The Carolinas Gateway Partnership celebrates the life of former CEO/President, John Gessaman who peacefully passed away on April 18, 2016, surrounded by his wonderful family as he went home to join his Lord.
John was the first President/CEO of the Carolinas Gateway Partnership and served in that position for 18 years. During his tenure, John’s knowledge and love of economic development was instrumental in bringing over 8,000 jobs and economic prosperity to the Twin Counties he loved so much.
John’s professional career in urban planning and economic development spanned decades in Baltimore, MD, Arlington County and Prince William County, VA, and finally Rocky Mount, NC.
John is survived by his wife, two children, two grandchildren, mother, brother, niece, and nephew.
