BDI Hires New President and CEO
February 5, 2015
For Immediate Release
Burke Development, Inc. Hires New President and CEO
Alan Wood to Join Organization March 9
BURKE COUNTY, N.C. (February 5, 2015) – Bryan Steen, Chairman of Burke Development, Inc. (BDI) announces the hiring of Alan D. Wood, CEcD, as President and CEO of the organization. Wood, an 11-year economic development veteran, was offered the position after an extensive search. Steen said, “Alan brings significant economic development experience and a ‘can do attitude’ to the job. We look forward to working with him to assist existing industry growth, as well as the recruitment of new industries to Burke County for the benefit of our citizens.” Wood will join BDI on March 9, after completing his commitment as Director of Economic Development in Stokes County, where he led their development efforts for the past six years. Prior to that, he was Senior Development Director in Caldwell County. “I don’t believe that economic development is ‘one size fits all’,” said Wood. “Each community has specific assets that make it unique. It is the job of our office to work with our board, local businesses and the elected officials across the county to develop the best strategy to create wealth and jobs in Burke County, and then execute that plan.” Wood has developed a reputation for being creative in his strategies for promoting local communities. He has worked on numerous projects, large and small, most notably the effort that recruited a Google Data Center to Caldwell County. “We’re getting a person with a background in banking, manufacturing and economic development, which is a great background in my opinion,” said John Cantrell, who served on the Search Committee. “Alan is a native of an adjoining county, has had success in other counties and wants to live here. I’m looking forward to him leading our economic development team.” “Everyone who has worked with Alan has the highest praise for his work ethic,” said Search Committee member John Branstrom. “He has well-established relationships with site consultants and with the Department of Commerce. Alan is excited about our potential for economic growth. He’s coming here because he thinks that we have a lot to offer and the future for Burke County is bright.” As he relocates to Burke County, Wood will be joined by his wife Kelly, an Account Executive with True Textiles. About Burke Development, Inc. Burke Development, Inc. (BDI) is a nonprofit organization supported by private and public funding that is charged with accelerating economic growth in Burke County. BDI works with industry leaders, site selection consultants, government agencies and other entities to facilitate expansion strategies for existing businesses and recruit target industries to Burke County. For more information about BDI visit www.BurkeDevInc.com.###
Contact: Sara Chester Bryan Steen Alan Wood 828.674.3141 828.764.9350 828.764.9372