TC Spotlight

Pam Gould is a lifelong resident of the Twin Counties with over 30 years in education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Old Dominion University and a Master of Arts in Education from East Carolina University. Her career spans Edgecombe County Public Schools, Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools, Edgecombe Community College, and Nash Community College — starting as a middle school teacher and coach, then moving into roles as a counselor, Crisis Intervention Specialist, Educational Consultant, and Director of the Redirections Day Treatment Program. She's presented at state and national conferences and delivered professional development to hundreds of local educators.

In this episode, we talk with Pam about her path from the classroom to running one of eastern North Carolina's most impactful workforce development organizations as Executive Director of S.T.E.P. — the Strategic Twin Counties Education Partnership. We dig into STEP's mission: connecting students in Nash and Edgecombe counties to real local careers, shattering the myth that "there are no good jobs here," and making sure dual-enrolled high schoolers graduate with industry-recognized credentials in hand.

We also preview STEP's upcoming Education & Business Leaders' Summit — a half-day AI Summit on Thursday, September 24, 2026 at Nash Community College in Rocky Mount (7:30 AM – 12:00 PM). Industry leaders, educators, and innovators come together to explore what artificial intelligence means for the workplace, the classroom, and the future of the Twin Counties economy.

In this episode of TC Spotlight, we sit down with Tonia Grimsley, MPH — Development Director for the American Heart Association in Eastern NC, adjunct professor of public health at NC Wesleyan University, and head cheerleading coach at NCWU.

Tonia is a native of the Twin Counties — she was inducted into SouthWest Edgecombe High School's Athletics Hall of Fame, earned her MPH from NC Wesleyan while working full-time and coaching, and built a career at the intersection of public health, nonprofit fundraising, and community building. She lives in Edgecombe County, teaches the next generation of public health professionals, and has brought AHA CPR training directly into Rocky Mount housing communities. She's also served as emcee for Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce events — a visible, engaged voice across the region.

We also talk about the upcoming Twin Counties Heart Walk this September — one of the region's flagship community health events that Tonia has helped lead for the past three years. We get into how AHA dollars actually reach Eastern North Carolina: the programming they run locally, the cardiovascular research they fund, and how a national organization translates into real impact in places like Nash and Edgecombe Counties.

Tune in for our conversation with Tonia and to learn more about AHA's role in promoting public health in the Twin Counties!

In this episode of TC Spotlight, we sit down with Jeff Ellis, the entrepreneur behind Ribeyes and Flo's — two of the Twin Counties' most recognizable restaurant brands with locations in both Wilson and Rocky Mount.We dig into the business side of food and beverage: what it takes to run successful restaurants in two different Twin County markets, how the food and beverage landscape is shifting right now, and what Jeff sees coming next for the industry. From supply chain pressures to changing consumer habits to how independent operators are competing in an increasingly crowded market — Jeff's got a front-row seat on all of it.And of course, we talk biscuits. Because no conversation with the owner of Flo's would be complete without getting into the art and science behind one of the most iconic items on the menu.

Dr. Alexis Brown Exum is a Rocky Mount native who came full circle — graduating from Northern Nash High School, earning her DDS at Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry, and completing both her advanced education in general dentistry and pediatric dentistry residencies at ECU before returning home to open Rocky Mount Children's Dentistry.

In this episode, Dr. Alexis talks about her journey from Yellow Jacket to board-certified pediatric dentist, why she chose to come back to Rocky Mount to serve the community that raised her, and how she's making dental visits something kids actually look forward to — Netflix ceilings, play areas, and a warm, relationship-first approach that puts anxious little patients (and their parents) at ease.

We discuss preventative care, early intervention, building trust with families, her vision for school partnerships across Nash and Edgecombe counties, and what it means to be a young professional investing her career back into the Twin Counties.

Rocky Mount Children's Dentistry — 901 N. Winstead Ave, Ste 360 | (252) 740-2100 | rockymountkids.com

Matt Bristow-Smith has spent over two decades in Edgecombe County schools — fifteen years teaching English at Tarboro High, and the last ten-plus as principal of Edgecombe Early College High School, a 200-student school in Tarboro that quietly posts some of the best outcomes in the state: an A-rating for four straight years, a 100% graduation rate, and 96% of students earning associate degrees before they walk across the stage.In March 2026, Governor Josh Stein, Senate leader Phil Berger, and House Speaker Destin Hall appointed him to the Blue Ribbon Commission on Public Education — an 18-member body tasked with rethinking teacher preparation, student advancement, and how schools actually get run. It's a seat that gives Eastern NC a direct line into statewide policy, and Matt earned it the same way he runs his school: by proving what's possible when you take the work seriously.The conversation isn't just about Matt. It's about what happens when education becomes an economic engine. Early College students graduate with college credits — real workforce-ready credentials — in a region that needs every single one of those kids to stay, build, and lead. It's about what local employers keep asking for, why some students thrive and others fall through the cracks, what state-level policy actually looks like from a principal's desk, and what gives a veteran educator genuine optimism about the next generation coming up in Edgecombe County.

In this episode of TC Spotlight, we sit down with Dr. Kenyon "KJ" Askew Jr., D.B.A., Director of Marketing & Strategic Engagement at Nash Community College.We start with KJ's story — growing up in Colerain, NC (Bertie County), the path from Bertie County Schools to a leadership role at Nash, and what that journey taught him about opportunity, drive, and what it takes for talented young professionals to rise quickly in the Twin Counties. His trajectory is the kind of local success story that proves the region can grow its own talent when the doors are open and the work ethic is there.Then we turn to Nash Community College. KJ walks us through current enrollment — the numbers, the momentum, and what's drawing students in 2026. We zoom out from there into a bigger-picture look at where community college sits in the higher education landscape today: more accessible than four-year universities, more career-focused than traditional liberal arts paths, and under increasing pressure to prove their value in a world full of alternative credentials.The conversation wraps with how higher ed is changing — shifting demographics, workforce demands, stackable certificates, AI in the classroom — and how Nash is positioning itself to stay ahead of the curve rather than scramble to keep up.

In this episode, we sit down with Eric Evans, County Manager of Edgecombe County, North Carolina, for a conversation about what it takes to lead a rural county through rapid economic transitions.

We dig into Edgecombe's current budget priorities and the fiscal realities of governing a community balancing growth with preservation. Eric walks us through their innovative "Get Off the List" initiative — a proactive strategy tackling blight, economic development, and systemic barriers that hold rural communities back.

A major focus is Edgecombe's refreshingly inclusive approach to development policy. Rather than letting consultants and commissioners operate behind closed doors, Eric describes how they've convened citizen-led and expert-driven sessions to shape data center zoning through their Unified Development Ordinance updates — giving all citizens a real seat at the table when billion-dollar facilities are deciding where to land.

Finally, we cast a wider net on economic development in Edgecombe County: what's working, what's on the horizon, and how small towns can compete in an era when rural America is suddenly the center of the renewable energy and data infrastructure boom.Whether you're a county commissioner, a local government professional, or just someone who believes rural communities deserve to shape their own future — we hope you will tune in to our conversation with Eric Evans.

This week we sat down with Justin Sykes, the multi-talented creative force and content producer behind Twin County Media’s Tar River Arts + Culture (TRA+C) Magazine. In this episode, we dive into the creative evolution of the publication and look at how TRA+C has become the definitive spotlight for the incredible, home-grown talent thriving right here across Nash and Edgecombe Counties.

The core of our conversation centers on the freshly debuted 2026 Spring Edition, an issue full of stories that bridge the rich history and modern energy of our regional arts and culture scene. Justin takes us behind the scenes of this edition's marquee features, sharing what it was like to piece together tributes to local legends like Buck Williams and the iconic Thelonious Monk. We also discuss highlighting the vibrant visuals of local artist Lisa Meadows and capturing the enduring community impact of the Tar River Orchestra as they continue into their 40th year. 

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who loves Eastern North Carolina, values local storytelling, or wants a sneak peek into the meticulous curation that goes into the magazine. Justin’s passion for our community’s shared heritage is infectious, offering a reminder of why preserving and championing local culture matters. Tune in to hear the stories behind the pages and be sure to check out the latest edition at the link above!

In this episode, we sit down with Derrick Vick, President of Freedom Industries in Nash County, to trace the growth trajectory of this local mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) construction powerhouse. Derrick shares his personal journey of coming back home to Eastern North Carolina and details the company's transformative path to becoming a 100% employee-owned ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) business.

Derrick breaks down exactly how an ESOP works in plain English, explaining how the model rewards team members with a tangible stake in the company’s financial success. We dive into how 100% employee ownership shapes an elite culture driven by safety, accountability, and quality. You'll also get an inside look at Freedom's turnkey MEP capabilities, which support complex, high-performance systems for life sciences, food and beverage, and industrial manufacturing facilities across the region.

Looking ahead, we discuss where Freedom Industries is heading next and how they continue to champion regional economic development. Whether you're an entrepreneur curious about unique business succession models, a native looking for a path to return home, or a skilled professional wanting to work for a company where you are a true stakeholder, this conversation offers a blueprint for community-rooted corporate success.

Freedom Industries is actively looking for high-caliber individuals who take pride in their work and want to build a career where they own a piece of the company. Explore open positions across field operations, project management, and specialized trades (mechanical, electrical, plumbing, welding) on the Freedom Industries Careers Page.

In this episode, we sit down with Kevin Wilson, owner of The Oak Grove Retreat in Tarboro, North Carolina. Kevin shares the unique story of how a small historic church was transformed into a peaceful retreat center dedicated to rest, reflection, and renewal. What began as a vision to preserve a meaningful space has evolved into a destination where individuals, couples, and small groups can step away from the busyness of everyday life and reconnect with themselves, their faith, and nature.

We discuss Kevin’s journey in creating the retreat, the challenges and rewards of restoring the property, and the intentional design behind the Oak Grove experience. From quiet spaces for meditation and prayer to opportunities for personal reflection and relaxation, Kevin explains what visitors can expect during their stay and why he believes places like Oak Grove are needed now more than ever.

Tune in to hear the inspiring story behind one of Edgecombe County’s hidden gems and learn how The Oak Grove Retreat is creating a space for peace, reflection, and restoration right here in Eastern North Carolina.