Thomas Stith, program director for economic development for the Frank Hawkins Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise, has been appointed by the N.C. General Assembly to a four-year term on the N.C. Turnpike Authority board of directors.
The Turnpike Authority was established by the General Assembly in 2002 in response to concerns about rapid growth, heavy congestion and dwindling resources for highway construction in North Carolina. The authority is authorized to study, plan, develop, construct, operate and maintain up to nine toll projects in the state. Currently, the authority is building the 18.8-mile, $1 billion Triangle Expressway system in Wake and Durham counties. The first segment of the project is scheduled to open in December 2011 with the entire project open to traffic by the end of 2012. The authority is also preparing to build the 20-mile Monroe Connector/Bypass in Union and Mecklenberg counties at an estimated cost of $725 million. Other toll projects now under environmental study are planned for Mid-Currituck, Gaston, and New Hanover -Brunswick counties.
Stith’s work at the institute focuses on the unique challenges facing North Carolina's eastern region as it transitions from an agricultural-based economy to one that is poised to leverage its competitive advantages in the areas of renewable energy, defense contracting, aerospace, destination development and the proliferation of high-growth companies within the region.
His career has included work in policy-level public positions and Fortune 250 private-sector organizations along with several entrepreneurial ventures. He served on the Durham (N.C.) City Council for three consecutive terms.
Stith's unique combination of public- and private-sector experience combined with practical political expertise provides him with the critical foundation needed to help institute clients examine the myriad factors affecting their communities and develop strategies to achieve economic prosperity.
For more information, contact Stith at (919) 962-8444 or .