Crystal Sides is a native of eastern North Carolina and grew up working on her family’s agricultural farm. It was here she developed a love of gardening and the outdoors. She has a degree in Horticulture from North Carolina State University and is a member of the NC Nursery and Landscape Association and the NC Green Industry Council. Crystal has served on the Board of Advisors to the NC State General Shelton Leadership Center since its inception in 2002 and currently serves on the Center’s Scholarship Committee. Crystal has been a guest lecturer at Appalachian State and North Carolina State universities. She enjoys spending time with family and friends and is passionate about values-based leadership and serving her community.