Cole's new role.

• Author: Martin, Cathy
• Position: STATEWIDE: Triangle

In March, Adrienne Cole took the helm of the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, becoming the first woman to lead the business-development group. She succeeded former CEO Tim Giuliani, who resigned in January after a year and a half in the position to return to his home state of Florida. After a national search, the group tapped Cole for the job. Cole worked at the chamber from 2004-2011, then left for a stint in business development for global construction firm Lend Lease. In 2014, she returned to the group as executive director of Wake County Economic Development, a chamber program. In her new job, Cole's work has expanded to include education, transportation and government affairs.

Cole recently spoke with Business North Carolina about her work at the chamber, the importance of collaboration and future plans.

SHOES TO FILL

Prior to Giuliani's brief tenure, Harvey Schmitt led the Raleigh Chamber for 21 years. "I can't say enough about him," Cole says. "[Schmitt] set into place a lot of the formal and informal structures" that led to the spirit of collaboration among local and regional economic-development groups. That joint effort is essential in economic development, according to Cole. "This work is a team sport," she says. "We are very deliberate in working together, not duplicating efforts and coming together to provide companies with the information and resources they need to be successful. Whether that is in the site-selection process, helping an existing company grow or helping a company find the talent they need, we work collaboratively with municipal, regional and statewide organizations. It is very intentional."

KEEPING MILLENNIALS ENGAGED

Earlier this year, the...