Dr. Jenni Harris joins the team
Sanford Holshouser Economic Development Consulting Announces New Partner to Strengthen Workforce Development Expertise
[North Carolina] — Sanford Holshouser Economic Development Consulting (SHEDC) is pleased to announce that Dr. Jenni Harris has joined the firm as a Partner, further expanding its leadership in integrated economic and workforce development strategy.
Harris brings over a decade of executive-level experience in workforce development, with a proven track record of aligning talent strategies with regional economic growth. Her expertise spans labor market analysis, employer engagement, sector partnerships, and workforce system design—positioning communities and organizations to compete more effectively in today’s talent-driven economy.
“Jenni’s addition to the firm represents a significant milestone for SHEDC,” said Ernie Pearson, Founder and Managing Partner at SHEDC. “Her deep understanding of workforce systems and employer needs enhances our ability to deliver comprehensive solutions that connect economic development strategy directly to talent outcomes.”
With Harris joining the leadership team, SHEDC further distinguishes itself as one of the few consulting firms in the nation that fully integrates workforce and economic development at the local level. This combined approach enables clients—including local and state governments, regional partnerships, economic development organizations and higher education institutions—to better align business recruitment, retention, and expansion strategies with workforce capacity and pipeline development.
“Economic development and workforce development are no longer separate conversations—they are fundamentally intertwined,” said Harris. “I’m excited to join SHEDC at a time when communities are seeking more strategic, data-driven approaches to talent and growth. Together, we will help clients translate workforce strategy into measurable economic outcomes.”
Harris will lead and support projects focused on:
Labor market analytics and workforce diagnostics
Employer-driven talent solutions
Workforce strategy and system alignment
Sector partnership design and facilitation
Her addition strengthens SHEDC’s ability to deliver high-impact consulting services that help communities attract investment, grow existing industries, and build sustainable talent pipelines.
About Sanford Holshouser Economic Development Consulting
Sanford Holshouser Economic Development Consulting (SHEDC) is a national consulting firm specializing in site selection, economic development strategy, workforce alignment, policy analysis and community competitiveness. The firm partners with local and state governments, regional organizations, and industry leaders to design and implement data-driven solutions that drive investment, job creation, and long-term economic resilience.
Media Contact:
Ernie Pearson
Founder and Managing Partner
Sanford Holshouser Economic Development Consulting
epearson@SHEDC.com
(919) 215-1596