Today North Carolina State Treasurer Brad Briner announced he has appointed NC Chamber General Counsel and NC Chamber Legal Institute President Ray Starling to serve on the Board of Directors of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC). 

EDPNC serves as North Carolina’s statewide economic development organization, working with public- and private-sector partners to recruit new businesses, support existing employers, and promote North Carolina as a destination for visitors and investment. 

“Ray grew up on a farm here in North Carolina and carries those traditions and work ethic with him today,” said Briner. “He has a long history in public policy on both the state and federal level and understands how to assess and advise about regulations while encouraging smart development and growth. He will be an invaluable voice for the board.” 

“I am honored to join the EDPNC Board and grateful to Treasurer Briner for the opportunity to serve,” said Starling. “EDPNC takes North Carolina’s competitive advantages to the marketplace, attracting new investment and supporting business growth across the state. That work closely complements the NC Chamber’s efforts to strengthen the business climate that makes North Carolina an attractive place to invest, grow, and create jobs. I look forward to bringing that perspective to the board and strengthening the connection between our organizations’ efforts.” 

Starling brings to the EDPNC board extensive experience in agriculture, economic policy, law, and government. At the NC Chamber, Starling serves as a member of the executive leadership team, advising on public policy and legal and regulatory issues affecting North Carolina’s business community. As president of the NC Chamber Legal Institute, he also leads the organization’s legal strategy and engagement on issues affecting employers across the state. Starling also leads NC Ag Leads, the NC Chamber Foundation and Golden LEAF Foundation’s strategic planning initiative for North Carolina agriculture. 

Before joining the NC Chamber, he served as chief of staff to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and as principal agriculture advisor to the President of the United States. He previously served as chief of staff and chief counsel to U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, general counsel to then-North Carolina House Speaker Tillis, and general counsel for the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Starling serves as an independent director on the Board of Directors of Smithfield Foods, Inc. 

Starling grew up on a diversified Century Farm in Autryville, North Carolina.