RTP, NC – The Research Triangle Foundation, the non-profit that manages RTP, announced Rick Weddle as president and chief executive officer. Jim Roberson will remain president and chief executive officer until Weddle takes over, then will act as consultant to the Foundation for an indefinite period of time and will help Weddle to establish connections with many of the regions business, academic and government leaders.
Weddle has spent the last seven years as president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council in Arizona. Weddle helped to create more than 26,000 new jobs with a payroll of $1 billion through the location of 170 new firms to the Phoenix area.
Weddle is currently serving as the chairman of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), an international association for economic developers that represents the largest number of economic developers in the United States.
“We are extremely pleased that Rick has decided to return to North Carolina to head the Research Triangle Foundation of NC. He is one of the most sought-after economic developers in the nation. Rick has tremendous connections in the economic development community and has solid relationships with many site selection consultants,” said David Ward, chairman of Research Triangle Foundation of NC.
From 1991-1997, Weddle served as president and CEO of the Regional Growth Partnership in Toledo, Ohio. He led initiatives that generated 4,000 new jobs and $1.5 billion in capital investment through the location or expansion of 119 facilities. Weddle established the Winston-Salem Business Inc. and served as its president and CEO from 1987-1991.
“Working for the Research Triangle Foundation of NC is a very unique opportunity. I am really looking forward to helping the Park finish out its development and moving on to a new phase for the Park. There is still a lot of land to sell in the Park and there are many tasks we can take on to encourage regional cooperation and to help the rest of North Carolina grow and prosper,” said Weddle.
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