Rocky Lane
MANAGING PARTNER
Lewis C. “Rocky” Lane, Jr. joined SHEDC as a charter Managing Partner in 2002 and has over 30 years’ experience in economic development. His consulting experience includes regional existing business retention and expansion, site certification and selection, industrial park development, comprehensive strategic economic development plans, statewide economic development strategies, economic and fiscal impact analyses, and the development and management of an economic development outreach program for a university.
Lane served thirteen years as Executive Director of Halifax Development Commission. During his tenure the county developed a fully serviced industrial park, two North Carolina Department of Commerce certified sites, constructed a shell building, and developed an award-winning marketing program. Under his leadership, Halifax County successfully recruited 17 new industries representing over $1.5 billion in investment and over 2,000 jobs. In addition, Lane was instrumental in the expansion of 10 existing industries.
Prior to working with the Development Commission, Rocky was with Halifax Community College for thirteen years serving in various positions, the last being Dean of Continuing Education. In this position he was the liaison and principal contact between the college and the local industrial community. He was one of the original fifteen directors of the Community College Systems’ Focused Industry Training (FIT) Program, which was responsible for designing and delivering customized skills training for business and industry.
Before his career with the Community College, Lane was employed with the J. P. Stevens Company as a Plant Industrial Engineer.
Professional Experience
2002-Present, Managing Partner with Sanford Holshouser Economic Development Consulting, LLC in Roanoke Rapids, NC location.
1990-2002, Executive Director, Halifax Development Commission. Responsible for the county’s overall economic development plan.
1976-1990, various administrative positions with Halifax Community College, the last being Dean of Continuing Education. Responsibilities included developing and delivering customized training programs to business and industry. Also instituted degree awarding programs in electronics engineering, electromechanical technology, and mechanical maintenance.
1975-1976, Plant Industrial Engineer, J.P. Stevens, and Co.
1973-1975, Graduate Teaching Assistant, North Carolina State University
Education
North Carolina State University, Bachelor of Science, Textile Technology
North Carolina State University, Master of Textile Technology
University of Oklahoma, Graduate, Economic Development Institute,
University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill, Graduate, Basic Economic Development Course
Leadership, Awards and Certifications
Halifax Community College Board of Trustees, 2019-Present
Northeast Economic Developers, Chair, 1995-2003
Eastern North Carolina Developers Association, Board of Directors. 1992-1996
Partnershipping Award-CSX Transportation, 1992
Economic Developer of the Year-Eastern Center for Regional Development, 1999
Eagle Scout
Away from the Office
Rocky enjoys target shooting and spending time with his family.