At Franklin County, NC Economic Development, our work is powered by dedicated professionals passionate about shaping the future of our community. With diverse expertise and a shared commitment to excellence, we strive to position Franklin County as a premier destination for businesses and residents alike. Whether we are assisting with site selection, providing market insights, or fostering connections, our team is here to guide and support you every step of the way.
Barbara S. Fiedor
Director of Economic Development
Barbara S. Fiedor is the Director of Economic Development for Franklin County, NC, where she leads initiatives to drive increased economic growth and new business opportunities. Barbara launched her own full-service international business development firm in 1995, partnering with companies to craft and implement their international expansion strategies, as well as recruit foreign direct investment into Florida.
She has served as the Protocol Advisor to the Commandant of Midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy, taught university courses in international business and marketing in Florida, and managed high-value projects as the Region 2 Senior Project Manager for the Georgia Department of Economic Development, driving over
$841 million in new investment and creating more than 1,000 jobs across 13 counties. Barbara has also served as the Assistant Director of Economic Development for Danville, VA, and was the first Economic Development Manager for Palm Coast, FL, where she launched the city’s Office of Economic Development.
She holds a Master’s degree from the University of Miami and a Bachelor’s from the University of South Florida, is certified in Diplomatic and International Protocol, and is a candidate for IEDC Certified Economic Developer. In her free time, Barbara enjoys spending time with her three adult children, playing tennis, antiquing, and horseback riding.
Alyssa Blair Zimmerman
Economic Development Specialist
Alyssa Blair Zimmerman joined Franklin County in February 2024 as the Economic Development Specialist, bringing her extensive experience as the Downtown Development Director and Executive Director of the Downtown Oxford Economic Development Corporation in Oxford, NC.
During her time in Oxford, she led efforts in policy implementation, grant writing, and business recruitment and retention for the Downtown District. Alyssa has a strong background in event planning and community engagement, successfully managing an annual festival featuring 300-plus vendors and volunteers, which drew nearly
20,000 attendees. Skilled in marketing
and communications, she has implemented community outreach, digital content creation, and social media strategies.
Alyssa holds a dual Master of Arts degree in International Administration and Conflict Management from UNC Greensboro and the University of Konstanz, Germany, and is completing a Master’s in Public Administration at UNC Chapel Hill’s School of Government. In her free time, Alyssa enjoys spending time with her husband, three dogs, and cat, as well as exploring the local coffee scene.