King Tapped for New Role at UNCW
7/19/2006 2:43:32 PM
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Wilmington, N.C. - Billy F. King has been named University of North Carolina Wilmington Assistant Vice Chancellor for Economic and Workforce Development, one of UNC President Erskine Bowles' strategic priorities for maintaining North Carolina's competitiveness in today's global marketplace. In this newly created position, he reports to the Vice Chancellor for Public Service and Continuing Studies and works with University officials to define and communicate UNCW's economic vision and plan.
A native of King's Mountain, N.C., he enjoyed a long career with the BellSouth Corporation, which brought him to Wilmington from Charlotte in 1996. King calls UNCW "a great economic engine for the region," and intends to use his corporate connections and his experience to benefit the region. He says, "For corporations and businesses, education is always on the needs list. I want to make sure UNCW is at the top of the list. I want to convey the unique value of UNCW."
Part of his plan includes, "Looking at current economic development initiatives and encouraging partnerships for a comprehensive, cohesive approach for the region." He adds, "I want to tell the economic development part of the UNCW story."
In this new role, King will act as a liaison between UNCW and local, regional and state businesses. He says, "I want to explore opportunities for us to work together and develop strategic partnerships."
He feels UNCW can help existing businesses, new companies and developing industries by promoting "an educated, well-trained and capable workforce." And at the same time, help graduates of UNCW by working with companies so that more viable employment opportunities are available.
King attended Gaston College and completed the Economic Development Course at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Institute of Government. He completed years of corporate training while at BellSouth and trained with the NC Air National Guard. He serves on the Technical Advisory Group for North Carolina's Southeast, the regional economic development marketing organization for southeastern North Carolina, the Board of Directors of the Wilmington Industrial Development committee, the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, Cape Fear Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Wilmington Downtown, Inc., and is a member of the Wilmington Rotary Club. His wife of 36 years is employed with Williams-Sonoma in Wilmington. His son, Billy Jr., lives in Wilmington and is a pharmaceutical sales associate with Novo Nordisk, Inc.
He may be reached at 910.962.4138 or kingb@uncw.edu
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Billy F. King
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