Executive Director-Centralina Regional Council

Summary

Lead Regional Progress. Empower Local Action.

Applicants should apply by September 26, 2026

Are you a visionary, collaborative leader ready to shape the future of one of the fastest-growing regions in the nation? Centralina Regional Council is seeking its next Executive Director to guide its high-performing team into a dynamic new era.

Headquartered in the vibrant metropolis of Charlotte, North Carolina, Centralina unites 70 communities across nine counties to tackle complex challenges, spark economic opportunity, and enhance the quality of life for 2.25 million residents. If you excel at building trust-based relationships, diversifying resources, and bringing diverse stakeholders together around shared goals, this is your opportunity to make a lasting regional impact.

Centralina serves as a trusted:

• Regional Convener: Creating common ground for research, relationship building, and strategic planning.
• Service Coordinator & Project Manager: Facilitating efficient regional initiatives across planning, infrastructure, and development.
• Resource Partner & Technical Advisor: Providing data, training, and tailored capacity support to member communities.
• Administrator: Managing regional institutions across economic growth, environmental resilience, and human services.

Job Description

About the Organization and the Position

Established in 1968, Centralina Regional Council is a public council of governments authorized by the General Assembly—one of 16 regional councils in North Carolina (Region F). Governance is anchored by a Board of Delegates representing member local governments and overseen by an 18-member Executive Board who are elected officials within the nine-county service area.

The Executive Director serves as Chief Executive Officer, reporting to the Board of Delegates and Executive Board. The Executive Director is responsible for leading operational initiatives and generating financial opportunities.

With an operating budget of $20.5M and $16.2M in passthrough funding ($36.7M, total), Centralina employs 47 dedicated staff structured across six departments and seven focus areas:

• Focus Areas: Aging & Health, Community Economic Development, Local Government Support, Natural Resources & Resilience, Planning & Placemaking, Transportation & Mobility, and Workforce & Talent.
• Organizational Structure: Internal operations (Administration & Finance, Strategic Engagement & Technical Services) and external services (Regional Planning, Community Economic Development, Area Agency on Aging, Workforce Development Board).

Centralina’s staff serve as subject-matter experts, ensuring the organization meets critical business strategic priorities and remains responsive to those who need the most help. Friendly, talented and professional staff help Centralina remain a trusted source of data and analysis that informs decision makers and calls attention to important trends.

Guided by a regularly updated Strategic Plan, leadership focuses on four overarching goals:

• Goal 1: Collaborate to prepare, plan and act on issues that respond to today’s needs and tomorrow’s opportunities.
• Goal 2: Strengthen capacity, efficiency and innovative practice to improve quality of life and enhance economic opportunity.
• Goal 3: Cultivate relationships to advance regional awareness, collaboration and impact.
• Goal 4: Invest in the talent and infrastructure needed to support Centralina as a high-performing, highly desirable place to work.

Learn more about the organization by reviewing their 24-25 annual report, annual financial report, and FY 27 workplan.