Lauren Ellis Selected to Lead Existing Industry Efforts in Greene and Lenoir Counties
The NC Global TransPark Economic Development Region is proud to announce the addition of Lauren Ellis as the new Greene and Lenoir County Existing Industry Director.
Ellis will begin her role on Monday, February 2, 2026.
Existing businesses are the backbone of local communities in Eastern North Carolina. They provide long term stability, drive new job growth, and represent generations of investment in people and place. Research consistently shows that 80% of net new jobs in a community come from the expansion of companies that are already operating there. By investing in a dedicated Existing Industry Director, the Economic Development Region and its member organizations (Greene, Lenoir, Wayne Counties and the Global TransPark) are taking a practical, results driven approach to economic development, recognizing that supporting local employers is one of the most effective ways to strengthen the economy, protect jobs, and build long term confidence in the community.
In her role, Ellis will lead existing industry efforts in Greene County and Lenoir County, serving as a trusted point of contact for local employers. She will work closely with the Global TransPark, Greene County Economic Development Partnership, the Greene County Manufacturers Association, the Lenoir County Development Alliance, and the Lenoir County Manufacturers Association to support business retention and expansion, while also assisting with broader economic development activities across both counties. Ellis will collaborate with regional leadership, including Mark Pope, President, and Trey Cash, Chief Operating Officer, alongside county staff and partners to advance shared economic development priorities.
Ellis brings a strong background in economic development to this role. She joins the region from Charleston County Economic Development in South Carolina, where she served as Marketing Manager and worked closely with business development and existing industry efforts.
“Lauren stood out for her experience and her education in economic development,” said Mark Pope, President of the NC Global TransPark Economic Development Region. “She understands the importance of existing industry and brings the skills, training, and mindset needed to support employers and deliver results. This is a strong hire for Greene and Lenoir Counties.”
Ellis is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from Furman University.
The North Carolina Global TransPark Economic Development Region is a nonprofit organization that works on behalf of its member partners, Greene County, Lenoir County, Wayne County, and the North Carolina Global TransPark. The organization provides industrial economic development services focused on attracting new investment, supporting existing industry, and promoting job creation. Through collaboration with local governments and regional partners, the organization works to strengthen the industrial economy and long term competitiveness of eastern North Carolina.
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