The Metrolina Entrepreneurial Council, which has stated a commitment to a new vision and new vigor for the Queen City’s entrepreneurial community, has hired a San Francisco-based executive as its new executive director.
Charged with the task of “taking the MEC to a new level” as a stated goal by MEC board member Mike McGuire of Grant Thornton is Terry Thorson. Thorson, who served as director of client relations and marketing for Dresdner RCM Global Investors, begins her new duties on May 1.
“This is a unique and intriguing opportunity for me to combine my experience as an entrepreneur, financial professional and non-profit director with my interest in economic development and community service in a dynamic organization with an ambitious agenda,” Thorson said in a statement.
Thorson was hired after a nation-wide search led by McGuire and Rich Campbell of Sockwell & Associates.
Thorson is a Phi Beta Kappa and magna cum laude graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in accounting and a minor in international business.
At Dresdner RCM, Thorson worked with senior management to develop corporate strategies and oversee sales, marketing and client services. She also managed a five-year strategic planning and budgeting process for the institutional, private client and financial intermediary businesses.
Dresdner RCM has $60 billion under management.
Thorson also served as global controller and led the integration of asset management and financial management systems when Dresdner acquired RCM.
Thorson also has been an entrepreneur, buying and operating the first Gorin’s Homemade Café & Grille franchise. There are franchises now in several states.
At one time she also was a certified public accountant at KPMG.
Thorson also has been active in non-profits, having served as president of the board of directors of SF Casa, a program to provide court-appointed advocates for abused and neglected children.
Thorson will take over for attorney Ashe Lockhart, who has filled in as interim MEC director.
MEC: www.mec.org
