PITTSBORO, NC – June 27, 2023 – The Chatham Economic Development Corporation (EDC) elected new officers at their meeting on June 21st.
Chreatha Alston will chair the board of directors beginning July 1. Alston is a lifelong Chatham resident and was elected to the position following her service to the board as vice chair. Alston is a real estate professional and serves as the Senior Director of Human Resources at Sandhills Community College.
“I am looking forward to continuing my service in a new capacity, as the chair of this awesome board,” Alston said. “Chatham is my home, and I am excited to be able to serve my community in this way. 2023 and 2024 will be big years for us as Wolfspeed and VinFast progress in their construction. I want us to be ready for what’s next.”
Craig Wood was elected as vice chair of the board. Wood is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Brookwood Farms, the barbeque manufacturing company based in Siler City. Wood made his career in the family business while residing in his hometown of Siler City.
Shannon Becker will serve as the board’s treasurer. Shannon is the President of Aqua North Carolina, a private water and wastewater service company. Becker brings an extensive background in financial management and water utilities to the position.
Greg Lewis completed his second term as chair of the board and will oversee the transition to the new slate of officers. As chair, Lewis led the board when the EDC announced the 7,500 job VinFast project in March of 2022, as well as the September 2022 Wolfspeed announcement of 1,800 jobs in Siler City. During his tenure, the EDC saw over $9 billion of announced investment and over 9,000 jobs. Lewis owns several Pittsboro-based hospitality and entertainment businesses, including The Sycamore, 39 West Catering, Forest Hall at Chatham Mills, and more.
“It’s been an honor to serve as chair for the EDC,” Lewis said. “I’m proud of what we accomplished, and I’m looking forward to seeing what the new officers will achieve. Chreatha, Craig and Shannon will make a great team. Chatham County has great momentum, and we’re really just getting started.”
The EDC board is composed of nine voting members and eight ex-officio members. Voting directors are appointed to four-year terms and can serve up to two terms. Officers serve one-year terms. This fall, three board members will complete their second terms. The board recently voted to expand to 12 members, adding one new member during each recruitment cycle. The EDC will announce application information for the board of directors this fall.
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About Chatham Economic Development Corporation
Chatham County takes center stage in North Carolina, strategically located between the Research Triangle and Piedmont Triad. The county is home to the towns of Siler City, Pittsboro and Goldston as well as many unique rural communities. Residents and visitors alike enjoy 30+ miles of trails and abundant greenspace, while an additional 85 miles of greenways are in the works. Chatham also features Jordan Lake, the most visited NC State Park. Chatham Park, one of the largest mixed-use developments in the nation is currently underway in Pittsboro.
Contact
Ann Fitts, Marketing and Communications Manager
Office: 919-542-8274
Direct: 919-542-8275
ann.fitts@chathamcountync.gov
