Roanoke Hires Economic Development Director

Wayne Bowers, new Roanoke economic development director

Wayne Bowers has been named Director of the Department of Economic Development for the City of Roanoke.  As Economic Development Director, Bowers will manage and direct all activities involving economic development for the city.

"I am pleased to have Wayne Bowers lead our Economic Development team," says City Manager Chris Morrill.  "His long experience in local government will be a great asset to Roanoke as we continue to work to expand our existing business community and attract businesses to locate in our city."

Bowers holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N.C.; a Master of Arts degree in American history from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, N.C., and a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of South Carolina in Columbia, S.C.

He has worked in local government since 1973, most recently as City Manager of the City of Greenville, N.C.  His work experience includes serving as Assistant to the City Manager for the City of Tallahassee, Fla.; City Manager of the City of Jacksonville Beach, Fla.; City Manager of the City of Huntington, W.Va.; City Manager of the City of Spartanburg, S.C.; City Manager of the City of Gainesville, Fla.

Bowers has been active in organizations such as the International City/County Management Association (ICMA); American Society for Public Administration; North Carolina City and County Management Association; North Carolina 911 Board; Pitt County United Way Board of Directors; and Greenville Noon Rotary Club.

He is an ICMA Credentialed Manager, and has served on the Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors (2004-2012); Pitt County Committee of 100 Board of Directors (2004-2012); North Carolina League of Municipalities (NCLM) Tax & Finance Legislative Action Committee (2012); NCLM Planning & Services Legislative Action Committee (2005-2008); East Carolina University Master Plan Advisory Committee, (2008-2011); Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors (1995-2004); Carolinas Innovation Group, founding member and Chairman (1989-1991); and the State of Florida Community Development Advisory Committee (1981-1983).

(Photo: reflector.com)