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Meet the NCED Team

Northampton County Economic Development (NCED) is rising to the top as a leader in innovative and strategic growth. Meet the driving forces.

Empowering Northampton County

Building a Stronger Economy for Our Community

The Northampton County Economic Development Commission aims to enhance the local economy by fostering sustainable growth and creating high-wage job opportunities. Through strategic partnerships and targeted initiatives, we strive to improve the standard of living for all residents.

NCED

Meet Our Dedicated Economic Development Team

Derrick Bennett

Derrick Bennett

Head of Economic Development

Derrick.Bennett@nhcnc.net

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Shannon Godwin

Shannon Godwin

Economic Development Assistant

Shannon.Godwin@nhcnc.net

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“Roanoke‑Chowan Community College was honored to participate in last fall’s event, and the students’ energy, curiosity, and engagement were truly inspiring. Partnerships like this are vital to building a strong, sustainable talent pipeline for Northampton County and the broader region. At R‑CCC, we remain deeply committed to delivering high‑quality, responsive workforce training that supports today’s employers and aligns with the needs of the businesses and industries we aim to attract. We greatly value our collaboration with Northampton County’s Economic Development team and look forward to continuing our shared work to expand opportunity, strengthen local industry, and help create a more prosperous future for our community.”

-Dr. Murray J. Williams, President

Roanoke-Chowan Community College

“Northampton County Economic Development has been exceptionally supportive in providing resources and partnerships for our new ABC store in Garysburg.  Their team has consistently offered guidance that has helped strengthen our operations and community presence.  I would especially like to recognize Derrick Bennett, whose insight and support have been vital in helping me learn and navigate my role as General Manager of the ABC Board.  We truly value this partnership and we look forward to continued growth and new development in our county- and to being part of it.”

-Mia Nina Turro, General Manager

Northampton County ABC Board

“Setting up our business in Northampton County was a game changer. The supportive community and resources available helped us grow beyond our expectations.”

-Regional Investor

Lowe’s Distribution

“Halifax Community College’s Workforce Development Department truly values its partnership with Northampton County. Northampton County has played a vital role in our efforts to grow and develop programs that meet the needs of its citizens. Our curriculum is driven by local industry, and Northampton County is a major part of why we do this work.”

-Delmus Willis, Director of Workforce

Halifax Community College

“NCCAR’s relationship with Northampton County’s Economic Development team played an integral role in creating our state-of-the-art facility. We needed land—620-acres in fact–to construct a two-mile bi-directional road course, a two-acre vehicle dynamics area, a seven-acre dirt facility, and 3-mile dirt trails for trucks or side by sides. Northampton County not only provided the required real estate and infrastructure to bring our vision to fruition, but also a prime location off I-95.”

-David B. King, Board of Directors

NCCAR

“Setting up our business in Northampton County was a game changer. The supportive community and resources available helped us grow beyond our expectations.”

-Regional Investor

Lowe’s Distribution

“Since the initial days of planning our facility, Northampton County’s Economic Development Team has been a tremendous asset towards achieving our operational goals. The team serves as an important bridge between our operations, local leadership, and the community at large with regards to workforce development projects as well as our overall performance.”

-Chris Brown, Senior Manager Community Relations

Enviva

“Northampton County’s Economic Development team has an unmatched ability to bring workforce partners and employers together for meaningful results. Preparing the younger generation to enter the workforce gives us confidence that we will be in business for years to come.”

-RP Watson, President & CEO

Hampton Farms

“Setting up our business in Northampton County was a game changer. The supportive community and resources available helped us grow beyond our expectations.”

-Regional Investor

Lowe’s Distribution

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