Cabarrus EDC Welcomes James Carter as New Business Retention and Entrepreneurship Manager

Carter joins Cabarrus EDC from the City of Charlotte, where he has served as Economic Development Program Manager for Talent Development since 2022. In that role, he has worked closely with community partners, universities and businesses to advance Charlotte’s talent-based economic development strategy. His experience includes responding to prospective company requests for information, presenting workforce advantages during client visits and managing workforce development initiatives aligned with key growth industries.

Prior to joining the City of Charlotte, Carter spent five years at Alamance Community College as Work-Based Learning Coordinator. There, he strengthened partnerships with local businesses and industries, expanded career opportunities for students, and helped align workforce programming with the needs of existing employers.

“James’ ability to connect businesses, educational institutions, and workforce resources positions him exceptionally well to support our existing industries and strengthen our entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Gretchen Carson, Cabarrus EDC President and CEO. “We are excited to welcome James to Cabarrus EDC and look forward to the impact he will make in helping local businesses grow, remain competitive, and create new opportunities for businesses, workers, and families across Cabarrus County.”

Carter earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Public Administration from Elon University and a Master of City and Regional Planning with a focus on Economic Development from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is also currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration at UNC-Charlotte, with anticipated completion in 2029.

Carter is a North Carolina Certified Economic Developer (NCCED), has completed the Oklahoma Economic Development Institute (OU EDI) program, and is a candidate for the International Economic Development Council’s Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation.

In his new role, James will support existing industries by helping ensure they have the resources needed to continue creating quality jobs and career opportunities for Cabarrus residents. He will also collaborate with the Cabarrus Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship to further strengthen the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.