Robert Carney is a Cornelius resident who served as the Executive Director of Economic Development for both Iredell and Cabarrus counties. During his fifteen year tenure, he received national accolades for successfully managing the growth and development within these communities. He is the former Chair of the Economic Development Advisory Council (EDAC) for the Charlotte Regional Partnership where he oversaw community development strategies for the Charlotte region. He has completed studies in strategic planning, workforce development and urban land use planning through the UNC School of Government.

Robert has served on numerous boards and task forces including the NC Economic Developers Association, International Economic Development Council and the Centralina Council of Government. He is currently serving on Mayor Washam's transportation task force.

Robert has been married to his wife Erika for 11 years. They have a daughter Ali (9) and son John (5). Robert has volunteered with a number of organizations including LaunchLKN as an Entrepreneurship Mentor, Youth Villages, Boys and Girls Club and Charlotte Rescue Mission. In his spare time he enjoys fly fishing, mountain biking and working out at CrossFit Cornelius.