NC Ag Partnership Names Adam Caldwell As Executive Director

RALEIGH, N.C. — On Monday, the NC Ag Partnership (NCAP) and the NC Ag Partnership Foundation (NCAP Foundation) announced the hiring of Adam Caldwell as executive director. Caldwell brings more than a decade of experience in government relations, agricultural policy, economic development and strategic partnerships to his new role leading NCAP’s efforts on behalf of North Carolina’s farmers and rural communities.

“Adam knows our state, our communities, and what it takes to get things done in Raleigh and Washington,” said NCAP Chairman Peter T. Daniel. “His background working directly with farmers, local governments, and state and federal leaders across North Carolina will give him invaluable perspective as we continue our work to support and protect NC agriculture.”

Caldwell brings a diverse background in public service, government relations and economic development. He spent nearly eight years as a regional representative in the office of U.S. Senator Thom Tillis, covering a 39-county region of Eastern North Carolina. In that role, he engaged directly with government officials, policymakers and key stakeholders across a wide range of policy areas, including agriculture, economic development, infrastructure, transportation and military affairs, giving him a firsthand understanding of how decisions made in Washington and Raleigh affect the people working the land across North Carolina.

Most recently, Caldwell served as a Business Development Representative at WithersRavenel, one of the state’s premier engineering and planning firms. Working across Eastern North Carolina, he helped local governments navigate infrastructure investment, grant funding, disaster recovery and other long-term planning challenges. During his time there, he built lasting relationships with elected officials, county managers, public works directors and utility leaders across the region and the state.

“North Carolina’s farmers and rural communities face tremendous challenges today,” Caldwell said. “Historic drought, global trade uncertainty, and rising costs are putting enormous pressure on the families and small businesses that work the land across our state. The NC Ag Partnership is well-positioned to fight for them, and I am excited to get to work.”

In addition to his professional experience, Caldwell is a veteran of the North Carolina Army National Guard. He will begin serving as a Johnston County Commissioner in December 2026 and is active in his community through the Benson Area Chamber of Commerce, the Johnston County Economic Development Advisory Board and his church. Caldwell is also a fellow of both Leadership North Carolina and the North Carolina Institute of Public Leadership.

Caldwell holds a Master of Public Administration from the UNC School of Government and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and History from East Carolina University, where he graduated magna cum laude. He grew up in Newton Grove and attended Hobbton High School. He lives in Benson with his wife, Sarah, and their three children.

The North Carolina Ag Partnership is a statewide organization dedicated to promoting, protecting and advancing North Carolina agriculture and agribusiness through education, advocacy and collaboration.

The North Carolina Ag Partnership Foundation, the sister organization of NCAP, exists to inspire appreciation, understanding and active support for North Carolina agriculture by educating the public on its vital role in communities and in the economy.