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Franklin Southampton Economic Development, Inc. Staff

 

KarlKarl T. Heck 

President and CEO

Karl oversees the organization and its activities, and also focuses on administration of economic and industrial development activities throughout the City and County that retain and attract businesses, expand the local tax base and market the community to businesses and workers. He also represents Franklin Southampton regionally and beyond to foster business development and growth.

Karl received his M.S. from the University of Toronto in Urban Planning with a concentration in Community and Economic Development, and his B.A. from Le Moyne College in Economics and Political Science. 

Contact: kheck@franklinsouthamptonva.com

 

Lauren Rodil

R. Lauren Rodil 

Marketing and Existing Business Manager 

Lauren will handle the marketing tasks within Franklin Southampton Economic Developement, Inc. (FSEDI), focusing on the needs and interest of existing businesses in the area and improving the competitiveness of the community's business climate.  She also manages content creation and materials for local and regional tourism efforts, and coordinates projects and activities sponsored by FSEDI. 
Lauren is a project manager with a graphic design background, receiving her B.S. in Graphic Design from Chowan University. 

 

Contactlrodil@franklinsouthamptonva.com 

  

KIM

 Kimberly A. Tucker

Business Development Manager

Kim's focus is lead generation, administrative support for economic expansion, redevelopment and retention projects in Franklin Southampton.  She serves as our Local Zone Administrator for the Virginia Enterprise Zone program and is also tasked as lead administrator for the Franklin Business Center entrepreneur program. Kim has a strong background in relationship management, sales, small business growth, and executive administration. She received a certification in Basic Economic Development (BEDC) at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in 2022, and awarded the Virginia Economic Developers Association (VEDA) Professional Scholarship Award in 2022. 

 Contact: ktucker@franklinsouthamptonva.com

 

Gloria

 Gloria Worrell 

Administrative Assistant

Gloria assists the Franklin Southampton Economic Development staff as well as all the clients at the Franklin Business Center. She also assists with updating our websites, marketing projects and other office assignments.
She has a background in Healthcare where she received her certificate as a CHESP, Certified Environmental Health Care Professional, from the The American Hospital Association and a certification in Project Management from ODU. She is Vice President of GFWC Sedley Woman's Club.

Contactadmin@franklinsouthamptonva.com