She is turning away from a role that made her one of the most powerful women in technology across North Carolina.

Joan Siefert Rose is nearing the end of an eight-year run as CEO of the Council for Entrepreneurial Development. What are her fondest memories? Her biggest regrets? What message would she give to her successor?

WRAL TechWire has the answers in a two-part exclusive interview:

Rose announced in June her plan to step down at the end of 2016, and a search is underway for a new leader at one of the nation’s largest entrepreneurial organizations with thousands of members in North Carolina. Under her leadership, CED has expanded staff, mission and fund raising. And she is expected to announce soon what her next job will be.

Here’s our Q&A:

  • What will be your fondest memory of working at CED?

I’ve had the opportunity to work with some great people: an exceptional staff, an engaged board, and many entrepreneurs who are leading the way in innovative thinking in our community. They are enthusiastic and optimistic, and I’ve been inspired by their passion and work ethic.

  • What is the legacy that you feel you leave behind for the organization and your successor?

CED has been championing entrepreneurs in North Carolina since 1984, so I think the legacy is one that the visionary founders of the organization passed on to me when I joined CED in 2008. I think we’ve done a good job of changing with the times and serving as the center of a rapidly growing entrepreneurial community.

It is amazing how everyone now wants to be an entrepreneur — certainly an idea whose time has come, and one that CED anticipated and celebrated from the beginning.

  • What is your most frustrating memory of your CED days?

Probably the name! “The Council for Entrepreneurial Development” is a lot to remember, and I’ve been introduced as the CEO of the “Center for Entrepreneurial Development” or the “Council of Economic Development” more than a few times.

“CED” is the best way to go!

  • What will you mist most about CED?

For the past 8 years, I’ve had a front-row seat for some of the most dynamic, creative ideas that have emerged in technology-based companies in our state. It was fun to be among the first to know the companies and teams, and watch them achieve success.

  • What will you miss least?

Time in the car!

You have to be committed to the region, and it was not uncommon to start the day in Chapel Hill, drive to Durham, then go back and forth to Raleigh twice, with a stop at RTP or Cary in-between.

I recently topped 215,000 miles on my odometer.

Part Two: What’s the future for CED? What’s her message to her successor?