Jan Critz

Jan Critz has been an economic developer with the N.C. Department of Commerce since June 2010. As an existing industry specialist in the Piedmont Triad region, she works to promote the state's services and resources to assist companies in growing their businesses. Prior to joining Commerce, Critz served for six years as an economic developer in her home community of Surry County.

Over the past two years, Critz has helped 26 businesses expand, creating more than 2,100 new jobs and investing over $316 million in capital investments in the Triad region. Some of her recent projects include Solstas Lab Partners and Ralph Lauren Polo, both located in High Point. Citing North Carolina's strength as a business-friendly environment, Critz reports that companies see particularly high value in community college training opportunities for their employees. She also encourages businesses to investigate state apprenticeship and internship programs as additional avenues for workforce support.

Critz resides with her husband, Andy, in Dobson, the county seat of Surry. She enjoys spending time with daughter, Heather, and 3-year-old granddaughter, Karleigh. Her favorite hobbies include entertaining and traveling with friends, playing golf, reading and attending Zumba classes

North Carolina counties served: Alamance, Caswell, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Guilford, Montgomery, Randolph, Rockingham, Stokes, Surry, Yadkin