Gretchen Carson joined the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance® as the director of business recruitment in August 2021. Gretchen’s role is focused on project recruitment and marketing of the Charlotte Region for domestic and international prospects considering establishing a presence in the community.
Prior to joining the CLT Alliance, Gretchen served as existing industry program manager for the Mecklenburg County Office of Economic Development for more than three years. Gretchen was tapped to build and develop the county’s first retention program for business and industry, targeting more than 220 manufacturers. Under Gretchen, the Existing Industry Program leveraged local incentives for the retention of businesses in the community, generating more than $100 million in capital investment and yielding the creation and retention of nearly 500 jobs. Before supporting Mecklenburg County, Gretchen spent five years focusing on existing industry retention and nearly a year as a project manager for business attraction in Union County.
“Gretchen’s network and economic development experience in the Charlotte Region are an incredible asset to our team,” Chief Business Recruitment Officer Danny Chavez said. “Her approach in locating business opportunities and understanding our clients needs makes her a vital component and leader on our team.”
Gretchen also served as the executive director for the French American Chamber of Commerce of the Carolinas from 2007-2010 and is currently a member of the organization’s board of directors. She also serves on the advisory board for the NC Biotechnology Center – Charlotte. Gretchen holds a Bachelor of Arts in French and Art History from Indiana University, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in International Business from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and graduated from the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute in 2012. In 2017, Gretchen was selected as one of the Charlotte Business Journal’s 40 Under 40.
Gretchen is married with two sons. In her free time, Gretchen loves to spend time with her family on “waterfall hikes” in the mountains or hunting for shells and shark teeth at the beaches. Traveling is also a passion – Gretchen has completed the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, gone to the Indianapolis 500 (multiple times!) and jumps at any opportunity to go back to Paris!
