Scott Carpenter.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 11:51 am
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Don Cason loves Rutherford County, and is now heading two organizations that are working to improve the lives of the people who live here. He has served as director of the Tourism Development Authority (TDA) for the past ten years. And starting this month, (February 2026), he is also leading Rutherford County Economic Development (RCED). The position became available upon the retirement of Birgit Dilgert.
"The process of being named Economic Development Director, was the most humbling experience in my 30 plus years of community service," Cason commented. "County leaders were impressed with the progress that TDA has made over the past eight years. Therefore, when the RCED director position opened up, county leadership approached me, and asked me to consider directing both entities."
Cason was grateful for the opportunity.
"I always felt there was an appreciation for the accomplishments that the TDA has made in Rutherford County, but not to this degree that they would ask me to consider leading both of these important departments," Cason continued. "I am honored, and I feel blessed, to have this opportunity. I definitely feel appreciated."
Cason understands that tourism development efforts, translate into economic development. TDA support and coordination of a variety of capital projects through the comprehensive Rutherford Bound program not only enhance quality of life and opportunity for those who live in Rutherford County, but they attract visitors to this area who spend their dollars in Rutherford County businesses.
Before moving to Rutherford County, Cason served as both an economic and tourism director in east Tennessee.
"Tourism is economic development," Cason said. "They complement each other."
The two entities will eventually operate out of one office. Currently the TDA office is in Rutherfordton, and the RCED office is in Forest City. Jessica Keever of RCED, and Taylor Hardin of TDA, now have added responsibilities and their positions have been elevated.
"The TDA and EDA have good and dedicated staff that are wholeheartedly committed to success," Cason commented. "If the staff commitment was not there, this program, this new combination, would not be possible. More importantly if the vision of the TDA board and the RCED boards did not have the same commitment to Rutherford County, this transition would not be possible."
Cason continued, "RCED will continue to work with our communities, industry, community services, and businesses to be the best we can be. We will work to partner with many stakeholders to help grow tourism, industry, and our overall economy."
Prior to Hurricane Helene in September, 2024, tourism and economic activity in Rutherford County was in the midst of robust growth, in the Lake Lure/Chimney Rock/Hickory Nut Gorge area, and also in the downtowns of Rutherfordton, Spindale, and Forest City.
"Hurricane Helene set our tourism back, but we are doing what we do best, and that is, to collaborate, work together," Cason explained. "The Main Streets are off and running again and Lake Lure and Chimney Rock are in the process of coming back stronger every day. The Lake should be back to full pond this spring or early summer, and Chimney Rock is open with a master plan, 'Raise the Rock,' that is focused on rebuilding."
Cason hopes to create a master economic development plan for Rutherford County similar to the Rutherford Bound plan. He expects this will be in place by the end if this year or early 2027.
"This will take a lot of work, cooperation, trust, and relationship-building among many partners in order to be successful," Cason added.
Cason and his wife Kim once owned the historic Esmeralda Inn in Chimney Rock. After they sold it, Kim continues to manage the Inn which is now housing workers connected to hurricane recovery.
Cason has the backing of county leadership including County Commission Chairman Bryan King.
"Don Cason not only has the experience for this new role, but he also has the confidence of the RCED board, the TDA board, and our community leaders," King stated. "I look forward to the new path, the new plan, that Don Cason and his team will develop RCED."
Cason is excited about the future of Rutherford County, he says, "...because of the drive and determination the people here have, to make Rutherford County a better place to live, work, play, and visit."
King has also taken on an additional role besides being county commission chairman. Following the departure of former County Manager Steve Garrison, the commissioners appointed King as interim county manager.
This action is not without precedent in Rutherford County, and is authorized by state law.
"North Carolina General Statute 153A-84 provides for the board chairman to be appointed interim county manager," King explained. "In recent Rutherford County history, Commission Chairman Bill Eckler became interim county manager, when that position became vacant."
"Our board's initial focus is to maintain the continuity of government, to allow for our essential county government services to operate without interruption," King stated. "That is one of my main roles as interim county manager."
King says he is well aware of the challenges and opportunities among the various county departments. He expressed faith and confidence in the county departments, and said their confidence in him will be essential during this interim period.
"As soon as we have the county budget in a firm place, we will begin the search process to hire a county manager," King said.
"I would like to thank everyone for their supportive phone calls and messages," King added. "I would also like to thank our leadership team for their service to our community and support during this time."