City of Monroe Launches Office of Economic Development, Names Director and Existing Business and Industries Manager
The City of Monroe has established the Office of Economic Development to lead efforts in attracting, retaining, and expanding business opportunities in the community. The office will be led by Director Teresa Campo, who most recently served as the City’s Strategic Projects Manager. Also joining her team is Existing Business and Industry Manager Donna D’Alessandro O’Keefe, formerly the City’s Downtown Manager.
“Monroe has always had a strong commitment to economic vitality, but this new office allows us to bring focus, coordination, and strategy to that mission, and Director Campo is the perfect person to lead the way,” said City Manager Mark Watson. “As a full-service city with electric, natural gas, water, and fiber utilities, Monroe is perfectly positioned to help prospective industries find a home here.”
Experienced leadership for a new office
Although the Office of Economic Development is new to the City, Campo, O’Keefe and Monroe’s economic development efforts are not. Both leaders bring extensive experience and deep knowledge of the city, its people, and its priorities.
Campo, who has more than 20 years of leadership in local government, has worked across infrastructure development, workforce programs, revitalization, and community initiatives. She is a member of the International Economic Development Council and the North Carolina Economic Development Association, holding multiple state certifications, along with a Master and Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration.
“It is a privilege to transition to this new role under the City Manager,” said Director Campo. “I was honored to work alongside Economic Development Hall of Fame inductee Walt Sprouse in building the foundation of Monroe’s economic efforts. We are focused on facilitating new business opportunities, business retention and expansion, and strategic partnerships to strengthen the City's economy and support sustainable growth. I look forward to building tomorrow, today.”
O’Keefe brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in workforce training, national retail management, and business development, with a proven record of translating market trends into practical, data-informed solutions for businesses. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Clothing and Textiles from Appalachian State University and is recognized for her ability to foster relationships, improve operations, and drive sustainable growth.
“I am thrilled to have been chosen as part of this team,” said Existing Business and Industry Manager O’Keefe. “I am dedicated to strengthening our existing business community and am eager to contribute my skills to support our outstanding companies, with the goal of assisting them to grow and flourish.”
Building on strength
Monroe has long been recognized for its robust economic development efforts. The new Office of Economic Development builds on that legacy by streamlining services, expanding resources, and creating new opportunities for collaboration. The City has been recognized as a ‘Good Cities, Great Jobs’ municipality and honored with Public Power Awards of Excellence for its reliable, locally controlled utilities that help set Monroe apart for precision manufacturing and other business sectors.
“Teresa and Donna’s leadership ensures our economic development office is ready to go to work from day one,” said Manager Watson. “With their knowledge, experience, and vision, Monroe is well positioned for continued growth.”
