Burlington, NC (June 30, 2009) – The BDC is pleased to welcome Anne K. Morris, AICP as the new Executive Director for the downtown Burlington organization. Rick Davenport, current President of BDC, made the announcement at the annual board meeting on June 25, 2009. Following an extensive search process by a committee, “we are delighted to have such a dynamic and qualified individual with experience in downtown planning and the development field,” said Davenport.
Ms. Morris has been the Senior Planner, Downtown Development for the Town of Cary, NC since June 2006; prior to Town of Cary, she was employed by NC Department of Commerce as a Community Development Planner. Morris obtained her Master of Regional Planning from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in May 2002, a Master of Education in 1997, and a Bachelor of Arts from Texas A & M University with a degree in Psychology and English. She has served in a leadership role with the NC Downtown Development Association and is currently involved with the National Development Council, Economic Development Finance Professional Certification Program.
“I would like to thank the Board’s Search Committee of Kelly May, Bill Smith, Bob Harkrader (ex-officio) and Milele Archibald for their hard work in securing our new Executive Director. The BDC is focused on facilitating the type of economic development and investment required to ensure Downtown Burlington remains a vital part of our community.” – Rick Davenport
In addition to the hiring the Executive Director, Davenport facilitated the election of officers for the ’09 -‘10 term as the following:
Kelly G. May, President
Rick Davenport, Past President
Bill Smith, Vice President
Milele Archibald, Secretary
Gary Aherron, Treasurer
Under the group’s leadership, the BDC has completed a comprehensive Master Plan, solidified a critical relationship with the City of Burlington, laid the foundation for establishing an Economic Development focused organization for the downtown, and successfully hired an Executive Director to lead the new efforts for downtown Burlington. Morris officially began her duties on July 7, 2009.