Background

Carly Kirkman has been part of Economic Leadership since the firm's inception and serves as Director of Data and Content. She specializes in data analysis, survey design and administration, report development, content creation, and publication production.

Throughout her time with Economic Leadership, Carly has supported projects involving workforce development, economic competitiveness, talent attraction, entrepreneurship, housing, higher education, and community development. She works closely with project teams to organize and analyze data, develop survey instruments, create visualizations, and transform research findings into clear, accessible reports and presentations.

Work

Carly leads much of the firm's ongoing data collection, survey management, and reporting efforts. Her work includes developing and analyzing stakeholder surveys, compiling economic and demographic data, preparing graphics and visualizations, supporting economic impact analyses, and producing final client deliverables.

She has contributed to strategic plans, economic development studies, workforce assessments, industry analyses, community engagement efforts, and economic impact reports for organizations across the United States. Carly also plays a key role in editing, formatting, and publishing many of the firm's final reports and presentations.

About

Carly earned her degree from North Carolina State University and has more than 15 years of experience owning and operating a private event planning business.

She enjoys combining data, organization, and storytelling to help communities better understand their opportunities and challenges. Outside of work, Carly enjoys traveling, hiking, and spending time with her husband, son, and family pets.