NC East Alliance has announced the addition of Donna Phillips who will be the Vice President of Industry Engagement and Recruitment. Donna will lead efforts to better engage existing and new industries in the education, workforce, and economic development initiatives of NC East Alliance. This will include serving as a critical connection to industry for the STEM East Initiative which aims to bring public school districts, community colleges, and industry together to grow the future workforce of eastern NC.

Donna has extensive experience in economic development at the local, regional, and state level. Most recently, Donna was a Senior Economic Development Manager with Duke Energy where she managed the Duke Site Readiness Program within a 22-county region in addition to working with new and expanding industries in the region. Prior to Duke Energy, Donna worked for the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, The North Carolina Department of Commerce, Duplin County Economic Development, Wayne County Chamber of Commerce, and Wayne County Economic Development.

“I am excited to join an organization that is making a real difference in eastern NC. I look forward to making a positive impact and improving the lives of all people in the region. It is a great opportunity to give back to a region that has been so important to the success of my career,” says Phillips.

Donna is a native of Murfreesboro, North Carolina and is a graduate of Chowan University with an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration. She is also a two-time graduate of East Carolina University receiving both a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration-Marketing and a Master’s in Business Administration.

“I have known and worked with Donna Phillips for many years. She has Eastern North Carolina roots and a passion for growing our rural economy. We are lucky to have Donna join our NC East Team as we re-imagine new strategies for rural economic development, community development, education, and industry engagement,” says Vann Rogerson, CEO NC East Alliance.