Eli Hashimi has been named Director of the Mountain West Partnership. Eli brings a deep commitment to Western North Carolina, trusted regional relationships, and a proven ability to advance regional projects, strengthen business and resource connections, and support economic development efforts across the Mountain West region. Her strategic communication, partner engagement, and business-centered approach bring the perspective, skill, and energy to guide MWP’s next chapter with purpose and momentum.
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Hashimi will succeed Josh Carpenter, who is moving into the private sector. During his time with MWP, Carpenter helped bring new and impactful projects to the region, worked with existing businesses on expansion opportunities, created organizational momentum, strengthened the Partnership’s foundation, and positioned the organization for future success. 
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As Director, Hashimi will lead MWP’s regional economic development work with a focus on supporting businesses already rooted in the region, across all sectors, while also recruiting new opportunities, advancing site availability and readiness, and working to help strengthen the economic ecosystem of the seven westernmost counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

As part of the Southwestern Commission, MWP will continue supporting business growth, county partnerships, regional marketing, connections to workforce and business resources, infrastructure needs, and the momentum of WeSpeak WNC Business.
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Source: Mountain West Partnership.