Bolick departs role as Caldwell Economic Development Director

The official who helped secure a $1 billion Google expansion for Caldwell County is taking her economic development experience to Duke Energy.

Ashley Bolick left her post as the county’s economic development director Sept. 17, with Existing Industry Manager Jesse Trivette stepping in as interim director.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve Caldwell County as interim director. Ashley has left our economic development program with a strong foundation, clear direction, and tremendous momentum,” Trivette said. “My goal is to build on that foundation while continuing to listen to our businesses, strengthen partnerships, and pursue opportunities that support investment, job creation, and long-term growth.”

Trivette has a background that ranges from private-sector business ownership to public service. He holds a master’s degree in business administration with a concentration on banking and finance from Gardner-Webb University, and he later earned designation as a North Carolina Certified Economic Developer in 2025.

“I am incredibly proud of what our team, our Economic Development Advisory Council, our county leadership, and our community partners have accomplished together,” said Bolick. “Most importantly, I am grateful for the relationships I have built with our business community and the many people who are committed to making Caldwell County a great place to live, work, and do business.”

According to the county, Bolick was instrumental in the $1 billion expansion of the Google Lenoir data center and over $2 million in grants toward the proposed sewer expansion project at the Foothills Regional Airport.

Bolick explained that she and Trivette worked closely for the last three-and-a-half years, and that he will pick up any open projects that she had in process.

“Working alongside Ashley has been an invaluable experience, both professionally and personally,” Trivette said. “I have seen firsthand the commitment she brought to Caldwell County and the relationships she built with our businesses, community partners, and economic development allies.”

WHERE BOLICK IS HEADED

Bolick’s last day was on Sept. 17, and by Sept. 21 she was in her new role as the government and community relations manager at Duke Energy, taking the place of Robin Nicholson, who is retiring at the end of the month.

Bolick said that, although her first day felt like “drinking from a firehose,” she’s looking forward to serving as a local resource for the communities across Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Lincoln, and McDowell.

“I have over 15 years of experience working with and for local governments,” Bolick said. “It’s been a long time since I worked outside of government, so learning something new and being able to help my municipal and county friends in a different way — I guess being that liaison for Duke Energy to my government and community partners — is something I’m very excited to do.”