Buncombe County Taps New Leader For Intergovernmental Affairs Department

This week, Buncombe County announced that Josh Hallingse will serve as the Buncombe County Intergovernmental Affairs Director. He currently serves as the Vice President of the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce and grew up the Asheville area.  

After a nationwide search, Assistant County Manager Tim Love says Josh’s significant experience with economic development in our region really stood out: “Josh has served in multiple communities including Henderson, Transylvania, and New Hanover counties. He also did a great job outlining his experience with previous economic development projects in Western North Carolina, which requires a unique understanding of our geographic constraints, workforce, and industry strengths.” 

Those strengths are vital to the position as its goal is to attract high-wage jobs by increasing and diversifying economic opportunities while working with local, state, and federal collaborators. Josh says he’s ready to get to work and eager to return, “Western North Carolina is more than a place on the map, it’s home.” With a keen understanding of how local governments can work with community partners on economic development, he says job one is cultivating key relationships that will advance the Commissioners’ strategic priorities: “I’m looking forward to connecting with my future team and department heads to identify gaps and chart a path forward for the next fiscal year. I’m excited to be rejoining a great region and working alongside familiar peers and partners; many I already know and respect immensely, and others I look forward to building relationships with.” 

Hallingse earned a Master of Public Administration from Appalachian State University and is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) through the International Economic Development Council.