SALISBURY — Earlier this week, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College announced the appointment of Rod Crider and Holly Edwards to the college’s board of trustees.

Crider and Edwards bring decades of experience in their respective fields of economic development, construction and community service. Crider, appointed by the Rowan County Commission, and Edwards, appointed by the NC General Assembly, will serve as trustees through June 30, 2028.

“Both Rod Crider and Holly Edwards are exemplary leaders, each bringing unique insights and expertise to our board of trustees,” said Dr. Carol S. Spalding, president of Rowan-Cabarrus. “Their expertise will be invaluable as the board provides strategic direction and supports the college’s mission to empower students and strengthen our region.”

Crider serves as president and CEO of the Rowan Economic Development Council where he has worked to foster growth initiatives, community partnerships and private-sector engagement since 2017. Under Crider’s leadership, Rowan County has experienced upward economic momentum, including attracting its largest-ever investment projects that collectively, have resulted in thousands of jobs and capital growth.

Crider is also one of less than a dozen active development professionals to be both a certified economic developer from the International Economic Development Council and a Certified Chamber Executive. He is an active member of the Regional Business Alliance Economic Development Advisory Council’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee.

“I am thrilled to be a part of the Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Board of Trustees,” Crider said. “The college plays a vital role in the region’s economic development, and I am excited to contribute to its continued success and support workforce development initiatives.”

Crider and other EDC representatives have spoken many times in the past about the importance of RCCC to the county’s economic and overall health. In December of 2023, Crider spoke to the college’s board of directors about how the college’s involvement with economic development could help address current challenges and leverage future opportunities in the region.

When Crider joined RowanWorks Economic Development in 2017, moving to Rowan from Wooster, Ohio, he pointed to the local public schools and RCCC as important pieces of the efforts to improve the local workforce. At the time, he said that both the school system and the community college had already taken vital steps in helping with the efforts and still had room to grow in that area.

Edwards, a North Carolina licensed general contractor, brings over 24 years of experience in commercial and residential construction to the board. As the owner of HolTon Construction Concepts, Edwards has overseen planning, design and budgeting for numerous projects, collaborating closely with stakeholders to ensure quality and compliance. Her community involvement includes service on the Cabarrus County Board of Education, where she was an elected member from 2004-2012 and 2018-2022, and leadership roles with the Home Builders Association of Cabarrus County and the Cabarrus County Planning & Zoning Board.

“I am truly honored to join the college’s board of trustees,” Edwards said. “I look forward to supporting Rowan-Cabarrus as it continues to provide accessible education and create opportunities that empower our community.”

In addition to the college’s work to prepare students for the workforce, Crider and Edwards will help in strengthening the college’s connections to the community, helping to foster industry partnerships that benefit the economic landscape of Rowan and Cabarrus counties. Through their experience, they will contribute to initiatives that enhance the college’s program offerings and resources for local students and employers.

“Rod Crider and Holly Edwards are invested in the well-being and growth of our community,” said Cyndie Mynatt, chair of the Rowan-Cabarrus Board of Trustees. “Their involvement will help the college strengthen its role in supporting local education and workforce readiness. We are honored to have them on the board.”

Rowan-Cabarrus Board of Trustees members are responsible for attending board meetings and college events, advising on policy issues and supporting the college’s mission to “build sustainable futures through the power of learning.” The board’s efforts help ensure that Rowan-Cabarrus meets the needs of its students and communities while pursuing strategic goals that enhance access, innovation and excellence in education.