As director of economic development for Parker Poe's Business Expansion + Location Solutions (BELS) Team, Ann Turnbill leverages her experience, deep industry insights, and extensive network to help facilitate domestic and international business expansion and relocation projects. She serves as a key liaison for companies exploring opportunities in North Carolina, offering critical market intelligence and strategic guidance to help clients understand the regulatory landscape, site selection process, and where Parker Poe can offer assistance. Her collaborative approach with the firm's partners and consultants ensures seamless integration of the legal, economic, and operational considerations that businesses face when seeking to implement a new business expansion project in the U.S.
Prior to joining Parker Poe, Ann served as director of investor relations at the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC), where she spearheaded high-impact initiatives to elevate North Carolina's global business profile. Her leadership resulted in enhanced corporate engagement, successful attraction of Fortune 500 companies, record-setting fundraising campaigns, and cultivation of strategic alliances that positioned North Carolina as a premier destination for business investment. Ann's initiatives grew awareness of the state's economic competitiveness and facilitated meaningful connections between corporate CEOs, community leaders, and policymakers.
Clients and economic development allies recognize Ann for her strategic acumen, relationship-building skill, and ability to bridge the gap that often exists between the public and private sectors. Over a 30-year period, she has developed a professional network that spans corporate executives, government and elected officials, and economic development leaders across the U.S., making her a trusted and sought-after advisor.
Ann is actively engaged within the Southeast U.S. economic development community. She is a member of the Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC) as well as the North Carolina Economic Development Association (NCEDA) where she serves on several committees to help foster economic growth and competitiveness across the Southeast U.S. She also serves on the board of directors for North Carolina's Southeast Regional Economic Development Partnership. Ann earned her bachelor's degree from North Carolina State University.
*Ann is not licensed to practice law in North Carolina.