|
Rural Center President Billy Ray Hall announces retirement
Story Date: 7/19/2013
| |
Source: PRESS RELEASE, 7/18/13
After 26 years of leading the fight to bring economic development to North Carolina's most overlooked areas, Rural Center President Billy Ray Hall has announced his retirement, effective immediately.
Hall, who has been the center's president since its founding in 1987, announced his decision this morning:
"Today, I informed the Rural Center Board of Directors that I am stepping down as president. It is the right decision for the organization and the rural communities we serve.
"I have devoted my entire career to improving the quality of life for all the people of North Carolina. It has been humbling to see the tremendous impact that the N.C. Rural Center has had in communities across the state. But our work is not finished. From Ahoskie to Bakersville, from Alexander County to Duplin County, it is important that this work continue, and that best can be accomplished under new leadership.
"It is my great privilege to have served and I am thankful to the many men and women who have worked tirelessly and courageously for our great State."
Valeria Lee, president of the Rural Center's board of directors, said she accepted Hall's decision with a heavy heart.
"Rural North Carolina has been blessed by his leadership, which has brought to rural communities clean water, jobs, business opportunities and the practical knowledge and skills for leading change in a rapidly evolving economic environment," she said. "He did this from one end of the state to another while cultivating friendships with thousands of people in every walk of life, each of whom knows him simply as 'Billy Ray.'"
Lee appointed Elaine Matthews, the center's senior vice president, to oversee the Rural Center's daily operations during this period of transition.
The N.C. Rural Economic Development Center is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to develop sound economic strategies that improve the quality of life in rural North Carolina, with a special focus on individuals with low to moderate incomes and communities with limited resources. The center operates a multifaceted program that includes conducting research into rural issues; testing promising rural development strategies; advocating for policy and program innovations; and building the productive capacity of rural leaders, entrepreneurs and community organizations.
|
|
|
|
