Randall Johnson, executive director of the N.C. Biotechnology Center's Southeastern Office, has been named president of the N.C. Economic Development Association Board of Directors.

Members of the N.C. Economic Development Association (NCEDA) elected Johnson as president for 2020-21 fiscal year, according to a news release.

“Having worked with Randall for the past two years in a leadership position, I found him to be one of the most conscientious and detailed individuals in recognizing the need for and carrying out programs and initiatives for the good of the organization,” Patricia Mitchell, NCEDA’s immediate past president, said in the release. “I’m excited to experience his leadership over the next year. It will bring good things to NCEDA.”

Johnson serves on volunteer boards in the region and state.

"Johnson has extensive experience in local and regional economic development, with a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship and technology-led development," officials said in the release.

Johnson graduated cum laude from Wake Forest University with an undergraduate concentration in psychology, and he holds an MBA from the Babcock Graduate School of Management at Wake Forest University, stated the release.

"We are in a challenging time, but our organization is strong and well-positioned to weather the storm, while continuing to deliver high-quality professional development and policy leadership for our economic development community," Johnson said in the release.

Two other local officials were named to the NCEDA board.

Jason McLeod (right), business development director at ECS Southeast in Wilmington, was named a director of the NCEDA board.

McLeod is the immediate past chair of Brunswick Business & Industry Development; serves on the board of directors of North Carolina's Southeast; and was on the executive committee for Business Alliance for a Sound Economy.

“Jason’s professional accomplishments and commitment to community service will bring to the board invaluable insights on how best to serve the needs of our members,” said Johnson said in the release. “He brings a good-natured professionalism and creativity to our efforts that will help us continuously improve how NCEDA’s professional development and policy leadership benefit North Carolina’s statewide economic development community.”

Kevin Lackey (left), business development manager with Brunswick Business & Industry Development, was named an ex-officio member of the NCEDA board.

"I am inspired by the opportunity to follow in a line of remarkable leaders of the NCEDA and CFWDB. I have deep respect and admiration for those who serve these societal pillars and look forward to giving it all I've got to make those I serve stronger," Lackey said in an email.

Lackey was also appointed this year by Brunswick County Commissioner Mike Forte to serve on the Cape Fear Workforce Development Board, representing economic development.

NCEDA, a 54-year-old association, is a state membership organization for economic development practitioners and their public and private allies and educational partners, officials said. The organization has about 700 members.

See all members of the NCEDA board here.