Michael Geouge, CEcD
MANAGING PARTNER
Prior to joining SHEDC, Mike was the Manager of Economic Development for Duke Power/Nantahala Power where he worked with both the private and public sectors involved in the location and/or expansion of business and industry within the company service area. Prior to his move to the private sector, Mike was the Manager of the western regional office for the North Carolina Department of Commerce where he was responsible for industrial recruitment and business expansion/retention programs for a 17 county area.
Professional Experience
In the city planning profession, Mike served as Planning Director for Gulfport, MS and the Chief/Senior Planner for the western office of the NC Division of Community Services. Both of these positions included program, staff and budget management responsibilities for medium to large public planning organizations. Additionally, he earlier held positions as a community planner for the States of Tennessee and North Carolina.
Mike has had extensive leadership involvement with economic development organizations, including serving on the Board of Directors for Advantage West and acting as chairman of its marketing committee (a 21 county NC regional economic development organization). He was also chairman of the Western Carolina Industrial Partnership (a multi county economic development marketing organization); Chairman of the Smoky Mountain Development Corporation (a multi county business incubator facility/504 SBA authorized loan organization); and a board member of the North Carolina Economic Developers Association.
Education
Mike earned a Bachelor of Science degree in urban geography from East Tennessee State University.
Leadership, Awards and Certifications
He is a Certified Economic Developer, designated through the International Economic Development Council.
Away from the Office
Mike lives in Clayton, NC, with his wife Sandra. They have four children and two grandchildren. He enjoys hiking, snow skiing and golfing.