These committees select conference themes, shape the overall vision and content of the program, and work closely with NCEDA’s management team to support planning and logistics.

• 2025 Fall Conference Committee
  Co-Chairs: Clark Duncan and Marvin Price
  This committee meets every other week via Zoom, from early August until the conference.
  

• 2026 Spring Conference Committee

  Co-Chairs: Jenn Bosser and Leigh Cockram

  This committee meets every other week via Zoom, from December until the conference.
  

• 2026 Annual Conference Committee

  Chair: André Lennon

  This committee meets every other week via Zoom, from late March until the conference.

Co-Chairs: André Lennon and Marvin Price

This committee implements inclusive strategies that foster advancement, engagement, collaboration, and opportunity for all within the Association, the Foundation, and the economic development profession. Committee members meet quarterly via Zoom to identify outreach opportunities, recommend initiatives, and support efforts that create a more connected and representative membership experience.

Chair: Anna Walker / Vice Chair: James Carter

This committee leads planning and execution of the annual Emerging Executives Forum. The committee also organizes NCEDA’s community service projects, coordinates the annual Career Trek, and oversees the NCEDA Mentorship Program, working with the Professional Development Committee to connect emerging professionals with experienced leaders. 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.

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.

Chair: Natalie Hawkins / Vice Chair: Dan Warrick

This committee plays a key role in developing NCEDA’s internal and external marketing strategies. The committee also supports member engagement by leading recruitment and retention initiatives. Efforts may include promoting member benefits, supporting outreach campaigns, and identifying opportunities to connect with prospective and existing members. Committee members meet virtually once a month during the program year.

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.