Walter O. Farabee has joined the staff of the Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce in a newly-created role as the Director of Talent Retention and Recruitment. In this role, Walter will be integral in creating programs and collaborations among our businesses, schools, colleges, and universities which enhance talent and workforce in Winston-Salem.

Some responsibilities of this role include developing internship and workforce programs, managing the Chamber’s young professional initiative, Winston Under 40, and developing a “Welcome to Winston” program to introduce new members of the community.

Mark Owens, President and CEO of the Chamber, is pleased to welcome Walter to this new role:
“In my discussions with our business community, I have heard from many employers that the retention and recruitment of talent to our region is vital for success. This new position aligns the Chamber with the current and future needs of our community. Walter’s background and his vision for our community’s future makes him the perfect person to work on these initiatives as we aim to help our business community thrive. We are excited to have him join our team.”

Walter is excited about the possibilities to make an impact in this role:
“The growth and diversification of Winston-Salem’s new economy and revitalizing downtown are monumental. We have many assets but also face tough competition in the state and region for talented workers. I welcome the challenge to work with Chamber members and the community to make our city even more attractive to young professionals and to retain and grow local business.”

Walter has an undergraduate degree in economics from Hampton University and a master’s degree in city planning from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has worked for the City of Winston-Salem as a business development coordinator for the Minority and Women Business Enterprise Program where he assisted entrepreneurs starting and expanding their businesses, as well as obtaining local government contracts. Walter most recently was a project planner where he was responsible for leading long-range city planning projects, developing ordinances and performing assessments of federally funded projects. Walter is currently enrolled as an MBA student at Wake Forest University School of Business. He is a native of Winston-Salem, and he is married to Eboni Ellis.

For more information about Walter Farabee and his new role as the Director of Talent Recruitment and Retention, please click here to view the Winston-Salem Journal’s feature article published Sunday, March 25.