Service with a Smile
Our economic development team is committed to helping businesses and communities grow. Get to know our experienced professionals, who are ready to provide guidance and support at every stage of your project.
CARL REES, CEcD
Manager, Economic and Community Development
252.258.3848
crees@electricities.org
Carl Rees is a seasoned economic development professional with a focus on driving growth and innovation. He currently leads the ElectriCities' economic development team, leveraging his expertise to attract businesses and foster entrepreneurship throughout North Carolina. Prior to his role at ElectriCities, Carl held leadership positions in economic development for the City of Greenville, where he spearheaded initiatives for business recruitment, expansion, and small business support. His dedication to community development is evident through his work on various projects, including affordable housing development and hurricane recovery efforts. Carl holds a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) credential from the International Economic Development Council and is a proud graduate of East Carolina University. His military background and passion for economic development make him a valuable asset to the communities he serves.
252.258.3848
crees@electricities.org
Carl Rees is a seasoned economic development professional with a focus on driving growth and innovation. He currently leads the ElectriCities' economic development team, leveraging his expertise to attract businesses and foster entrepreneurship throughout North Carolina. Prior to his role at ElectriCities, Carl held leadership positions in economic development for the City of Greenville, where he spearheaded initiatives for business recruitment, expansion, and small business support. His dedication to community development is evident through his work on various projects, including affordable housing development and hurricane recovery efforts. Carl holds a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) credential from the International Economic Development Council and is a proud graduate of East Carolina University. His military background and passion for economic development make him a valuable asset to the communities he serves.
JENNINGS GRAY
Lead Economic Developer - Commercial
336.905.9293
jgray@electricities.org
Jennings Gray is a Lead Economic Developer – Commercial at ElectriCities of North Carolina, supporting more than 70 public power communities across the state. With over 20 years of experience in economic development, local government administration, and corporate retail site selection, he brings a strategic approach to business recruitment and community growth. Before joining ElectriCities, Jennings worked with Lowe’s Home Centers Inc. and SkyLine Telephone Membership Corporation, where he developed expertise in public relations, government affairs, and commercial real estate. At ElectriCities, he collaborates with member communities and downtown development organizations to strengthen retail recruitment strategies and foster economic vitality. Jennings attended Appalachian State University and has earned certifications in Government Planning, Tax Administration, Economic Development, and County Administration from the University of North Carolina School of Government.
336.905.9293
jgray@electricities.org
Jennings Gray is a Lead Economic Developer – Commercial at ElectriCities of North Carolina, supporting more than 70 public power communities across the state. With over 20 years of experience in economic development, local government administration, and corporate retail site selection, he brings a strategic approach to business recruitment and community growth. Before joining ElectriCities, Jennings worked with Lowe’s Home Centers Inc. and SkyLine Telephone Membership Corporation, where he developed expertise in public relations, government affairs, and commercial real estate. At ElectriCities, he collaborates with member communities and downtown development organizations to strengthen retail recruitment strategies and foster economic vitality. Jennings attended Appalachian State University and has earned certifications in Government Planning, Tax Administration, Economic Development, and County Administration from the University of North Carolina School of Government.
CASEY VERBURG, CEcD
Senior Economic Developer - Industrial
704.794.7844
cverburg@electricities.org
With over 15 years of experience in economic development across North Carolina and Virginia, Casey Verburg specializes in business recruitment, targeted industry analysis, and community revitalization. Most recently, she led business recruitment efforts in Goochland County, Virginia, securing industrial, retail, and office investments in sectors such as indoor agriculture, distribution, and medical offices. She also played a key role in developing the county’s first targeted industry analysis. Prior to her work in Virginia, Casey held various economic development roles in North Carolina, including serving as Main Street Director for Fuquay-Varina and as a project manager for the City of Greenville, where she oversaw business retention efforts and helped develop a co-working space for entrepreneurs and students. She began her career at Wake County Economic Development as a research manager. Casey holds a bachelor's degree in Communications/English and a master’s degree in Public Administration from East Carolina University. She earned her Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation from the International Economic Development Council in 2023. Originally from Maryland, she and her family now call Charlotte home.
704.794.7844
cverburg@electricities.org
With over 15 years of experience in economic development across North Carolina and Virginia, Casey Verburg specializes in business recruitment, targeted industry analysis, and community revitalization. Most recently, she led business recruitment efforts in Goochland County, Virginia, securing industrial, retail, and office investments in sectors such as indoor agriculture, distribution, and medical offices. She also played a key role in developing the county’s first targeted industry analysis. Prior to her work in Virginia, Casey held various economic development roles in North Carolina, including serving as Main Street Director for Fuquay-Varina and as a project manager for the City of Greenville, where she oversaw business retention efforts and helped develop a co-working space for entrepreneurs and students. She began her career at Wake County Economic Development as a research manager. Casey holds a bachelor's degree in Communications/English and a master’s degree in Public Administration from East Carolina University. She earned her Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation from the International Economic Development Council in 2023. Originally from Maryland, she and her family now call Charlotte home.
KELLY BAKER
Economic Development Analyst
919.760.6311
kbaker@electricities.org
Kelly Baker is a data-driven economic development professional with expertise in demographic analysis, competitive intelligence, and strategic research. Since 2011, she has held research and data management roles at local, regional, and state economic development organizations, including the City of Raleigh, Wake County Economic Development, and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina. Her ability to uncover key insights and visualize complex data helps inform decision-making for economic development stakeholders. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a graduate certificate in Applied Statistics and Data Management from North Carolina State University. A lifelong North Carolinian, Kelly lives in the Triangle with her husband, daughter, and dog. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and planning her next adventure—particularly her goal of visiting every U.S. national park.
919.760.6311
kbaker@electricities.org
Kelly Baker is a data-driven economic development professional with expertise in demographic analysis, competitive intelligence, and strategic research. Since 2011, she has held research and data management roles at local, regional, and state economic development organizations, including the City of Raleigh, Wake County Economic Development, and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina. Her ability to uncover key insights and visualize complex data helps inform decision-making for economic development stakeholders. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a graduate certificate in Applied Statistics and Data Management from North Carolina State University. A lifelong North Carolinian, Kelly lives in the Triangle with her husband, daughter, and dog. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and planning her next adventure—particularly her goal of visiting every U.S. national park.
AUDREY BOONE
Senior Economic Developer
919.760.6313
aboone@electricities.org
Audrey Boone is a strategic economic development professional dedicated to fostering business growth and community prosperity. At ElectriCities, she works to attract investment and support industrial and commercial development across North Carolina’s public power communities. Prior to joining ElectriCities, Audrey led economic development efforts in North Carolina and Texas, including roles as Interim Executive Director for Granville County Economic Development and Executive Director of the Gainesville Economic Development Corporation. Her experience spans business recruitment, industrial development, and downtown revitalization. Audrey holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Piedmont University and is pursuing the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation. She remains actively engaged in professional and community organizations, bringing a collaborative approach to economic development.
919.760.6313
aboone@electricities.org
Audrey Boone is a strategic economic development professional dedicated to fostering business growth and community prosperity. At ElectriCities, she works to attract investment and support industrial and commercial development across North Carolina’s public power communities. Prior to joining ElectriCities, Audrey led economic development efforts in North Carolina and Texas, including roles as Interim Executive Director for Granville County Economic Development and Executive Director of the Gainesville Economic Development Corporation. Her experience spans business recruitment, industrial development, and downtown revitalization. Audrey holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Piedmont University and is pursuing the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation. She remains actively engaged in professional and community organizations, bringing a collaborative approach to economic development.
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