The Town of Chapel Hill is hiring David Putnam as its new Economic Development Director. Putnam will begin his tenure on June 24.

“This is a key position for the town and David stood out among a very competitive field of candidates,” said town manager Chris Blue. “He brings the experience and enthusiasm needed, as well as a track record of success working with local and regional partners. I’m confident he will successfully work with our team and our community partners to promote economic vitality and sustainability.”

Putnam comes to Chapel Hill after most recently serving in the same role with the Alamance County Area Chamber of Commerce. He also served as a strategist for the Piedmont Triad Regional Council.

“In my new role, my goal will be to collaborate with partners to support current businesses, attract new business, and implement creative strategies to advance the town’s purposeful growth,” said Putnam. “I am honored for the opportunity to work with the Town’s great team and contribute to such a vibrant community.”

Putnam will replace Katie Bowden, who has served as interim director since previous director Dwight Bassett’s retirement earlier this year.

 

Featured image via Town of Chapel Hill

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our newsletter.

Related Stories
‹
Celebration of Independence Day to Alter Local Government Services in Orange County
The celebration of Independence Day on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4 will affect several local government services in and around Orange County. Here’s a look at what typical services will and won’t be happening during the weekend: Town of Chapel Hill All Chapel Hill administrative offices will be closed Friday, July 3, as […]
Juneteenth Holiday to Affect Local Government Services Around Orange County
Across the country on Friday, Black Americans and communities will celebrate Juneteenth — the national recognition of when the final slaves were freed in the 19th century and of African-American culture. As a holiday, government services around the Orange County community will be affected on June 19 and the surrounding days. Here’s what residents can […]
'Professionals Behind the Wheel': Chapel Hill Transit Competition Challenges and Celebrates Its Operators
Chapel Hill Transit held its annual roadeo competition this past weekend, where operators showed off their skills in a timed obstacle course.
Photo Gallery: Chapel Hill Transit Roadeo 2026 Competition
The Chapel Hill Transit system held its annual Roadeo competition among its bus operators to see who could best navigate an obstacle course.
Chapel Hill Announces Adjusted Hours for Indoor Recreational Facilities and Centers
A difficult financial landscape is causing both residents and our local governments to tighten their budgets. In Chapel Hill, the town’s Parks and Recreation Department is adjusting its facilities hours – which helps keep costs more efficient, but leaders say also addresses bigger goals of the parks crew. The updates, as announced on Monday, shift […]
NCDOT to Begin Resurfacing Highway 86 June 1; Overnight Delays Expected
The North Carolina Department of Transportation is scheduled to begin resurfacing a part of North Carolina Highway 86 in Chapel Hill Monday, June 1. The work will take place between the intersections with Estes Drive and Franklin Street, through the Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard/South Columbia Street corridor. In a release, the Town of Chapel […]
Garbage Collection, Local Transit and More: How Memorial Day Will Impact Local Services
The observation of Memorial Day Monday, May 25 will affect local government services around the Orange County community. Here’s what residents can expect: Town of Chapel Hill Memorial Day is an official town holiday. Most town and other administrative offices will be closed. Residential trash will not be collected on Monday, with the make-up day […]
Blue Sky Robotics Expanding Chapel Hill Headquarters, Moving to Rosemary Street
Blue Sky Robotics, which has been headquartered in downtown Chapel Hill since its founding in 2023, will be moving to the Innovate Carolina Junction building at 136 East Rosemary Street. The company is currently located in the Hill Commercial Building on 142 East Franklin Street. In a presentation to the Chapel Hill Town Council Wednesday […]
During Bike Month, Chapel Hill Highlights Resources to Expand Bicycle Use and Improve Safety
Alongside the town's Vison Zero efforts through Vision Zero, Chapel Hill Transit offers trip coordination using its bus routes and greenways.
UNC Reports More Than $17 Million in Direct Economic Impact from Savannah Bananas Visit
According to a release from UNC, the recent visit from the Savannah Bananas to Chapel Hill generated an estimated $17.1 million.
›