Meet the Team

Jimmy graduated as valedictorian from Western Harnett High School and obtained a B.A. degree in Political Science from UNC-Chapel Hill. He began his professional life in human resources with American Airlines, then returned to Sanford and worked in multiple roles with the Sanford Area Chamber of Commerce for nearly six years. During that time, he served as a board member and volunteer with numerous community organizations, including the United Way and the Lee County Partnership for Children.

Todd Tucker has 28+ years of experience in economic development in North Carolina. Todd began his journey at the NC Department of Commerce and later joined Progress Energy's Economic Development team, covering 16 counties in Eastern North Carolina. Todd comes to Sanford from his most recent position as President of the Surry County Economic Development Partnership. Raised in Lillington, NC, he comes from a family deeply rooted in economic development, with his father having served as a local economic developer for many years in Harnett County and others. His family ties extend to Sanford, where his paternal grandparents and father resided until his father settled in Lillington. He is happily married to Conni Tucker and is blessed with two children, Greyson and Anna Katherine.

Susan was born and raised in Queens, NY and moved to Sanford, NC in 1999 after marrying her husband, Gus Gomez. She earned her degree in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and enjoyed her eighteen year career in Human Resources. She appreciates her small town and the quality of life it provided for her and Gus to raise their two daughters, Julianne and Jocelyn. Susan enjoys spending time in Downtown Sanford especially at live music events in Depot Park.

Shinita, a Sanford native, graduated from Fayetteville State University with a degree in Sociology. She previously worked as a Real-Estate Assistant for 10 years before her role at SAGA. She is a well-organized individual with a pleasant attitude and a desire to make a positive mark on society. As a resident of Sanford, Shinita is passionate about community engagement and seeks opportunities that will allow her to serve as a community representative because she cares about making a difference for everyone. Her love for Sanford has sparked a desire to work towards the growth and betterment of the city. She looks forward to doing her part to achieve those goals.

Effective advocacy and assistance for the existing business community requires strong relationships and excellent communication, and Crystal’s deep roots in Sanford and Lee County coupled with extensive industry experience equip her perfectly for the job. Crystal’s passion for the history and the future of her hometown has been cultivated over five generations of history in Sanford and the Lee County area. Crystal is a proud Yellow Jacket, graduating from Lee Senior High School before obtaining a degree in biology at East Carolina University. She returned home to work for Wyeth Vaccines in roles including bioprocessing, quality and technical transfer technologies. She transitioned with Pfizer to an R&D role, gaining an even greater understanding of the life sciences industry before spending twelve years with Coty, Inc., in Sanford. There she gained a great deal of experience in manufacturing and filling processes. Crystal remains true to her roots, enjoying nature and the unsurpassed beauty of our state. Traveling and experiencing all our state has to offer is a favorite pastime with her family. In Crystal’s words, “My family and I love the farms, restaurants and events around Lee County, and Sanford’s ideal location is something that sets Sanford apart.”

A native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Spencer attended college at the Georgia Institute of Technology and graduate school at the University of Chicago. After working in Washington, DC, he returned to North Carolina in order to have a greater impact on community prosperity closer to home.