SALISBURY — Partners In Learning (PIL) announced the appointment of Katelin Rice as its new development director on Tuesday. Rice brings more than a decade of dedicated community advocacy and a wealth of experience in Salisbury and Rowan County to the organization. A key priority for Rice in her new role will be to spearhead a significant capital campaign to raise funds to expand PIL’s Woods site. That expansion will include the addition of new classrooms and dedicated counseling service spaces, allowing Partners In Learning to bring together both of its early learning centers at the Woods location and ultimately close its Best Street site upon completion of the project.
Throughout her career, Rice has established herself as a professional through her collaborative work with Salisbury’s elected and civic leaders and active service on numerous nonprofit boards and committees. “Her understanding of the local landscape and her passion for community growth make her an invaluable addition to the Partners In Learning team as they embark on this ambitious endeavor,” a release from the organization said. Rice’s professional journey began as the promotions Coordinator for Downtown Salisbury, Inc., where she honed her skills in event management and community engagement. Her talent and dedication led her to become a lead coordinator for Salisbury’s signature event, the Cheerwine Festival, showcasing her ability to manage large-scale initiatives and foster community spirit. Most recently, Rice served as the community development manager for Hotwire Communications, expanding her expertise in building relationships and driving growth.
Beyond her professional roles, Rice has demonstrated a commitment to the community through her involvement with key organizations such as the Rowan County United Way, Historic Salisbury Foundation, Rowan County Chamber of Commerce and the North Carolina Main Street Association. Rice holds a bachelor’s degree in creative writing and literature from Catawba College, demonstrating strong communication and storytelling abilities. Recognizing the importance of effective communication and resource development, Rice obtained certification as a public information officer and recently earned her certification in full-cycle grants management from Western Carolina University. “We are incredibly excited to welcome Katelin Rice to Partners In Learning,” Executive Director Norma Honeycutt said. “Her deep roots in our community, her proven track record of building strong relationships, and her passion for growth align perfectly with our mission and this pivotal moment for our organization. We are confident that her leadership will be instrumental in the success of our capital campaign, enabling us to create a unified and even stronger learning environment for all the children we serve.”
Rice is passionate about the continued growth and development of the Salisbury and Rowan County community, a driving force behind her philanthropic and engagement endeavors. “She is eager to bring her skills and dedication to Partners In Learning and lead the charge in this exciting new chapter for the organization,” the release said.