Matthew “Matt” B. Ward
Matthew Ward is the newest Mitchell County Economic Development Commission executive director, EDC board chair Richard Canipe announced this past week.
Ward starts in the position on Aug. 1 and will be responsible for employing professional and managerial expertise in the performance of promotional and consultative work to develop and direct an economic development program for the county.
Ward was born and raised in Mitchell County and has worked for several government organizations during his career in urban planning and community revitalization.
Canipe said he’ll fit right in.
“Matt was born and raised in Mitchell County, attended county schools and his family has long- term roots here,” Canipe said. “This background has given him a special understanding of Mitchell County and a personal dedication to moving the county’s economic development forward.”
Ward most recently served as senior planner for the Town of Indian Trail and Harrisburg. Prior to moving back to North Carolina, he spent 12 years working for Henrico County, Virginia doing various planning and redevelopment projects for central Virginia.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in geography and environmental planning from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
He also holds a master’s in urban and regional planning from Virginia Commonwealth University.
He is a North Carolina Certified Zoning Official and has an American Institute of Certified Planners Certification through American Planning Association. Recently, he was nominated to serve on North Carolina’s Association of Zoning Officials Board of Directors.
Starting next month, he will attend The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Government to expand his economic development education.
Ward will work with local officials, community leaders and industry executives for the purpose of promoting industrial growth within the county through the expansion and retention of existing industrial bases and attraction of new business into the county.