Eastern, NC [July 31, 2026] Vann Rogerson, President and CEO of NC East Alliance, receives the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in recognition of more than three decades of exemplary service to North Carolina and its rural communities.
The award was presented by Senator Bobby Hanig and outgoing NC East Alliance Board Chair Todd Edwards on July 30, 2026, at New Bern High School. The presentation took place during the STEM East Summer Symposium, an annual gathering of educators and regional partners committed to preparing Eastern North Carolina students for the industries and opportunities of the future.
The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is among the most prestigious honors presented by the Governor of North Carolina. It recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the state through extraordinary service and accomplishments.
Throughout his career, Rogerson has worked to expand economic opportunity across Eastern North Carolina by attracting business investment, creating jobs, strengthening regional partnerships and advocating for rural communities.
A native of Bear Grass, North Carolina, Rogerson earned a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He began his public service career in 1993 with the North Carolina Department of Commerce as a Regional Economic Development Representative, recruiting new business prospects to the state.
He later served as Vice President of Marketing for the Northeast region, simultaneously serving as the 16-county Regional Marketing Director for the NC Department of Commerce and the Northeast Economic Development Commission.
From 2006 to 2014, Rogerson served as President and CEO of the Northeast Economic Development Commission, overseeing economic and tourism development for 16 rural counties. During his broader 20 years of service to the region, announced projects resulted in 16,775 new jobs and $3.4 billion in capital investment.
Since joining NC East Alliance in 2015, Rogerson has served as Senior Vice President, Interim President and CEO, and, since February 2021, President and CEO. He currently leads the organization’s marketing, advocacy and economic development efforts across a 29-county region extending from Interstate 95 eastward.
Under his leadership, NC East Alliance has strengthened its role as a regional convener and international economic development partner. A significant portion of the organization’s clients are foreign-owned companies, and the majority of company announcements since 2016 have involved international firms. These results reflect Rogerson’s commitment to positioning Eastern North Carolina to compete globally while ensuring rural communities share in the benefits of economic growth.
Rogerson’s service extends well beyond his professional responsibilities. He has volunteered as a youth soccer and baseball coach, served for many years as Preschool Chairman at Memorial Baptist Church, and contributed his leadership to numerous civic, cultural and professional organizations. These include local Committees of 100, Chambers of Commerce, the Martin County Arts Council, the Martin County Community Players and the North Carolina Economic Development Association.
Colleagues and community partners know Rogerson for his integrity, humility and steady commitment to service. He has been a trusted partner to local governments, a tireless advocate for rural North Carolina and a mentor to economic development professionals throughout the state.
Presenting the award during the STEM East Summer Symposium was particularly fitting. The occasion connected Rogerson’s decades of regional leadership with NC East Alliance’s continuing commitment to education, workforce development and expanded opportunity for the next generation of Eastern North Carolinians.
“As I receive this award, I look around the room and see it filled with servants of this region. Every person here is doing everything they can to make Eastern North Carolina a better place for their friends, neighbors, and students. I am honored to be recognized, but this award reflects the dedication and commitment of so many people working every day to strengthen our communities,” said Vann Rogerson upon receiving the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.
