Please join us in welcoming WCED’s newest project manager, Jack Nelms!

Tell us about your background? Where did you go to school, what did you study?

• I attended Hampden-Sydney College and majored in Economics

What has your career looked like so far?

• My background is in outside sales with a third-party logistics company and spent the past couple of years working at EDPNC as a Research Analyst.

What first sparked your interest in economic development?

• I grew up around Economic Development so I knew high-level what it was and understood the impact you can make within your community, which I thought was pretty awesome.  I also took a course in college on economic development and really enjoyed the class.

What do you like most about economic development?

• What I like the most is the impact it has on individuals’ lives and what it does for local communities. I also really like everyone I get to work with in economic development. Whether it’s colleagues, partners, or stakeholders, I’ve made good relationships and awesome friendships through working in this industry. The people are really what makes this industry unique.

What are you looking forward to in your new role?

• What I am looking forward to the most is physically being able to work projects and dive more into the weeds of economic development. I’ve only supported projects in the past by being in a research role, so having more of an active role is exciting. Also, I am from the area, so being able to help contribute to all the growth that is happening in Wake County is something that I find very appealing.

What do you like to do in your free time?

• In my free time, I go to a lot of NC State football and basketball games, I like to play golf when I can and spend time at the beach with friends and family.

Connect with Jack on LinkedIn.