Greater Winston-Salem, Inc. is pleased to announce new roles for two members of our team. Ellis Keifer has been promoted to Vice President of Economic Development and JT Warren has been promoted to Economic Development Manager.
In her new role, Ellis will lead the organization’s efforts to recruit new business and industry and support existing businesses with retention and expansion needs. She will also serve as a member of the organization’s leadership team.
JT will support all aspects of the organization’s economic development efforts, collaborate with local and external partners, and implement business and industry growth strategies, focusing on lead generation and economic research functions.
Ellis and JT work collaboratively to maximize opportunities for Winston-Salem and Forsyth County to attract new investment and generate jobs. They are currently managing a project pipeline of 78 active projects with the potential to generate $12B in capital investment and 18,000 new jobs.
“Ellis and JT are exceptional team members and I am excited for them to continue their career development with Greater Winston-Salem, Inc.,” says Mark Owens, President and CEO. “Since joining our team they have proven they can successfully work with our partners and members to execute strategies that generate economic opportunity in the community. I look forward to continuing to work with them as they expand that impact.”
Originally from Tulsa, OK, Ellis made Winston-Salem home while working for a college ministry at Wake Forest University. As part of the Greater Winston-Salem, Inc. team since 2021, she has worked to support the creation of over 1,600 jobs and $565M in capital investment in Forsyth County to-date. Ellis has a passion for sharing the story of Winston-Salem with potential new businesses and collaborating with community and industry leaders who share her love for the city. She holds a degree in Finance from the University of Tulsa.
JT says that as a Winston-Salem native, he is proud to contribute to the growth and development of his hometown. He holds Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degrees in Marketing and Supply Chain Management from Appalachian State University. He is currently the President of ASU’s Forsyth County Alumni Chapter and proudly serves on the board of Twilight Golf Club and Winston-Salem Lacrosse.