State Budget Director Charlie Perusse has been honored with the “Thought Leader Award” from the Carolina Small Business Development Fund (CSBDF). The organization held their annual small business awards program on May 27, 2021.
The award is presented by the organization to a public servant who has championed the cause of small businesses and advocated for their importance as the engine of regional economies.
“Small businesses are critical to our economy and we know they need access to resources to navigate the enduring impact of the pandemic," said Governor Roy Cooper. "Charlie’s thoughtful and energetic commitment to developing budget policies and proposals that foster small business success - a commitment that is reflected in the budgets we have proposed.”
CSBDF selected State Budget Director Perusse for the Thought Leader Award this year because of his work in ensuring the small business ecosystem remains a priority for the state. The organization highlighted his diligence in working to support entrepreneurs with recommendations included in the Governor Cooper’s budget to help small businesses survive and thrive.
“Small businesses are the heartbeat of our economy and souls of our communities. It’s humbling to be recognized with this award from Carolina Small Business Development Fund, an organization that has done so much great work on behalf of small businesses across our state,” said Mr. Perusse.
CSBDF’s annual small business awards highlight the small businesses the organization works with for their innovation and contributions to North Carolina’s economy. The awards also honor public sector leaders who share our passion for evidence-based community economic development.
Carolina Small Business Development Fund is a certified community development financial institution (CDFI) that promotes economic development by providing loans, technical assistance, business services, and policy research to help communities grow and thrive.
Charlie Perusse was appointed State Budget Director in 2017 by Governor Roy Cooper. It is his second stint as State Budget Director, returning to the state budget office after six years serving as the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the University of North Carolina System. A 28-year state employee, Charlie has led the Office of State Budget and Management’s efforts to become a champion of North Carolina’s Common Sense Government Initiative; to balance the state’s budget each year of the Great Recession; to maintain North Carolina’s AAA bond rating with all rating agencies; and to transition the state to a market and competency-based compensation program.
For more information about the Office of State Budget and Management or Charlie Perusse, please visit http://www.osbm.nc.gov.