NCEDA presents an annual award to a member who has made significant and measurable contributions to their local community and the North Carolina economic development community as a whole. The award recipients demonstrate leadership, excellence, creativity and show initiative with work-related professional accomplishments.
The NCEDA Economic Developer of the Year Award
Crystal Gettys
Randolph County Economic Development
Previous Honorees
2024: Kelly Andrews – Pitt County Economic Development
2024: Page Castrodale – Cabarrus Economic Development Corporation
2023: Marvin Price – Greensboro Chamber of Commerce
2022: Irena Krstanovic – Holly Springs Economic Development
2021: Leigh Cockram – Rockingham County Economic Development
2020: Bob Joyce – Sanford Area Growth Alliance
2019: Michael Haley – Wake County Economic Development
2018: Norris Tolson – Carolinas Gateway Partnership
2017: Wanda Yuhas – Pitt County Development Commission
2016: Chris Platé – Monroe-Union County Economic Development
2015: Sandy Dunbeck – High Point Economic Development Corporation
2013: Terry Bralley – Davie County Economic Development Commission
2012: Sam Powers – City of Asheville
2011: Tom Johnson – Rutherford County Economic Development Corporation
2011: Mark Pope – Lenoir County Economic Development Department
2010: Don Porter – Raeford-Hoke County Economic Development Commission
2010: Scott Millar – Catawba County Economic Development Corporation
2009: Donny Hicks – Gaston County Economic Development Commission
2008: Joanna Thompson – Wayne County Development Alliance
2007: Ken Atkins – Wake County Economic Development
2006: Jane Smith – North Carolina Southeast Partnership
2005: Mac Williams – Alamance County Chamber of Commerce
2004: Johnny Rogers – Martin County Economic Development Commission
