Kenny Flowers serves as the Chief Deputy Secretary at the North Carolina Department of Commerce, where he leads teams in operational areas and provides strategic leadership for the agency on issues related to economic development and external affairs.

From 2017 to 2025, Kenny served as Assistant Secretary for Rural Economic Development at N.C. Commerce. In that role he provided guidance for the Department in its efforts to support rural communities and help foster rural prosperity. Mr. Flowers led a team of community and economic development professionals that helps communities make the preparations and infrastructure investments needed to increase competitiveness, attract businesses, and spur economic growth. Under his leadership, the Rural Economic Development Division generated more than $715 Million in grant awards that support over 2000 projects and 28,000 jobs throughout the state.

Prior to his employment with N.C. Commerce, Kenny was the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Community and Regional Development at East Carolina University. In that role he provided leadership and direction for the university's state-wide outreach and engagement programs.

Kenny previously served as Director of Rural Development at the North Carolina Department of Commerce, and as Fiscal Analyst to the Appropriations Subcommittee for Education at the North Carolina General Assembly.

Kenny received his Master of Public Policy from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and his bachelor’s degree in Public Policy and Political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.