ALBEMARLE — Stanly County has a new economic development director in town.
At the board of commissioners meeting on Aug. 5, county leaders hosted an official introduction for Mooresville native Elizabeth Underwood, who has accepted the county’s offer to lead the Stanly County Economic Development Commission.
“It’s a pleasure to be with you. I’m honored to serve as your new economic development director,” Underwood told board members. “You know where to find me when you have questions, comments, and concerns. I’m really looking forward to working with you to strategically grow Stanly County together.”
The Stanly County Economic Development Commission works with industries and prospective companies interested in expanding business operations to the county. By consulting with networks of real estate service providers, the commission is designed to develop and market human resources, sites, and buildings.
Underwood began her new position on July 15, replacing former EDC director Candice Lowder, who stepped down from the role after five years of service to join Stanly Community College as the associate vice president of career connections.
Underwood has previously served as the workforce development manager with Lake Norman Economic Development for the past three years. Prior to that, she served as the economic development specialist with Beaufort County Economic Development in Washington, NC.
Underwood was recently awarded as the 2024 Emerging Leader of the Year at the North Carolina Economic Development Association annual conference, where the NCEDA honored her assistance with the PIVOT Manufacturing Internship Program.
The program, led by Lake Norman Economic Development, is a paid-manufacturing internship opportunity for 20 high school students
“Elizabeth’s tangible economic development related experience in a growing and fast paced community along with her demonstrated network of contacts at a regional and statewide level will position her well for success in this new role,” County Manager Andy Lucas wrote in a press release. “The county interviewed several qualified candidates, but Elizabeth’s passion, energy, connections and creativity stood out among the other candidates.”
“It’s a pleasure to have her here and we look forward to great things to come,” Lucas said during the commissioners meeting, adding that Underwood has a “tremendous amount” of experience in the field.
“Her and her fiance have already relocated here and moved to Stanly County, so we’re really excited about welcoming them to the community.”
Underwood, a graduate of UNC Charlotte, is currently serving as the chair of the Emerging Executives Committee for the North Carolina Economic Development Association, which provides mentorship for newcomers in the field of economic development.
Two years ago, Underwood received her credential as a certified North Carolina economic developer; she is currently a candidate to receive her national credential later this year.
Last year, she teamed up with Greene County EDC Director Trey Cash to launch a bi-weekly podcast called “The New Economic Developers on the Block,” which features interviews with leaders in economic development from across the state.
The commissioners are set to hold their next regular meeting on Sept. 3 at 6 p.m. inside the Gene McIntyre Meeting Room at Stanly County Commons.