Greater Winston-Salem Inc. is pleased to share that Scott Wierman has joined the organization as a consultant to support the strategic alignment of its affiliated 501(c)3 foundations, which are focused on economic development through the Greater Winston-Salem Development Corp. and talent and workforce development through the Greater Winston-Salem Inc. Foundation. 

Wierman will work closely with Greater Winston-Salem Inc. to ensure the foundations’ structure, strategy, and efforts are aligned to support the region’s long-term economic growth and workforce needs, while advancing our 2030 vision: to be the top mid-sized city in the Southeast, to be a more equitable community, and to be the best place to raise a family. 

“Strong foundations are essential to driving sustained economic growth and opportunity,” says Mark Owens, President and CEO of Greater Winston-Salem Inc. “Scott brings decades of experience leading high-impact philanthropic organizations, including deep roots in Winston-Salem. His guidance will help ensure our foundations are positioned to support business growth, talent development, and a more equitable future for our community.” 

The Greater Winston-Salem Development Corp supports strategic growth in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County by strengthening key industry sectors, facilitating growth and economic diversification, encouraging business expansion and new investment, creating jobs, and growing the tax base to support enhanced public services. 

The Greater Winston-Salem Inc. Foundation supports Greater Winston-Salem’s philanthropic and charitable work through a variety of initiatives, most recently by advancing talent and workforce development and expanding access to economic opportunity through aligned career pipelines, support for in-demand industries, and high school career readiness.  

Wierman’s work will help align these efforts to maximize impact and better connect investments with community priorities. 

“Winston-Salem has a clear vision for its future, and philanthropy plays an important role in helping communities turn vision into action,” says Scott Wierman. “I’m honored to support Greater Winston-Salem Inc. as it strengthens its foundations to advance economic and talent and workforce development.” 

Wierman has spent his career in philanthropy, most recently serving as President and CEO of the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry in Hilton Head, SC, and previously leading the Winston-Salem Foundation for more than three decades. During his tenure, the Winston-Salem Foundation’s assets grew from $45 million to more than $600 million, with more than $670 million awarded in grants to support community needs. 

If you are interested in learning more about how to get involved, please email us at info@winstonsalem.com.