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Brad Hufford, Beaufort County Economic Development Director has died, County Manager Brian Alligood confirmed.

Hufford passed on Wednesday morning.

This is a developing story. More information and arrangements are forthcoming.

Hufford, a native of Ayden, North Carolina was named Beaufort County’s latest Economic Development Director in April of 2022. Then, 44, Hufford started his new job on May 16, six weeks after Martyn Johnson’s retirement. Hufford was an East Carolina University alum, earning a bachelor’s degree in History and Political Science and a master’s degree in Public Administration with a concentration in economic development.

Hufford was previously the Vice President of Business Development for the Greenville ENC Alliance and worked in Washington as part of an N.C. Commerce Department eastern outreach program inside Carryout by Chrislyn on 2nd Street.