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.

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