PITTSBORO, NC – February 22, 2019 – Chatham Economic Development Corporation (EDC) chair Doug Emmons announced February 22, 2019 that Alyssa Byrd has been appointed by the board of directors to lead the organization as its next president. Byrd succeeds Kyle Touchstone, who left the organization for an economic development position in Irving, Texas in July 2018. Alyssa had been serving as interim president since Touchstone’s departure.
“Alyssa’s experience in Chatham County makes her an excellent fit for this new role,” Emmons said. “The decision to appoint her as the permanent president was an easy decision and a unanimous one by the EDC board. Her long-standing relationships throughout the state, county and economic development allies across the state make her a great choice for the organization. Having Alyssa on board as president allows the organization to minimize transition and start-up time, and allows the EDC to continue focusing on increasing Chatham County’s overall economic development.”
Alyssa, a North Carolina native and graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, joined the organization in 2011 in a communications role, hired by then-president of the organization, Dianne Reid. After leaving briefly to work with a Raleigh-based commercial real estate firm, she rejoined the nonprofit in an expanded role in 2017.
“Chatham County has incredible assets and opportunities for growth, and we are going to accomplish a lot in the coming years,” Byrd said. “I look forward to continuing to serve Chatham County and building on the hard work of Dianne and Kyle.”
