Caldwell County Announces Change in Economic Development Leadership
Caldwell County recently announced a transition in leadership within its Economic Development department. Economic Development Director Ashley Bolick is departing and Existing Industry Manager Jesse Trivette has been named Interim Director.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve Caldwell County as interim director. Ashley has left our economic development program with a strong foundation, clear direction, and tremendous momentum,” said Trivette. “My goal is to build on that foundation while continuing to listen to our businesses, strengthen partnerships, and pursue opportunities that support investment, job creation, and long-term growth.”
Since joining Caldwell County Economic Development, Trivette has worked closely with Bolick as the county strengthened its economic development program, expanded its support for existing industry, advanced workforce and talent development initiatives, and supported major business investment and expansion. His work has included building stronger relationships with existing industries, developing new workforce partnerships, advancing product and industrial development opportunities, and positioning Caldwell County for continued economic growth.
“Working alongside Ashley has been an invaluable experience, both professionally and personally,” Trivette said. “I have seen firsthand the commitment she brought to Caldwell County and the relationships she built with our businesses, community partners, and economic development allies.”
During her tenure, Bolick led the reorganization and strengthening of the county’s economic development function, established a formal Existing Industry Support Program, and expanded workforce and talent initiatives. She played a key role in projects involving Bakers Waste Equipment,
Dynastar Aerospace Machining, Granite Falls Composites, and Wild Fork. Her leadership supported the approximately $1 billion expansion of the Google Lenoir Data Center and advanced strategic work at the Foothills Regional Airport. She secured a $50,000 Golden LEAF SITE Program grant and more than $2 million in matching funds for a proposed sewer expansion project.
“Serving as Caldwell County’s Economic Development Director has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my professional career,” Bolick said. “I am incredibly proud of what our team, our Economic Development Advisory Council, our county leadership, and our community partners have accomplished together,” said Bolick. “Most importantly, I am grateful for the relationships I have built with our business community and the many people who are committed to making Caldwell County a great place to live, work, and do business.”
Bolick added, “Jesse is ready for this opportunity. He has built strong relationships with Caldwell County’s existing businesses and developed a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing our business community. He knows economic development is not only about recruiting new companies—it is also about supporting the businesses that are already here and building a community where businesses and talent choose to grow.”
Prior to his time with Economic Development, Trivette’s professional experience included private-sector business ownership, financial management, public service, entrepreneurship, project management, financial operations, construction oversight, client and business relations, cost control, and organizational management. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a concentration in Microbiology/Biotechnology from East Carolina University and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Banking and Finance from Gardner-Webb University. He earned the North Carolina Certified Economic Developer designation in 2025. A lifelong resident of Caldwell County, Trivette is married to a Caldwell County native and the parent of a senior at South Caldwell High School.
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