CONCORD — Robert J. Carney, Jr. has been named as the president and CEO of the Cabarrus County Economic Development Corp.

Carney, who has been the executive director of the Mooresville-South Iredell Economic Development Corp. since 2010, will start in his new position Aug. 1.

“The EDC started an extensive search for new leadership late last year,” Scott Lampe, chairman of the board of the Cabarrus County Economic Development Corp,, said. “Being familiar with our region and Cabarrus County, Robby will be a great asset to our organization.”

Carney is from Hickory and earned a degree in business administration from East Carolina University in 2004. He is currently the Charlotte Regional Partnership EDAC chairman. He was also recognized by the Charlotte Business Journal as the youngest economic development leader in the Charlotte region.

During his tenure as executive director of the Mooresville-South Iredell Economic Development Corp., more than $3.2 billion in new projects were announced and more than 8,000 new jobs were created.

While Carney steps up, acting president and CEO Terry Crawford will step down. Crawford has been in charge of the EDC since late last year.

“Cabarrus County is one of the fastest-growing counties in North Carolina with exceptional assets,” Crawford said. “Robby’s leadership and exceptional record in recruiting new business and industry will be beneficial for our community.”