Robert Carney is a proud Cornelius resident and dedicated public servant. Elected to the Cornelius Town Board in 2023, Robert has spent his first term focused on strengthening the town’s financial foundation, enhancing public safety, improving roads, and protecting quality of life for all residents. Under his leadership, Cornelius has maintained strong financial reserves without raising taxes, invested in long-term infrastructure improvements, advanced park and greenway projects, and taken meaningful steps to balance growth while preserving the character of the community.

Before serving as Commissioner, Robert built a 15-year career in economic development as the Executive Director for both Iredell and Cabarrus counties, where he earned national recognition for successfully guiding growth and development. He is the former Chair of the Economic Development Advisory Council (EDAC) for the Charlotte Regional Partnership, where he helped shape community development strategies across the region. Robert has also completed advanced studies in strategic planning, workforce development, and urban land use planning through the UNC School of Government.

Robert continues to bring his regional expertise to Cornelius, serving on the Lake Norman Transportation Commission, NCDOT Regional Transportation Authority, Economic Development, and  Cornelius's Pre-Development Review committee. He has also served on numerous boards and task forces, including the NC Economic Developers Association, International Economic Development Council, and Centralina Council of Government.

Deeply committed to service beyond public office, Robert has volunteered with LaunchLKN as an entrepreneurship mentor and supported organizations such as Youth Villages, the Boys & Girls Club, and Charlotte Rescue Mission.

Robert has been married to his wife, Erika, for 13 years. They are raising their two children, Ali (10) and John (7), in Cornelius. In his free time, he enjoys fly fishing, mountain biking, and staying active at CrossFit Cornelius.