North Carolina, and began interviewing candidates in May.
“The search committee evaluated candidates from across the nation. It was important to us to find someone who values Greenville and Pitt County and wants to be part of the long-term success in the area,” said Michael Overton, chair of the search committee and former chair of the Greenville ENC Alliance. “Josh has wide-ranging economic development experience and leadership as well as a proven track record of success in areas similar to Pitt County.”
In addition to Overton, members of the search committee included Kulikowski, interim president of the Greenville ENC Alliance; Gloristine Brown, Mayor of the Town of Bethel; Drake Brinkley, organization secretary and Commercial Real Property Attorney at Ward and Smith; Ann Wall, Manager of the City of Greenville; Tony Cannon, General Manager of Greenville Utilities Commission; Lawrence Rouse, President of Pitt Community College; and Spence Cosby, former chairman of the Pitt County Committee of 100.
By meeting with community leadership, board members, and staff members in his first few weeks, Lewis will begin work to identify future economic plans and goals for the Greenville and Pitt County area. Kulikowski will assist with this process by facilitating discussions and introductions.
“I am pleased to be transitioning such a strong and impactful organization to our incoming president. I look forward to doing all that I can to make his transition seamless and productive,” shared Kulikowski. “As I resume my previous role as board chair in early October, I am excited by the opportunity to work with Josh and to continue to support the Greenville ENC Alliance organization.”
Lewis will work with Kulikowski, board leadership, community partners, investors, and staff members to develop a comprehensive strategy plan. He says this will be one of his top priorities to ensure targeted economic development efforts.
“This plan will define our goals and outline the roadmap of initiatives required to accomplish our aspirations. This task will require participation and involvement from community stakeholders and the Alliance will continue to be the region's economic development collaborator during the process,” said Lewis. “Greenville and Pitt County will be increasingly recognized as a best place for locating new industry, business creation, and overall livability. I look forward to the journey ahead.”
Lewis obtained an MBA from the University of North Carolina – Greensboro and a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. In addition, he holds a certificate in business strategy from the University of Virginia – Darden School and earned the CEcD designation from the International Economic Development Council.
Outside of work, Josh enjoys history, outdoor activities, sports, and traveling. He and his wife, Amanda, have two dogs and will soon welcome a new addition. They look forward to being part of the Pitt County community and exploring all that eastern North Carolina has to offer.
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メディア関係者連絡先
Maria Satira
Director of Marketing and Communications
Greenville - Eastern North Carolina Alliance
satira@encalliance.com
252-414-2875