Gary Lanier, the executive director of Columbus County Economic Development, is the new president of the N.C. Economic Development Association for the 2024-2025 term. The organization counts more than 950 as members, many of them economic development professionals, along with their allies and partners from the education and government sectors. Lanier was unanimously elected as its leader during the annual meeting held in Wilmington on June 27.
“Gary’s extensive background, including prior service on NCEDA’s board of directors and leadership at Columbus County Economic Development Commission, positions him well to serve as NCEDA president. He brings a wealth of experience, strategic insight, and dedication to advancing the organization’s mission and fostering collaborative growth across communities,” says Joanna Helms, NCEDA’s immediate past president, in a release. Helms lead economic development efforts in the town of Apex.
Lanier also serves as planning director for Columbus County. His 30-year career in engineering and manufacturing included positions at Black & Decker, Eaton Corp. and Hubbell Power Systems. He has degrees from N.C. State University and Western Carolina University, and serves on the boards of North Carolina’s Southeast and the Cape Fear Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Additionally, he holds the prestigious title of Vigil Honor member within the Klahican Lodge of the Order of the Arrow.
The NCEDA has several priorities each year, says Lanier. Those include sharing its legislative agenda with lawmakers, working on professional development and promoting the state. “Like we say, we want to be the voice of economic development for the state of North Carolina,” says Lanier. Specifically, the group will push issues that include workforce preparedness, workforce housing and available product, such as available buildings or industrial sites to show businesses, he says.
NCEDA members also elected Brittany Brady, vice president, and André Lennon, secretary-treasurer, for the coming year. Brady is CEO of the Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development. Lennon is a principal with Civil and Environmental Consultants.
Other elected board members are:
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Trey Cash – vice president, NC Global TransPark Economic Development Region
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Nate Groover – economic development director, town of Garner
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Marvin Price – executive vice president of economic development, Greensboro Chamber of Commerce
Daniel Warrick – senior project manager & land/site industrial practice leader, BGE
