Invest Greenville, a public-private partnership focused on promoting economic development in Greenville-Pitt County, begins the 2026-27 Fiscal Year with a strong board of directors and executive leadership. Aaron Driver, president of professional risk management firm IIC Carolinas, will serve a second consecutive term as chair of the board of directors.
“It is a privilege to continue serving as chair of Invest Greenville during such an important time for our organization and community,” shared Driver. “Our board brings together leaders who care deeply about the future of this community and are willing to invest their time, expertise, and energy to help move it forward.”
Mallory Pickett of Blount Family Companies and Michael Gregory of Hyster-Yale Materials Handling will continue serving as vice chair and treasurer, respectively. Tyler Fortner of 264 Shoes and Apparel joins the executive committee for his first term as secretary. Former board chair Drake Brinkley of Ward and Smith, P.A., will continue his service as immediate past chair and on the organization’s board of directors and executive committee.
“Invest Greenville’s board provides valuable leadership, perspective, and accountability as we work to advance economic opportunity across Greenville-Pitt County,” said Josh Lewis, CEcD, president and CEO of Invest Greenville.
Invest Greenville welcomes Paul Anderson of Southern Bank to represent platinum-level investors and Pete West of Custom Building Company to represent silver-level investors. Both will serve three-year terms. Winterville Town Manager Terri Parker will fill one of the three voting municipal seats, while Winterville Mayor Ricky Hines assumes the Town’s ex officio seat. Brian Cooke, representing the Town of Grimesland, will transition from a voting municipal seat to the ex officio seat. New ex officio members include Ayden Town Manager Stephen Smith, Bethel Mayor Carl Wilson, Fountain Commissioner Phyllstine Gay, and Visit Greenville’s new president and CEO, Rachel Whitten.
“We are pleased to welcome these new directors and ex officio members to the Invest Greenville board,” added Lewis. “Their expertise and representation from across our investor base and municipalities strengthen the partnerships that make our work possible. We look forward to working with each of them as we continue promoting Greenville-Pitt County as a competitive place to invest, grow, and thrive.”
As Invest Greenville welcomes new board members, it recognizes the contributions of outgoing members who have supported the organization’s mission and vision in service to Greenville-Pitt County. Thomas Taft, Jr. of Taft Family Ventures concludes multiple board terms, including the past two years as secretary; Lynn Hudson of Hudson Brothers Construction completes two consecutive three-year terms; and retiring ex officio members Andrew Schmidt of Visit Greenville and former Ayden Economic Development Director Mallory Denham.
“We have much to be proud of, but there is even more ahead of us,” said Driver. “I look forward to working alongside this talented board, our investors and community partners to build on our progress, pursue new opportunities, and continue showing the world why Greenville-Pitt County is a place worth investing in.”
Additionally, Greenville City Council member Seth Hardee will serve as the Council’s liaison to the board, and Pitt County Commissioner Rochelle Brown will serve as the Pitt County Board of Commissioners’ liaison. The full list of the 2026-27 Invest Greenville Board of Directors is available by clicking here.
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Media Relations Contact:
Maria Satira
Vice President, Marketing and Talent Programming
Invest Greenville
satira@investgreevillenc.com
252-414-2875
