Leadership
MCEDP is supported by three dedicated staff members and a Board of Directors made up of local business and community leaders who work collaboratively to facilitate economic, community and workforce development initiatives to achieve our mission.
Natalie Hawkins
President
Natalie joined MCEDP as the President in May 2021 after a 20-year career at the Village of Pinehurst, where she served as the Assistant Village Manager. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and a Master of Science degree in accounting from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Natalie is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and a former Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
Melanie Thompson
Office Manager
Melanie joined MCEDP in August 2003 and has served as the Office Manager since that time, overseeing daily operations of the organization. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from North Carolina Wesleyan College.
Darryn Burich
Business Development Director
Darryn joined MCEDP in February 2023 as the Business Development Director. He previously served as the Planning & Inspections Director for the Village of Pinehurst for three years after a 20-year career in the planning department at the City of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Darryn earned a Bachelor of Science in Urban & Regional Degree Studies and Geography from the University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh and a Master of Urban Planning from the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee.
MCEDP Board Members
Our engaged and supportive Board Members oversee our operations.
Paul Barber
Vice President
St. Joseph of the Pines
Sheryl Bare
Client Relations, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Pinehurst Realty Group
Holly Bell
Principal/Broker
Carolina Summit Group
Dr. Jenifir Bruno
2026 Chamber Chair
Moore County Chamber of Commerce
Ryan Ciccone
Senior Vice President, Retail Market Manager
First Bank
Taylor Clement
Mayor
Town of Southern Pines
Samantha Cole
2026 President, Mid Carolina Regional Association of Realtors
Chip Cromartie
CEO
Penick Village
Robbie Farrell
Mayor
Town of Aberdeen
Mickey Foster (Vice Chairman)
CEO
FirstHealth of the Carolinas
Sandee Gronowski
Vice President / Commercial Banker
First Citizens Bank
Lin Hutaff (Treasurer)
Owner/Broker
Lin Hutaff’s Pinehurst Realty Group
Jeremy Johnson
Senior Vice President, NC Market President
First Capital Bank
Reg Jones
Managing Director, Open Championships
U.S. Golf Association
Adam Kiker (Chairman)
Principal
LKC Engineering, PLLC
Bob Koontz
Pinehurst Area Leader
Koontz Jones Design + V3
Stephen Later
Partner
Robbins May & Rich LLP
Jamie Ledford
President
Golf Pride
Dr. Tim Locklair
Superintendent
Moore County Schools
Patrick McBrayer
Executive Vice President
The Insurance Center
Kelly Miller
President & CEO
Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club, Inc.
Pat Molamphy
President
NorthState Insurance & Advisors
Jim O’Malley
Principal
O’Malley Development, LLC
Linda Parsons
President & CEO
Moore County Chamber of Commerce
Tom Pashley
President
Pinehurst LLC
Josh Peyton
President & CEO
Veteran Golfers Association
Patrick Pizzella
Mayor
Village of Pinehurst
Neil Robinette
Dr. Sandy Stewart
President
Sandhills Community College
Gary VonCannon
Market President
Truist
Phil Werz
President & CEO, Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
David Woronoff (Secretary)
Publisher
The Pilot and Business NC