John Cecil

John “Jack” Cecil is a creative dyslexic. While it takes Jack more time to process the written language, this condition doesn’t slow him down.

The great-grandson of George W. Vanderbilt is the president and CEO of Biltmore Farms, which was one of the Southeast’s largest dairy producers and has now evolved into a community development firm.

Biltmore Farms is the developer of Biltmore Park Town Square, a mixed-use urban center of retail, office, restaurants, hospitality, and entertainment venues. As the fourth generation to run the family business, he is committed to building strong communities.

For decades Jack has been focused on creating a western version of RTP, which would include a combination of advanced manufacturing jobs, innovative and entrepreneurial firms plus applied technology businesses. He sees Asheville’s vibrant arts and creative talents as a strong attraction for people and companies to consider the place that inspired literary giant Thomas Wolfe.

Research Triangle Park is dealing with the reverse. “The Park has a plethora of research jobs and Bob (Geolas) is creating the downtown complete with creative spaces,” he says.

Jack and RTP have a fascinating history. He recalls as a sophomore in college during the mid-70’s visiting with Archie Davis, one of the co-founders of the Park, when Mr. Davis was earning his master’s degree from UNC-Chapel Hill.

Ten years later, he had lunch with Mr. Davis in Old Salem to learn more about his vision and execution of RTP. Jack was intrigued with the linkage between the universities, the public sector and private enterprise to the success of the Park.