RTRP is your partner, connection, advocate, and guide.
The Research Triangle Regional Partnership is an economic development organization sustained by and committed to 13 core counties located in Central North Carolina.
We serve as a connector between businesses looking to expand or relocate, and the economic development offices, government agencies, and business organizations that support private sector growth.
Acting as proud ambassadors, we introduce companies and organizations to a region that offers incredible access to diverse talent, a competitive cost of living, a strong and diverse economic climate, a supportive infrastructure, and quality of life that is second to none.
Our primary goal is to market the region to external audiences on why the Research Triangle Region is the best place to live and do business.
Our Team
2025-2026 Board of Directors
Executive Director
Ryan Combs*
RTRP
Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority
Michael Landguth
RDU
The Research Triangle Park
Andrew Holton
The Research Triangle Park
Chairman of the Board
Chris Bell*
Truist
RTRP Chair-Elect
Adam Klein*
Duke University
Immediate Past Chairman of the Board
Farad Ali*
Ali|Heijmen
Chatham County
Michael Smith*
Chatham County EDC
Franklin Gomez-Flores
Chatham County Commissioner
Karen Howard
Chatham County Commissioner
Durham County
Geoff Durham*
Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce
JB Buxton
Durham Tech
Adam Klein*
American Underground
John L. Atkins
O'Brien/Atkins
Avi Halpert
United Therapeutics
James H. Sills, III
M&F Bank
Stephen Valentine
Durham County Commissioner
Farad Ali
Ali|Heijmen
Leslie Walden
Fidelity Investments
Franklin County
Barbara Fiedor*
Franklin County EDC
Ryan Preble
Granville County
Joshua Florio
Ontic
Allen Winston*
Winston International, LTD.
Harnett County
Stephen Barrington
Harnett County EDC
Dr. Lisa Chapman
Central Carolina Community College
Eddie Jaggers*
Harnett County Commissioner
Johnston County
Chris Johnson*
Johnston County ED
Kevin Dougherty*
Adventure Development
Ed Aldridge
RiverWild
Lee County
Jimmy Randolph*
Sanford Area Growth Alliance
Donnie Oldham
Sanford Contractors
Jimmy Keen
Nash County
J. Andrew (Andy) Hagy
Nash County Economic Development
Wayne Outlaw*
Nash County Board of Commissioners
Freddy Howell
Nash County Board of Commissioners
Orange County
Steve Brantley
Orange County Economic Development
Marcus Ginyard*
UNC
Phyllis Portie-Ascott
Orange County Board of Commissioners
Person County
Brandy Lynch
Person County Economic Development
Sherry Wilborn*
Person County Board of Commissioners
Dr. Scott McKinney
Vance County
Ferdinand Rouse
Henderson-Vance Economic Development
Dan Brummitt*
Vance County Board of Commissioners
Greg Etheridge
Gupton Services
Wake County
Adrienne Cole* (Secretary)
Raleigh Chamber of Commerce
David Efird
Womble Bond Dickinson
Allyson Gardner
PNC
Kevin Walker
UBS
Derrick Remer
Duke Energy
Mark Schmidt
NC State University
Buzz Crosby* (Board Treasurer)
Martin Marietta
Chris Bell*
Truist
Warren County
McKinley Perkinson
Warren County ED
Jim Whitley*
Wilson County
Jennifer Lantz
Wilson Economic Development
Lee Stephenson
SMC
Jack Wiggins*
Towe Insurance
At-Large Members
John White*
Enbridge
Derek Chen*
Strategic International
Nicole Sheedy*
Delta Air Lines
David Powers*
Powers Strategies
Jim Cain*
Kilpatrick Townsend
*Denotes Executive Committee Member