RALEIGH, N.C.—Womble Bond Dickinson has long been an economic development leader in the Carolinas, having helped guide some of the region’s largest job creation and investment efforts in recent years. Now, that team is strengthened with the addition of former North Carolina Department of Commerce General Counsel, Dave Efird.

At the Department of Commerce, Efird served as the state’s lead negotiator on many major economic development projects. He worked closely with corporations, local governments and state agencies to develop and close incentive deals that brought thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in investment to North Carolina.

Efird now brings that senior-level experience to Womble Bond Dickinson, where he will counsel companies seeking to relocate to or expand operations in the Southeast. This includes site selection and negotiating with state and local officials on economic development incentives. Efird will practice in the firm’s Raleigh and RTP offices.

“We have worked closely with Dave for years, and he has been instrumental in bringing so many successful projects to North Carolina,” said John Hunter, co-leader of Womble Bond Dickinson’s Economic Development Team. “His background is a perfect match for what we do, and having him on board will greatly benefit our clients looking to grow in the Southeast.”

Womble Bond Dickinson Raleigh and RTP Offices Managing Partner Beth Tyner Jones said, “The Triangle region perennially ranks at or near the top in national reports on economic development and job creation. Dave and his team at the Department of Commerce have played an integral role in that growth. We are delighted to have Dave now working to help us help clients invest and grow in North Carolina.”

Click here to learn more about Womble Bond Dickinson’s Economic Development practice.