MANAGING PARTNER

(919) 653-7803 (Office)
(919) 215-1596 (Mobile)
epearson@nexsenpruet.com

Helping Businesses and Communities Grow and Thrive

Ernie has unparalleled experience in economic development matters. As Assistant Secretary for Economic Development during one of North Carolina’s most successful periods of economic growth, he worked with scores of economic development projects and understands matters from that perspective. Having worked for over one hundred companies in site selection and incentive negotiation projects he has seen the process from that side and understands the company’s point of view. His work with numerous local and regional economic development programs gives him an understanding of economic development from that side of the table.

That in-depth, varied experience makes it possible for Ernie to craft creative and successful solutions for companies expanding existing or locating new facilities, which take into account all site selection needs and maximize incentive support. This experience also benefits local and regional economic development efforts by leading them to creative cost effective approaches to economic development successes.

Ernie’s previous work is in a broad range of legal disciplines includes corporate, real estate, employment and labor law, environmental, litigation and regulatory matters. This broad experience coupled with his focused experience in economic development matters allows him to understand and coordinate all legal issues connected with a company’s siting of a new or expanded facility, and to provide continuing assistance to a company on legal matters after a new site is chosen.

Experience, hard work and creativity equals client success.

Professional Experience

Ernie’s experience includes a history of work in a number of disciplines which include:

• State and Local Taxation

• International Business Transactions

• Legislative & Regulatory

• Public Policy & Governmental Affairs

• Economic Development

• Incentive negotiations and contracts

His background has included working a number of industry sectors to include:

• Agribusiness

• Manufacturing

• Public Sector and Government

• Real Estate

• Financial Services

• Energy and Utilities

Education

• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, J.D., 1975

• Clemson University

• North Carolina State University, B.A. with high honors, 1972

Leadership, Awards and Certifications

• Listed in Best Lawyers of America for Economic Development Law, Since 2012

• Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Rated for Highest Level of Professional Excellence

• North Carolina Department of Transportation – Director of Special Projects (1975-1977)

• North Carolina Industrial Commission – Chairman (1987-1989)

• North Carolina Department of Commerce – Assistant Secretary of Economic Development (1989-1993)

• Recipient of Order of the Long Leaf Pine

• Founder of Sanford Holshouser Economic Development Consulting

• Recipient of U.S. Army Meritorious Service Medal and Army Commendation Medal

• Board Member, NC State Board of Community Colleges from 2013 through 2019

• President – Board of Directors for the North Carolina State University School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences Foundation

• Advisory Board – Fuquay School of Business Center for International Education and Research

• Member of Town Board of Commissioners for Holly Springs, N.C.

• Board – N. C. Economic Developers Association, Vice President 2014-15 and President-Elect 2015-16

• Board – Triangle Growth Strategies, Inc.

• Vice Chairman – Wake County Economic Development Commission

• Recipient of NC Economic Developers Association’s President’s Award for representation of Association before the NC Supreme Court in Maready v. Forsythe County, landmark lawsuit over recruitment incentives

• Selected by Southern Business & Development magazine in Spring of 2008 issue as one of the top thirteen economic development lawyers in eighteen southern states

• Only firm listed for both North and South Carolina in Southern Business & Development magazine's 2009 "Trade Allies Directory"

Away from the Office

Ernie’s life outside of Nexsen Pruet is filled with family, a love of traveling, and faith activities.

He enjoys nothing more than time with his wife and whatever activities he can pursue with his five children. That might just be time at home or taking advantage of local activities. But he particularly enjoys traveling to different places in the US and abroad.

Ernie also allocates a significant amount of time in activities to which he is called by his faith. For over 18 years he co-led a bible study class at Harnett Correctional Institute. He served on the Board of Directors of Disciple Bible Outreach Ministries – NC, Inc. which promotes prison bible study in NC, and serves on the Board of Disciple Bible Outreach Ministries – National, Inc. which is expanding the North Carolina model for bible study to other states around the country. When time allows he enjoys working with home improvement ministries.

He commented, “I am extraordinarily blessed to be fulfilled and happy at the same time in my professional, family and faith lives. Who could ask for more?”