On Wednesday, March 30, Wake Forest Town Manager Kip Padgett named Jason Cannon, 37, from Greensboro as the town’s first economic development director. In that position Cannon, who will come on board April 11, will oversee the town’s efforts to promote economic growth and the creation of jobs within Wake Forest. He will help recruit new industries, support existing businesses, and expand local employment opportunities. He will also manage one part-time staff person who was hired earlier this year.
For over a decade, from at least the 2003-2004 fiscal year, the town has contracted with the Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce to promote economic growth and recruit industries while supporting existing businesses. Padgett was hired last year with the understanding he would provide increased town leadership for economic development, and the town assumed those responsibilities earlier this year.
“Development in Wake Forest is strong and the town is poised for continued growth and development in the months and years ahead,” Cannon said. “I am excited to contribute my skills and experience to support economic development projects and initiatives that will result in new jobs, capital investment, and an enhanced quality of life for Wake Forest’s citizens.”
He is a native of Thomasville. He and his wife, Marie, a speech language pathologist in private practice, will move to Wake Forest.
“Jason is highly regarded in his past leadership roles and is well respected for his knowledge and experience in business growth and development,” Padgett said. “He will be a real asset to the continued growth of our community.”
Cannon holds a master of public administration degree from North Carolina State University and a bachelor of arts in Political Science and Sociology from UNC-Greensboro. He is a graduate of the Leadership Development Program at the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL) and a Fellow of the North Carolina Institute of Political Leadership (NC-IOPL).
Cannon comes to Wake Forest from J. Cannon Consulting, where he provided strategic guidance and direction within the Piedmont-Triad to business, government, and non-profit interests seeking economic development advocacy and other government relations support at the local, state, and federal levels.
Cannon is a past president and CEO of Downtown Greensboro, Inc. (DGI), leading the organization from 2013-15. He also previously served as vice president of Governmental Affairs for The Greensboro Partnership from 2009-13. He arrived at the Partnership following six years serving as chief of staff for state Rep. Julia Howard and as staff to the House Committee on Finance.
