Maureen Little Receives Order of The Long Leaf Pine

RALEIGH – Maureen Little was presented The Order of the Long Leaf Pine for her 34 years of service at the N.C. Community College System (NCCCS). The award was presented by NCCCS President Thomas Stith as part of the December meeting of the N.C. State Board of Community Colleges. Little retired earlier this year from NCCCS as the vice president of Economic Development.

“This award recognizes the dedication and service of Maureen to our great state,” said Stith. “More importantly, it is an honor to celebrate the mark she leaves on economic development and strong partnerships with business and industry across state and globe.”

Conferred by the governor, The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is the most prestigious awards and highest civilian honor for individuals who have 30 or more years of service to the State of North Carolina.

Maureen began her work in economic development in 1987 as director of Business and Industry Services at Stanly Community College, serving her native Union County. After 11 years at the local college level, she joined the NCCCS as a regional director for Economic Development for the Charlotte region. In 2005, she was promoted to the senior regional director until 2008 when she became the associate vice president. In 2016, she was promoted to vice president of Economic Development, where under her leadership, Maureen led oversight of the BioNetwork and the N.C. Small Business Center Network.