Her Story
About Holly
Holly McCrary is the Founder and Principal Consultant of GrowthSet Strategic Solutions, where she helps organizations address complex challenges across economic development, workforce development, education, infrastructure, and community growth. With more than 15 years of experience spanning state and regional economic development, private industry, higher education, K–12 education, and nonprofit partnerships, she brings a cross-sector perspective to developing practical strategies and sustainable solutions. Her work is particularly focused on rural and under-resourced communities, where effective collaboration and resource coordination can have a significant impact.
Before establishing GrowthSet Strategic Solutions full-time, McCrary built a diverse career that began in research science and progressed into education and economic development. As an educator, she taught in Title I schools and developed STEM workforce pipeline programs supported by federal grants for rural South Carolina. She later held leadership and project roles in regional and state economic development, including positions with SouthernCarolina Alliance and the South Carolina Department of Commerce. Her experience includes managing significant grant investments, developing STEM and workforce initiatives, supporting industry recruitment and expansion, conducting manufacturing competitiveness reviews, coordinating cross-sector partnerships, and helping organizations translate funding into measurable outcomes.
McCrary is a South Carolina Certified Economic Developer and National Board-Certified Educator in secondary science. She earned a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of South Carolina and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of South Carolina-Beaufort. Her professional accomplishments include the SCEDA Rising Star Award and recognition as Hampton County District Teacher of the Year. Through GrowthSet Strategic Solutions, she continues to focus on connecting education and industry, strengthening workforce pipelines, securing and managing resources, and bringing together the people and partnerships needed to create lasting economic and community development.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Holly
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success comes from the incredible mentors who have guided me throughout my career, particularly the women who supported and encouraged me in a male-dominated field. They taught me valuable lessons in data analysis and leadership and showed me the importance of prioritizing progress over personal credit.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to move with integrity. I believe that maintaining integrity in every decision, relationship, and professional responsibility is essential to building a meaningful and lasting career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to pivot when necessary and bridge the gap. Being willing to adapt while also bringing people, ideas, and opportunities together can create meaningful progress and open doors for long-term growth.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Workforce development is one of the most significant issues facing the field today. There is still a disconnect between education and industry that needs to be addressed, while navigating funding requirements and administrative red tape remains an ongoing challenge. These gaps also create opportunities to strengthen partnerships and better align education with workforce needs.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are progress over credit, integrity, and doing meaningful and purposeful work that goes beyond monetary motivation. I also value helping at-risk students recognize opportunities and career paths they may not otherwise know exist.
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