Orange County taps former RTP exec for development post

Orange County officials have named Gary Shope, a former vice president for the Research Triangle Foundation who helped attract numerous companies to Research Triangle Park, as the county's interim economic development director.

“Gary’s proven track record of attracting a variety high tech firms to this region are skills Orange County can put to use,” County Manager Frank Clifton said in a statement.

Shope oversaw RTP recruitment efforts for 16 years, bringing companies like Cisco Systems, Biogen and Credit Suisse to the Triangle. He also has worked for the state Department of Commerce and The Sanford Holshouser Business Development Group.

“I’m confident that my experience in recruiting technology and knowledge-based jobs and fostering entrepreneurship fits well with the objectives of the Board of Commissioners to create well-paying jobs and tax base enhancements in Orange County,” Shope said in a statement.