The Partnership Team

The Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development consists of a small (but mighty!) staff and an experienced Board of Directors.

Strength in Numbers

Connected by a shared commitment to Henderson County’s long-term success, The Partnership team is comprised of a talented four-person staff and the community leaders currently serving on its Board of Directors. Leaning on each individual’s unique knowledge and expertise, the team works together to solve challenges and drive positive growth in Henderson County.

Staff

Brittany Brady
President
A native of Henderson County, Brittany is passionate about her community. Brittany started with the Partnership in 2010 focused on marketing and business recruitment to ensure a sustained industrial base in Henderson County. When she is not marketing Henderson County, she is enjoying the many natural assets the region has to offer, traveling to new spaces, enjoying a show and spending time with family and friends.
Emily Martin
Senior Director of Business & Economic Development
Emily is a native of Greenville, South Carolina, but has proudly called Western North Carolina home for almost ten years. Prior to joining The Partnership, Emily worked in economic development association work at the state level and for the Brevard Chamber of Commerce. She holds a master’s in public administration from Clemson University and is a Certified Workforce Developer. Outside of work, Emily enjoys spending time outdoors in Western North Carolina with her husband, daughter, and friends.
Sara Schmidt
Director of Industry Relations
Sara is a long-time Western NC resident who enjoys being outdoors with close friends, her husband, and her sons.
Jake Ross
Economic & Workforce Development Coordinator
Jake is a native of Henderson County, a Hendersonville High School alum, and a recent graduate of Wofford College, where he studied Business Economics. Jake has deep local roots and is excited for the opportunity to give back to the community he loves. At the Partnership, he will be largely focused on workforce development projects that target the next generation of manufacturers. Beyond the workplace, Jake enjoys playing sports, reading books, and spending time with friends and loved ones.

Board of Directors

Executive Committee
President & CEO
Brittany Brady
The Partnership
Chair
John Bryant
Pardee UNC Healthcare
Past Chair
Will Buie
WGLA Engineering
Treasurer
Anderson Ellis
Van Winkle Law Firm
EIF Representative
Mark Russell
Southern Alarm & Security
Chair-Elect
Beau Waddell
SDW & JHW, LLC
Elected & Appointed Directors
Craig DeBrew
Duke Energy
Steve Dozier
Beverly-Hanks & Associates
Carsten Erkel
Elkamet
Trey Ford
Cooper Construction Company
Chip Gould
Cason Companies
Vince Howell
Enbridge Gas NC
Nathan Kennedy
Truist
Kim Lance
Avery Dennison
Kelly Leonard
First Citizens Bank
Everett Lynch
UPM Raflatac, Inc
Clement Riddle
ClearWater Environmental
Janel Rowbotham
Linamar Light Metals
Cory Vanness
Kimberly-Clark
Toni Warren
Warren Restoration
Kris Wilson
A-American Electric
Ex-Officio Directors
Shanon Gonce
Mayor, Town of Mills River
Trevor Lance
Mayor Pro-Tem, Town of Fletcher
Dr. Laura Leatherwood
Blue Ridge Community College
Rebecca McCall
Chair, Henderson County Board of Commissioners
Carey O’Cain
Mayor, Town of Laurel Park
Carl Taylor
Henderson County Public Schools
Barbara Volk
Mayor, City of Hendersonville
Nick Weedman
Mayor, Village of Flat Rock