Catawba County EDC hires Economic Development Specialist

Kimberly Propst will be joining the Catawba County Economic Development Corporation as Economic Development Specialist starting November 1^st, 2022. In this newly created position, Ms. Propst will primarily be responsible for developing and directing an effective program of outreach, communications, support services, and technical problem solving to support and cause the growth of existing industries in Catawba County. 

Prior to joining the EDC, Ms. Propst served as the Apprenticeship Coordinator for Catawba Valley Community College developing partnerships with business and industry, workforce agencies, and a variety of education and training organizations in order to identify new and emerging employee training opportunities that align with economic market trends and industry workforce needs. Under her leadership, Apprenticeship Catawba received the 2016 NCWorks Governors Award for Innovative Partnership and the 2016 NCWorks Youth Apprenticeship award.  Ms. Propst also assisted with development of the Catawba Apprenticeship Network that has expanded apprenticeship opportunities for both Catawba and Alexander county residents.

“We were fortunate to have a large number of great candidates for this position, but our EDC team was particularly impressed by Kimberly’s previous work with the Catawba Apprenticeship Network and her ability to forge trusted relationships among many diverse audiences – from companies, to educators and the apprentices themselves,” said Nathan Huret, Catawba EDC Economic Development Director.  “We believe this new role will be a natural extension for Kimberly’s many strengths. We are excited for her to start soon and anticipate her being a great fit within our team.”

“I am thankful to the EDC for this amazing opportunity to serve Catawba County in a new role, and look forward to continuing to make a positive impact on the community,” said Ms. Propst.

Ms. Propst earned her AAS Degree from CVCC in Commercial Art and Advertising Design and then went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in Graphic Arts and Photography Technology from Appalachian State University. Ms. Propst is currently pursuing her Master of Public Administration degree through Appalachian State University and resides in Hickory, NC with her husband and two children.

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