PARTNER

919-395-4915
s.trivett@SHEDC.com

Sandra brings over 30 years of work experience in the public and private sectors. Her experience includes serving as an economic developer and regional manager of the Western Region of the NC Department of Commerce working with manufacturers in the 15 western counties. She also served as a small business counselor with the NC Small Business Technology Center where she enjoyed working with aspiring business owners and helping them develop business plans to help them guide their various ideas for their businesses. Being offered the opportunity to join the Department of Health & Human Services, Sandra moved to Raleigh in 2003.    

As the Director of the Office of Policy & Planning for the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Sandra helped establish and led a statewide effort to put policies and procedures of all the divisions of DHHS on line for all employees to access and, thus, improve planning and communications between the various divisions of the Department. This effort required outreach, presentations, and goal setting across the state. Additionally, she was appointed by the legislature to the NC Local Government Commission. Sandra also served in an advocacy role as the Western North Carolina representative of the NC Council on the Status of Women. In Asheville, she was president of a number of community organizations, including Junior Achievement, Women in Business and serving on the Asheville Planning & Zoning Commission. Prior to moving to North Carolina, Sandra was a partner in a small Washington, DC area consulting firm specializing in safety, health and environmental issues. She also worked on media relations in the White House Press Office in the Executive Office of two US Presidents.

Professional Experience

Sandra has 30+ years of varied work experience in planning, organizational management and economic development.

Education

Graduate, Basic Economic Development Course; MPA from Western Carolina University; and a BA from Radford College (now Radford University)

Away from the Office

My goal every day is to get outside for a walk. I love the sound of the wind in the trees and the feel of wind in my hair. I love to tend my flowers and have conversations with the passing neighbors. I’ve climbed Machu Pichu, survived a dangerous, category 5 hurricane in Mexico, and intend to keep on traveling! The kids are grown and on their own so now it’s time for me and my husband. I’m an avid reader, enjoy needle work and need to get to work on my Grandmothers quilt pieces.