NCEDA Awards Economic Development Scholarships
The North Carolina Economic Development Association recognized top professionals and students at its fall conference.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Scholarships
The North Carolina Economic Development Association presented four Lifetime Service Awards and awarded 11 professional development scholarships. The honors recognize leaders for their commitment to the industry throughout the state.
Why it matters
These awards and scholarships highlight the association's ongoing commitment to professional growth and long-term leadership within the state economic development sector.
The NCEDA Foundation distributed $25,000 in funding across 11 professional development scholarships. Four individuals received the 2026 Lifetime Service Award for their contributions to the field.
The players
Mark Pope
He is a longtime industry veteran who served as the president of the North Carolina Economic Development Association.
Joanna Helms
She is a seasoned economic development professional who previously held the role of Apex Economic Development Director.
North Carolina Economic Development Association
This is a professional organization dedicated to supporting economic developers through training, networking, and advocacy.
The details
The event recognized leaders including Mark Pope, Joanna Helms, Raul Peralta, and Melanie O'Connell Underwood with Lifetime Service Awards. Additionally, scholarships were awarded to Lauren Ellis, Julie Graham, and Trey Cash to support their continued education in economic development.
Timeline
Mark Pope was named Economic Developer of the Year in 2011.
Joanna Helms became Apex Economic Development Director in 2014.
Mark Pope served as NCEDA President from 2018 to 2019.
Joanna Helms served as NCEDA President from 2023 to 2024.
The NCEDA presented awards during its Fall Conference on October 20, 2026.
Culture Shift
This event mirrors broader trends in workforce development that prioritize institutional support for specialized professional training. The industry is increasingly relying on these scholarship structures to retain regional talent and maintain competitive standards across the state.
These awards provide professionals in regions like Wayne, Lenoir, and Greene counties with new training resources. This professional development eventually shapes local business recruitment and economic growth strategies for residents across the state.
The takeaway
The NCEDA awards underscore the importance of mentorship and formal training in sustaining long-term economic prosperity for the state. Professionals interested in similar funding should monitor upcoming NCEDA Foundation application cycles.
Further reading
Learn more about local educational support at North Carolina Scholarships.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Goldsboro Daily News.
