Our Staff
Teresa Campo is the Director of the City of Monroe Office of Economic Development, where she leads the strategic efforts to strengthen Monroe’s economy through business attraction, existing-industry support, workforce partnerships, site readiness, and accountable public-private investment. With more than 25 years of local government experience, she brings a practical, results-driven approach to advancing projects that create quality jobs, expand the tax base, and position Monroe for long-term competitiveness.
Since joining the City of Monroe in 2017, Teresa has served in several leadership capacities, including Community Development Manager and Strategic Projects Manager in the City Manager’s Office. Her work has included high-priority initiatives that align with City Council and organizational goals, managing complex development efforts, and building collaboration among businesses, property owners, educational institutions, utility partners, and public agencies. She ushered the Economic Development Office through the transition from the Monroe Union County Economic Development Commission (MUCEDC), where she served for approximately two years as Trustee.
As Economic Development Director, Teresa focuses on ensuring Monroe is responsive and investment-ready. Her approach emphasizes data-informed site evaluation, infrastructure and utility capacity, workforce-to-hiring partnerships, industrial and commercial recruitment and redevelopment opportunities, and transparent, performance-based incentive practices. She is committed to helping existing employers succeed while pursuing new investment that supports the community’s fiscal health and quality of life. Teresa successfully recruited approximately $350M in new industries and manages the existing industry portfolio, including aerospace, pharmaceutical, and other precision manufacturing companies.
Teresa earned a MPA from the University of North Carolina Pembroke and an undergraduate degree from Shaw University. She is a member of the International Economic Development Council, North Carolina Community Development Association, and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, where she serves on the Legislative Committee.
Rooted in a lifelong commitment to public service, Teresa brings disciplined leadership, collaborative problem-solving, and a clear vision for a stronger Monroe—one that is prepared to compete, equipped to grow, and focused on delivering meaningful economic opportunity for its residents and businesses.
Walter Sprouse served as Interim Economic Development Director while the City's leadership team reorganized the Monroe Office of Economic Development.
Sprouse, a retired Monroe native, spent more than 15 years as executive director of the Augusta Economic Development Authority, where he facilitated over $4.4 billion in investments, creating over 48,000 jobs. He also served twice as the executive director of the Randolph County Economic Development Corporation.
He received the Lifetime Service Award from the North Carolina Economic Development Association in 2024. He is an honorary life member of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). He was inducted into the Southern Economic Development Hall of Fame in 2024, where he was recognized as one of the “People Who Built the South.”
Monroe is very grateful for his mentorship and service to the City.