Deputy Secretary for Rural Economic Development
Mary Rae Carter
Governor Bob McDonnell appointed Mary Rae Carter Virginia’s first Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Trade for Rural Economic Development in March 2010. Carter is based in Franklin County and spends significant time traveling in rural Virginia. The Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Trade for Rural Economic Development serves as the Secretary of Commerce and Trade’s senior liaison to rural parts of the Commonwealth focusing on the strategic vision for rural economic development.
Mary Rae Carter is a native of Southern Virginia. She served two terms on the Board of Directors of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, and as interim director of the Southern Virginia Economic Development Partnership and Henry County Office of Commerce. Mary Rae also served on the board for the Center for Rural Virginia, and on the Boards of Directors of Patrick Henry Community College and the Patrick Henry Development Council.
Mary Rae served as Chairman of the Region 10- Opportunity Virginia Board under then Governor George Allen and on the board of the Henry County Public Service Authority. She has also worked with Delegate Don Merricks (R-Chatham) during the 2008 – 2010 Sessions of the General Assembly. She attended Bassett High School in Henry County and Patrick Henry Community College, and received her Bachelor of Science degree from Averett University.
