KELLY ANDREWS
Greenville,NC
Summary
Results-oriented Economic Development Executive with over 22 years of leadership experience driving economic opportunity through strategic planning and workforce development. Expertise includes negotiating incentives, securing grants, and fostering partnerships with local governments and organizations. Skilled in developing business retention initiatives and collaborating across sectors to achieve shared goals.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Economic Development
Pitt County Government
10.2020 - Current
- Lead the economic development department and staff, including the assistant director and project manager, and guide departmental priorities and execution.
- Develop and update the department's strategic plan to advance long-term economic development goals.
- Led property development initiatives across the county, advancing Select Site and Megasite projects.
- Led business retention and expansion programming, enhancing engagement with Pitt County industries.
- Partner with municipalities, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, industries, and related agencies to achieve shared economic development goals.
- Serve as liaison to the Pitt County Board of Commissioners on economic development projects and priorities.
- Supported business recruitment projects, facilitating development and negotiation of incentives.
Assistant Director, Marketing and Recruitment
Pitt County Industrial Development Commission
09.2006 - 10.2020
- Led marketing efforts and collaborated on campaigns to promote Pitt County, increasing visibility and attracting interest both domestically and globally.
- Managed recruitment projects as primary contact for leads and prospective companies, enhancing engagement and relationship-building.
- Developed responses to requests for information for industrial projects, coordinating site-selection activities to facilitate informed decision-making.
- Led and coordinated on-site visits and tours with prospective clients, consultants, and regional partners.
- Developed and negotiated incentive packages for new industry and existing industry expansions.
- Secured grants, technical assistance, and other support for economic development projects.
- Identified sites and buildings for industrial development and coordinated site-readiness planning.
Apprenticeship Consultant
North Carolina Department of Labor
12.2003 - 09.2006
- Consulted with businesses to design tailored training programs aligned with national credentialing standards, fostering workforce development.
- Developed and managed apprenticeship and training programs serving over 20 North Carolina counties, enhancing access to vocational opportunities.
- Guided veterans in securing GI Bill benefits through apprenticeship programs, facilitating their transition to civilian careers.
Earlier Professional Experience
Sprint Mid-Atlantic Telecom and ATCOM Business Technology
01.1995 - 01.2003
- Commercial Development Specialist, Sprint Mid-Atlantic Telecom
- Software Design Engineer, Sprint Mid-Atlantic Telecom
- Implementation and Training Coordinator, ATCOM Business Technology
Education
Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) -
International Economic Development Council
01-2020
Economic Development Institute Graduate -
University of Oklahoma – Continuing Education
01-2011
Master of Business Administration -
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC01-1998
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill01-1994
Associate of Arts -
Peace College
Raleigh, NC01-1993
Skills
- Economic Development Project Management
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Business Recruitment, Retention, and Expansion
- Incentive Development and Negotiation
- Grant Writing and Technical Assistance
- Budget Development and Management
- Property & Site Development
- Public and Stakeholder Engagement
- Board & Public-Sector Liaison
- Workforce Development
Affiliations
- 2024 NCEDA Economic Developer of the Year; 2020 Top 50 North American Economic Developer, Consultant Connect.
- Pitt Community College Board of Trustees (2024–Present); Secretary (2025–26).
- NCEDA Board Member; Marketing Committee Chair (2022–24).
- EDPNC Economic Development Advisory Committee (2024–Present); NC Biotech Center Economic Development Advisory Committee (2024–Present).
- ECU Engineering Advisory Board (2023–Present); Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce Board (2019-Present).
- Martin-Pitt Partnership for Children Board (2022–Present); Pitt County Arts Council Board (2023–Present); Downtown Greenville Partnership Board (2024–Present).
- Business North Carolina Power List (2021, 2022, 2024, 2025, 2026).
Timeline
Director, Economic Development
Pitt County Government
10.2020 - Current
Assistant Director, Marketing and Recruitment
Pitt County Industrial Development Commission
09.2006 - 10.2020
Apprenticeship Consultant
North Carolina Department of Labor
12.2003 - 09.2006
Earlier Professional Experience
Sprint Mid-Atlantic Telecom and ATCOM Business Technology
01.1995 - 01.2003
Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) -
International Economic Development Council
Economic Development Institute Graduate -
University of Oklahoma – Continuing Education
Master of Business Administration -
East Carolina University
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
University of North Carolina
Associate of Arts -
Peace College