John S. Cox, CEcD, CCE
President & CEO 

As President and CEO for both Cabarrus Economic Development and Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce, John oversees the day-to-day operations of both organizations and is heavily involved in recruiting new business, public policy, workforce development and social media. 

John joined the Cabarrus Regional Chamber in 2001 and became President and CEO of the EDC shortly after Pillowtex Corporation closed, laying off more than 4,000 people.  Since then, he has worked with Cabarrus County government, the five municipalities, the Chamber of Commerce, the Cabarrus Economic Development, the Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau and six private businesses to found the Cabarrus Regional Partnership.  Made up of the Cabarrus Regional Chamber, Cabarrus Economic Development and Cabarrus Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Cabarrus Regional Partnership works together to meet the needs of existing and future businesses in Cabarrus County as well as visitors and tourists alike.

Prior to joining the Cabarrus Regional Chamber, John served for ten years as President and CEO of the Paulding County, GA Chamber of Commerce, Industrial Building Authority and Airport Authority.  

John received his degree from Lincoln Christian College and his Master of Divinity from Lincoln Christian Seminary.  He is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) by the International Economic Development Council, a graduate of the US Chamber of Commerce Institute of Organizational Management and has received his certification (CCE) from the American Chamber of Commerce Executives Association.
 

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Ryan McDaniels, CEcD 
Vice President of Economic Development 

Ryan is responsible for recruiting new businesses to Cabarrus County.  He works closely with company officials to educate them on our business climate and available real estate sites and buildings.  He handles financial incentive negotiations, oversees research and GIS functions, and maintains a relationship with brokers and developers at the local and national level. 

Ryan joined the organization in 2001 and has served as Project Manager and Director of Economic Development.  He earned a BA in Business Administration from UNC Charlotte and was one of the youngest people to receive designation as a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) by the International Economic Development Council.  Ryan is a graduate of the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma.  He is also the Chair for the Charlotte Regional Partnership-Economic Developers Advisory Council. (EDAC)

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Anna Lu Wilson
Vice President of Business Services

Anna Lu is responsible for contacting and maintaining relationships with the major employers and working with expanding businesses in Cabarrus County, she promotes and advocates for public policy, workforce and economic development issues that are important to our local businesses.  Anna Lu is also very involved with the marketing efforts of the organization and the website.  She has worked to further develop Cabarrus Roots, which supports existing businesses in Cabarrus County.

Prior to joining Cabarrus Economic Development, Anna Lu spent tweleve years with the Charlotte Chamber as Director of Economic Development, working with start-up and small companies relocating to Charlotte. 

She received her Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Illinois and is currently completing classes through the Economic Development Institute to receive her certification.

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Samantha Moose
Existing Industry Specialist

Samantha's role as Existing Industry Specialist includes making executive contacts with existing industries in Cabarrus County, identifying and resolving issues and problems that may impede an individual company's growth.  She promotes available local, regional and state technical services to business and industry where appropriate. Samantha represents the interest of local industry, small business and entrepreneurial enterprises at various community forums, including Chamber events and community meetings.

Prior to joining Cabarrus Economic Development in 2007, Samantha worked at American Fiber and Finishing in Albemarle, NC.  

Samantha received a BS in Business Administration from Pfeiffer University. She is currently attending Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma to receive her certification.  Samantha is the Vice Chair of the Existing Industry Council at the Charlotte Regional Partnership.