Donna leads the industry engagement efforts within the 29 county NC East region. She serves as the connection point for industry to the STEM East Industry In Schools Initiative. She also serves as the lead contact for new industry interested in locating in the region.
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.
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.