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.