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The Economic Development Quarterly is a publication by the Harnett County Department of Economic Development featuring the latest news, updates, and insights on economic growth and opportunities in Harnett County, North Carolina.

April 2025

News and Updates

Cape Fear Valley Health Breaks Ground on New Adolescent Behavioral Health Center in Harnett County

On January 31, 2025, Cape Fear Valley Health, along with Harnett County Government, healthcare professionals, elected officials, and community members, broke ground on a new inpatient adolescent center at 215 Brightwater Drive in Lillington.

This milestone represents the culmination of three years of planning and a shared commitment to expanding access to behavioral health services in Harnett County. The $8.4 million state-of-the-art facility will offer 16 inpatient beds for psychiatric patients ages 12 to 17, addressing a critical need in adolescent mental health care.

This investment follows the recent opening of the 66,000-square-foot Health Pavilion at Central Harnett Hospital anchored by a comprehensive cancer center - further affirming Harnett County's efforts to enhance local access to healthcare.

The City of Dunn Selects Justin Hembree as New Manager

Justin Hembree has been chosen as the new City Manager of Dunn, effective June 1. A Mitchell County native with over 20 years of public service experience, Hembree brings expertise in municipal, county, and regional government management. Hembree holds degrees from Appalachian State University and currently oversees planning, economic development, and human services with the Mid-Carolina Regional Council of Governments. READ MORE

Barbara Hollerand Named New Town Manager of Coats

Barbara Hollerand has taken on the role of Coats' new Town Manager, officially starting on March 19. With 25 years of experience in public administration, she brings a wealth of knowledge gained from her work in both small and medium-sized local governments. READ MORE

Harnett County Selects Bradley Abate as New HRJ Director

Bradley Abate was appointed Director of the Harnett Regional Jetport, effective February 2025. In this role, Abate directs Harnett County's airport operations, monitors and implements safety procedures, serves as the liaison for airport projects and grant funding opportunities, promotes economic development and business expansion at the airport, and ensures compliance with county, state, and federal regulations. READ MORE

Economic Development in Action

Harnett County Represents at Site Selectors Guild Conference

In March, Economic Development Director Stephen Barrington attended the Site Selectors Guild Annual Conference in Orlando, a premier event that brings together the industry’s top site selection consultants and economic development leaders for networking and knowledge sharing.

During the event, Barrington also joined regional and state partners at a special NC Carolina Core gathering to strengthen relationships and highlight the region’s business advantages.

Harnett County Participates in NCEDA's Site Selectors Summit and Spring Conference

In March, Harnett County Economic Development participated in the 2025 Site Selectors Summit and Spring Conference hosted by the North Carolina Economic Development Association (NCEDA). The event featured valuable networking opportunities with site selectors and economic development leaders from across the state, along with updates from the EDPNC, the NC Department of Commerce, and a State of Economic Development address from Governor Josh Stein.

Economic Development Marketing Director Completes Harnett Management Academy

Elizabeth Edwards, Marketing Director for Harnett County Economic Development, graduated from the inaugural Harnett Management Academy on April 9. The nine-month leadership development program is designed to shape Harnett County’s future leaders. Led by the Human Resources and Risk Management Department, the program’s first cohort included 18 employees from across Harnett County Government and focused on enhancing leadership, management, and communication skills through monthly sessions with a leadership coach. READ MORE

Harnett County Joins EDPNC in Dallas for Site Selector Outreach

Economic Development Director Stephen Barrington recently participated in a targeted outreach event in Dallas, Texas alongside the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC)’s Business Recruitment Team. Dallas is one of three key markets featured in a special one-day site selector series offered to state partners to collaboratively market the state.

Partner Spotlight

Harnett County Schools CTE Awarded Health Careers Promotion Grant by NC General Assembly

The Harnett County Schools Career & Technical Education (HCS CTE) Program is advancing healthcare career awareness with the support of the PRC 253 Health Careers Promotion Grant.

Awarded by the North Carolina General Assembly in April 2024, the $18,000 grant supports promotional efforts to showcase healthcare career pathways. The initiative’s first phase centers on video marketing aimed at engaging students, families, and community members, effectively communicating the alignment of health sciences pathways in Harnett County.

Dr. Lisa Smelser Named NCCCS Excellence in Teaching Award Winner

Dr. Lisa Smelser, Executive Director of Workforce Strategic Initiatives at Central Carolina Community College (CCCC), has received the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS)’s Excellence in Teaching award. A former Biotechnology Chair at CCCC, Dr. Smelser is a transformative educator committed to student success and workforce development in biotechnology. READ MORE

CCCC Selected to Participate in National Initiative to Help Rural Community College Students Succeed

Central Carolina Community College has been selected for Phase 2 of the Rural Guided Pathways Project, a national initiative focused on improving student success and economic opportunity through evidence-based, institution-wide reforms grounded in the guided pathways framework. This Phase brings together 28 rural colleges and their community partners to improve the student experience, boost credential completion, support seamless transfers or career entry, and collaborate with stakeholders to promote equity and regional economic opportunity through evidence-based, guided pathways. READ MORE

Campbell University Selects Sixth President

Dr. William M. Downs has been selected as the sixth president of Campbell University. With over 30 years of experience in higher education, including serving as the 13th president of Gardner-Webb University, Downs is a distinguished academic leader and political science scholar. He will succeed President J. Bradley Creed on July 1, following Creed’s retirement after a decade of leadership. READ MORE

Facts & Figures

Population Trends:

As of 2024, Harnett County's population increased by 5.2% since 2019, growing by 7,101. The population is expected to increase by 6.1% between 2024 and 2029, adding 8,706.