Stanly County selects new economic development director

Stanly County announced on Thursday that Elizabeth Underwood, has accepted the County’s offer to become the new economic development director.
Underwood has served as the workforce development manager for Lake Norman Economic Development for the last three years and prior to that served as an economic development specialist with Beaufort County Economic Development in Washington.
Underwood is an active member of the NCEDA (North Carolina Economic Development Association) and is the chair of the Emerging Executives Committee.
Underwood received her credential as a Certified North Carolina Economic Developer in 2022, and is currently a candidate to receive her national Certified Economic Developer credential in the fall/winter of 2024.
“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 said. “The County interviewed several qualified candidates, but Elizabeth’s passion, energy, connections and creativity stood out among the other candidates.”
Underwood has a Bachelor’s of Arts from UNC Charlotte and will officially transition to her new role as director of economic development on July 15.
Underwood fills a position last held by Candice Lowder, who left the county after 17 years for a position with Stanly Community College. Lowder had led the EDC since 2019.

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