Bringing nearly 20 years of economic development experience and a familiarity with Western North Carolina, Josh Hallingse is coming back to Buncombe County to serve as the Buncombe County Intergovernmental Affairs Director. Currently serving as Vice President of the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, he grew up in the Asheville area, attended North Buncombe High School, and worked at the Grove Park Inn. After a nationwide search, Assistant County Manager Tim Love says Josh’s significant experience with economic development in our region really stood out: “Josh has served in multiple communities including Henderson, Transylvania, and New Hanover counties. He also did a great job outlining his experience with previous economic development projects in Western North Carolina, which requires a unique understanding of our geographic constraints, workforce, and industry strengths.”

Those strengths are vital to the position as its goal is to attract high-wage jobs by increasing and diversifying economic opportunities while working with local, state, and federal collaborators. Josh says he’s ready to get to work and eager to return, “Western North Carolina is more than a place on the map, it’s home.” With a keen understanding of how local governments can work with community partners on economic development, he says job one is cultivating key relationships that will advance the Commissioners’ strategic priorities: “I’m looking forward to connecting with my future team and department heads to identify gaps and chart a path forward for the next fiscal year. I’m excited to be rejoining a great region and working alongside familiar peers and partners; many I already know and respect immensely, and others I look forward to building relationships with.”

Josh has a Master of Public Administration from Appalachian State University and is also a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) through the International Economic Development Council. His work as the Executive Director of the Transylvania Economic Alliance where he oversaw implementation of the first Class-A industrial facility also provides valuable experience with economic recruitment. Additionally, Josh has served on the Board of North Carolina Economic Development Association. With close ties to the area and specialized experience in economic development, he is a perfect fit for Buncombe County’s Intergovernmental Affairs Director. “Teamwork is more important than ever,” notes Josh. “At its core, this role is about ensuring Buncombe County is the best possible partner and in a great position to leverage state- and federal-level opportunities that advance shared community goals, especially those in the recently adopted 2030 Strategic Plan.”

Please join us in welcoming Josh back to Buncombe County. His first official day is set for June 15, 2026. 

Josh Hallingse professional bio
Josh Hallingse, CEcD, is an economic development professional with nearly two decades of experience advancing job creation and investment goals that strengthen communities across North Carolina. A native of Western North Carolina, his work reflects a deep commitment to building local economies while preserving the unique character of the regions he serves.

Prior to joining Buncombe County, he served as Vice President of the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce where he led small-business focused economic development which included partnership with a world-class network of peers. His work created a “front door” for small business owners, from across industry sectors, with the shared goal of helping empower those businesses to leverage tools, resources, and connections to achieve expansion opportunities.

Previously, Hallingse served as Executive Director of the Transylvania Economic Alliance. His tenure included delivery of the organization’s first Class-A industrial facility, the Sylvan Valley Industrial Center, which supported growth of two WNC industries – SylvanSport and CANarchy Craft Brewery Collective. In 2022, he was recognized by NCEDA for his work with Raybow USA on an announced Brevard expansion and was proud to work with local government and private partners to support the renovation of reopening of the historic Greystone Inn at Lake Toxaway. He also helped advance key infrastructure investments to support Gaia Herbs, a nationally recognized leading natural products company.

Hallingse holds a Master of Public Administration from Appalachian State University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) through the International Economic Development Council and has completed the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute. His professional leadership includes service on the Board of the North Carolina Economic Development Association as well as service as a Trustee for Blue Ridge Community College.

Deeply connected to Western North Carolina, Hallingse has learned from his leaders and colleagues the importance of listening, long-term relationship building, and the amazing capacity of public-private partnerships to realize big goals.