Crystal Morphis, CEcD

Managing Partner
Sanford Holshouser

Crystal Morphis, CEcD, joined Sanford Holshouser Economic Development Consulting, LLC, in January 2003. As a Managing Partner, Crystal has developed strategic plans, marketing strategies, best practices analyses, statewide industry studies, existing business retention and expansion programs and has been involved in local and regional product development initiatives. She led the consulting team for the Kerr-Tar Hub project, a four-county multi-jurisdictional technology park development north of the Research Triangle Park. The project won an innovation award from the National Association of Development Agencies. She assisted with North Carolina’s first analysis of the state’s motorsports industry that quantified the economic impact of the industry and developed retention and expansion strategies for local, regional and state economic development agencies. Crystal is also the project manager for a statewide, multi-year economic development initiative with ElectriCities of North Carolina, Inc. to assist almost 30 communities in building stronger economic development programs.

Prior to joining Sanford Holshouser, Crystal served seven years as a county economic developer. She was Vice President then President of Surry County Economic Development Partnership. She implemented successful initiatives in new business recruitment, business retention and expansion, small business development, entrepreneurship and workforce development. She led the organization through several successful business recruiting operations, a five-year strategic planning process, and a successful community-wide private sector fundraising campaign.

Crystal earned a Bachelor of Arts, major in economics, from Salem College and a Master of Science, major in economics, from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. In 2005, Crystal earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), an international recognition by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) that denotes a mastery of principal skills in economic development, professional attainment, and a commitment to professional growth. She completed the Economic Development Institute, a three-year program for economic development professionals in 1999. She is a graduate of Triad Leadership Network. In 2002, Crystal was named the Altrusa Woman of Achievement in Public Service.

Crystal is an instructor at the UNC-Chapel Hill Basic Economic Development Course speaking on business retention and expansion. A former board member of the North Carolina Economic Developers Association, Crystal has served in several regional and state leadership positions. She is a past Chairman of the Piedmont Triad Economic Developers Advisory Council and a past board member and executive committee member of the Piedmont Triad Partnership. Crystal was a presenter at the International Economic Development Council’s Annual Conference in 2005. Crystal serves on the advisory board of the NC State University Industrial Extension Service. She is a Rotarian, serves on the Yadkin Valley United Fund Board and is a former chairman and current board member of Upper Yadkin Valley Habitat for Humanity. Crystal holds a North Carolina real estate broker’s license.

Consulting Specialty: Existing Industry, Marketing, Strategic Planning, Research, Site Certification

Education: Bachelor of Arts, Major in Economics, Salem College; Master of Science, Major in Economics, University of North Carolina at Charlotte; Graduate of the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute