Crystal Pierce
Associate & Business Development Director
FFKR Architects
Member since 2018
Crystal Pierce is an Associate and Business Development Director at FFKR Architects. Crystal appreciates the culture at FFKR, the trust she’s been given, and the value seen in her opinions. In her role, she partners with firm leadership, spearheads new business initiatives, and fosters company growth. She is passionate about people, the collaboration process, and strategy phase. Crystal is deeply immersed in the AEC community. A true innovator, she has founded and leads impactful networking groups, including RISE (Relationships Igniting Social Energy) and Chicks with Sticks, a program that teaches women the art of golf. These groups have created meaningful connections and collaborations across the industry in ways that were previously unheard of. As chair of CRENAB, a prominent 25-year-old commercial real estate organization, she unites professionals from all sectors, inspiring partnerships that lead to lasting results. Outside the office, Crystal loves spending time with her fiancé, traveling, visiting spas and speakeasies, watching chaotic reality TV, and all things Formula 1 Racing! Shake and bake!!! She is also a mac & cheese connoisseur and loves AAED very much.
Please describe your involvement in AAED.
I have been an active member of AAED since 2018, contributing to several committees and supporting many of our key events and conferences. Specifically, I’ve been involved with the Membership Committee, Cornhole Committee, and have had the honor of serving as the Chair of the Golf Committee. As a member of the Membership Committee, I worked closely with other committee members to promote AAED’s mission of enhancing economic development in Arizona. My role involved reaching out to potential new members, organizing engagement activities, and helping to ensure the association’s growth and sustainability. On the Cornhole Committee, I helped plan this signature event to foster networking and camaraderie within the AAED community. This event served as a fun and informal way for members to connect while also supporting the association’s initiatives. One of my proudest roles has been as the Chair of the Golf Committee, where I led the planning and execution of the AAED golf tournament. This event is one of the association’s largest annual fundraisers, and I worked to ensure its success by coordinating logistics, securing sponsorships, and managing a team of volunteers. Through this committee, I helped raise significant funds to support AAED’s activities while also ensuring a positive experience for participants. These experiences have allowed me to actively contribute to AAED’s mission, expand my network, and further my commitment to economic development in Arizona.
Which committees have you served on?
Membership Engagement Committee, Co-Chair of Cornhole Committe, and Chair of Golf Committee.
Why do you want to serve as a member of the AAED Board of Directors?
I am eager to serve on the AAED Board of Directors because I am passionate about advancing economic development in Arizona and believe that the Board offers a unique platform to drive meaningful change. Over the years, my involvement in various committees has deepened my commitment to the association and its mission. As a member of the Board, I want to leverage my experience in committee leadership and event coordination to contribute to strategic decisions that will further enhance AAED’s impact. I am particularly interested in working on initiatives that strengthen AAED’s membership base, foster collaborative relationships within the industry, and address emerging economic challenges in Arizona. Additionally, I believe my leadership experience, organizational skills, and dedication to community engagement will be valuable in guiding AAED through the next phase of growth and expansion. I am excited about the opportunity to work alongside like-minded professionals who share my vision for creating a thriving economic environment in Arizona. Serving on the Board will also allow me to give back to an organization that has provided me with invaluable professional connections and opportunities. I am confident that I can contribute to AAED’s continued success and further its mission to promote sustainable economic development across the state.