Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) and the North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC) today announced a succession of executive leadership as Scott Dorney, the organization's founder and executive director since 2004, will transition leadership responsibilities to Martin J. "Jimmy" Hendrix III, who will assume the role of executive director effective Oct, 1, 2026.

For more than two decades, Dorney has led the NCMBC from its inception into one of the nation's most successful defense-focused business development organizations. Since opening in 2005, the NCMBC has assisted North Carolina businesses in securing more than 7,000 federal contracts valued at nearly $19 billion, strengthening the state's defense economy, supporting military communities and expanding opportunities for businesses across North Carolina.

"Scott's vision, leadership and unwavering dedication have transformed the economic landscape of North Carolina," said Fayetteville Technical Community College President Dr. Mark Sorrells in a press release. "As the founder of the NCMBC, he built an organization that has become a nationally recognized model for leveraging military and federal opportunities to grow economic opportunity through jobs and investment throughout our state. His commitment to North Carolina, its military installations, and its business community forms a lasting legacy that will continue to greatly benefit our state."

Dorney has served as Executive Director since Dec. 1, 2004, guiding the NCMBC's growth into a statewide business development and technology transition organization with offices across North Carolina. Under his leadership, the organization expanded its support for federal contracting, defense innovation, workforce development, technology transition, and military economic development initiatives. A retired U.S. Army officer, Dorney brought decades of leadership experience from military service, local government, and community engagement to the role.

Reflecting on the transition, Dorney said in a press release:

"Helping establish and grow the North Carolina Military Business Center has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life. The success of this organization is a testament to the dedication of our amazing NCMBC team, the support of the Community College System and our partners, and the innovative spirit of North Carolina businesses. I am confident that Jimmy Hendrix is the right leader to guide the NCMBC into its next chapter and continue advancing opportunities for our state."

Hendrix brings extensive military, logistics, manufacturing and organizational leadership experience to his new role. Since joining the NCMBC, he has served in key leadership positions, most recently overseeing statewide programs that connect North Carolina businesses to federal contracting opportunities and strategic industry initiatives.

A Fayetteville native, Hendrix retired from the U.S. Army after more than 25 years of active service as an ordnance and multifunctional logistics officer. His career included command assignments at the company, battalion and brigade levels, as well as leadership of the Rock Island Arsenal Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center, the Army's only vertically integrated metal manufacturing facility and center of excellence for advanced manufacturing. He also served in senior civilian leadership roles supporting U.S. Army Forces Command logistics operations.  

"Jimmy's leadership experience, strategic vision and deep understanding of the defense industrial base make him exceptionally well-suited to lead the NCMBC," said Sorrells in a press release. "He understands both the opportunities and challenges facing North Carolina businesses and is committed to building on the strong foundation Scott has created."

As executive director, Hendrix will lead the NCMBC’s mission to leverage military and other federal business opportunities to expand North Carolina’s economy, create jobs and improve quality of life throughout the state. His proven leadership and experience position him to build on the NCMBC’s success and lead the organization into its third decade of service to North Carolina businesses and communities. During the transition period, Hendrix and Dorney will travel together to meet with key partners and stakeholders, celebrating the organization's accomplishments while positioning it for continued growth and success.

Hendrix expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to lead the organization, stating in a press release:

"I am honored to follow in Scott Dorney's footsteps and to lead an organization that has delivered tremendous value to North Carolina for more than two decades. Scott's legacy is extraordinary, and I look forward to working with our dedicated team, partners, and stakeholders to continue expanding opportunities for North Carolina businesses, supporting our military community, and growing the state's defense economy."