NCBiotech’s Laura Rowley wins DCI 40 Under 40 in Economic Development award

Laura Rowley, Ph.D., vice president of the Life Sciences Economic Development group at the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, is a recipient of the 2025 Economic Development 40 Under 40 Award, the biennial award recognizing rising stars under 40 years old in the economic development industry.

The awards program is hosted by Development Counsellors International (DCI), a New York-based integrated marketing firm that works with economic development and travel organizations around the globe, and Jorgenson Pace, Inc., a leading national executive search firm specializing in economic development, community development and non-profit sectors. An independent selection committee of six economic development leaders and site selection consultants evaluated nominations based on the demonstration of strong leadership, commitment and innovation every day in the workplace.

"Economic development is a purpose-driven field that shapes communities worldwide, and young professionals are at the heart of that impact," said Julie Curtin, president of DCI’s economic development practice. "These 40 rising stars are driving change through their innovation, commitment and leadership. Their contributions are already making a difference, and I’m excited to see how they continue to shape the industry in the years to come."

Rowley joined NCBiotech in January 2017 and was promoted to vice president of life sciences economic development in 2022. In this capacity, she partners closely with North Carolina’s economic development community, universities, community colleges, and local industry to advance workforce development efforts and support life sciences companies seeking to expand or relocate to NC. In the last 5 years, Rowley’s efforts have contributed to the announcement of 17,000+ new life sciences jobs and over $20B investment in NC. 

“Laura’s contributions to the state’s recent success in life sciences economic development cannot be overstated,” said Bill Bullock, senior vice president for Economic and Statewide Development at NCBiotech. “This award is wonderful recognition of her competence as a leader and her commitment to growing life sciences jobs in North Carolina.”

Rowley earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Furman University in Greenville, S.C., and completed her Ph.D. in genetics and molecular biology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. At NCBiotech, she has combined her training as a scientist with her commitment to collaboration. Her leadership has effectively leveraged state and federal funding and grants from the U.S. EDA, U.S. ETA, and National Institution for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) to launch and expand initiatives to increase awareness and create pathways to connect job seekers and employers including the NC CRO Collaborative, NC Life Sciences Apprenticeship Consortium, and NCBiotech’s Military Outreach & Veterans Engagement (MOVE). 

She is an engaged member of the community, representing NCBiotech on advisory committees including NCBioImpact, NIIMBL Workforce Activities Committee, and Durham Public Schools Career & Technical Education. 

As the economic development industry continues to evolve, these emerging leaders are rising to meet new challenges with expertise and innovation," said Todd Jorgenson, managing director and principal of Jorgenson Pace, Inc. "Congratulations to this year’s 40 honorees—your leadership is making a lasting impact on both your communities and the industry at large.”

"I am beyond honored to be a 40 Under 40 in Economic Development winner," said Rowley. "To receive this recognition alongside two fellow North Carolinians, Albert Alwang, economic development director from Wake Country Economic Development, and Taylor J. Hutchins, director of recruitment from the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, makes it all the more meaningful. I'm grateful for a career that shows me new ways to love my community each day."

Award winners were recently announced at a reception hosted by DCI and Jorgenson at the Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C. The ceremony was held in conjunction with the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) 2025 Leadership Summit, the only conference held exclusively for certified economic developers and senior managers in the profession.