Team

Experts On Your Side
When you’re ready to establish or expand your investment in Cleveland County, NC, you can count on the CCEDP team. Armed with deep industry relationships, experience and knowledge, we will guide you through our business systems, open doors with leaders and prepare you for success in Cleveland County.

Kristin Reese
Executive Director
[email protected]
(704) 300-9818
(704) 300-9818
Born and raised in Cleveland County, and a graduate of North Carolina State University with a BA degree in Political Science, Kristin is passionate about Cleveland County. She is well versed with North Carolina’s taxes, incentives, real estate, demographics and workforce assets. Kristin has 17 years at CCEDP, and in addition to managing the daily operations of the organization, she also spearheads all new industry business development strategies and activities.

Beth Norman
Director of Existing Industry Relations
[email protected]
(941) 962-5242
(941) 962-5242
Beth leverages her career experience in Cleveland County’s manufacturing sector and background in engineering to help existing industries meet their needs – from day-to-day operations to expansion projects. With five years of service at CCEDP, she has the knowledge and experience to match businesses with the resources Cleveland County offers. Beth a holds a BA degree in Business from Virginia Tech.

Brandon Ruppe
Associate Executive Director
[email protected]
(704) 418-1898
(704) 418-1898
In addition to spearheading CCEDP's workforce development and talent attraction efforts, Brandon is also fully immersed in other areas of the organization, which include: business development, existing industry support, target sector strategy development, investor relations, research, and marketing. Brandon holds a BS in Biology from Western Carolina University and a Master’s in Human Resources from Western Carolina University.