Alan Wood to Retire from Burke Development Inc.

Someone instrumental in laying the groundwork for current industrial development in Burke County will likely not see these projects to the end. Alan Wood, president and CEO of Burke Development Inc., is retiring. 

Redeveloping the former Drexel Furniture site and constructing a shell building in the Burke Business Park are two projects that have a long way to go before an industry commits to either site. 

Wood will remain on the job through June 2026 while the BDI Board begins its search for new leadership. 

He joined BDI in 2015, bringing with him more than a decade of experience in economic development. He has been a driving force in advancing Burke County’s economic growth, workforce development, and business recruitment efforts.

Before his leadership at BDI, he served as director of economic development in Stokes County and as senior development director in Caldwell County, where he played a key role in projects of all sizes—including the recruitment of the Google Data Center in Caldwell County.

His reputation for developing creative strategies and building strong partnerships has been a hallmark of his career. He worked closely with local government, industry leaders, and community partners to strengthen Burke County’s position as a competitive location for business investment. His leadership has supported the recruitment and expansion of major employers, the growth of small businesses, and the development of innovative workforce training initiatives.

Among his most notable accomplishments was spearheading the launch of the OPT-IN initiative, a collaborative effort to align education, workforce, and economic development strategies across Burke County. OPT-IN has become a model for regional cooperation and long-term planning, helping to ensure that local talent is prepared for the jobs of tomorrow.

He also championed the creation of Work In Burke, a dynamic platform designed to connect residents with local career opportunities and showcase the diverse industries thriving in the region. This initiative has played a vital role in workforce retention and community engagement, reinforcing Burke County’s reputation as a place to live, work, and grow.