News

Partnership for Economic Development names new president

Brittany Jones Brady was named president of the Partnership for Economic Development, effective Oct. 26, 2017.

By Janet R. Chapin, Published: October 26, 2017

The Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development has named Brittany Jones Brady, the jobs-creating agency's second-in-command, as president of the organization effective today.

Moving quickly to name a successor to Andrew Tate, whose last day is today after 10 years of leading a highly successful industry-recruiting effort, the board voted unanimously to turn the reins over to Brady, an ninth generation Henderson County native who has been at the agency for seven years.

“Brittany has proven to our Board of Directors that she is prepared to lead the Partnership, and we are excited about the future of our organization under her leadership," said Partnership Chair Pat Wagner, controller of Contintental Automotive. "We have full faith that she is the right person to lead Henderson County’s economic development efforts."

Brady started with the Partnership in a marketing and communications and gradually took on responsibility for critical programs within the organization, including developing Made in Henderson County and a more focused business development strategy. Her responsibilities have included lead generation, external marketing, events, web development, RFI and proposal production, workforce development efforts and client handling, and rose to the position of vice president.

A graduate of North Henderson High School, she has a bachelor of science degree from East Tennessee State University and a masters degree in international hospitality and tourism management from the University of South Carolina.

"We'll continue to be the organization that we've been but there have been changes over the past two years," she said. "A lot the sites and that attracted Sierra Nevada and GG Linamar are no longer available so that changes the projects we’re working on. The workforce is a little tighters than it once was. We still have some good sites available." The Partnership will continue to focus on recruiting projects that protect "the assets we love in Henderson County" while helping the employment base grow.

Are any new ones in the pipeline?

"We are always working projects," she said, though, "nothing we can share at this time."

Her promotion to lead the organization is not the only big life change for Brady. She and her husband, Zach, are expecting their child, a boy, in December.

“When Brittany speaks to clients and companies about her love for this community, it carries weight and authenticity," said Michael Edney, chairman of the Henderson County Board of Commissioners. "She is the perfect choice to lead this organization, and Henderson County looks forward to continued success in economic development."

“The Partnership has a strong history of engagement and results,” Brady said. “I’m excited to lead the organization that protects and develops the economy that I also call home.”

A native of the Raleigh area and graduate of UNC at Chapel Hill, Tate is leaving Hendersonville to become vice president of real estate for the North Carolina Railroad Co.

For more information about the Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development and its role in protecting and building a strong local economy, visit www.hcped.org.