Meet Cassidy Crain: A Journey from Corporate Travel to Support at SSRI
Cassidy Crain, Administrative Assistant in the Social Science Research Institute (SSRI), brings a wealth of professional experience, a heart for service, and a talent for connection to her role.
Cassidy’s career began in the world of travel and hospitality, where she spent over 26 years building a diverse and dynamic path in corporate travel. After earning her diploma in the field, she launched her journey in Charlotte, NC, supporting healthcare professionals. Her career soon took her to California, where she managed travel for an eclectic mix of clients, from government officials to Peruvian sheep herders. Yes, you read that right. Sheep herders.
Eventually returning to North Carolina, Cassidy shifted into emergency travel services before transitioning into agency operations, where she oversaw tools like Concur, corporate cards, and meetings management. “It was a fulfilling career, but the pandemic really shifted my perspective,” she reflects.
Driven by a desire to work in a more meaningful field, Cassidy went back to school to pursue a degree in healthcare administration. That decision eventually led her to Duke and SSRI, where she has found a new sense of purpose and growth.
Since joining SSRI, Cassidy has embraced both the big picture and the finer details. One of her first major projects was updating SSRI’s organizational charts which was a task that helped her quickly learn the structure, names, and roles throughout the institute. “It was a crash course in how everything fits together,” she says. “It also gave me a real appreciation for the work each team does.”
Her natural curiosity led her down what she calls the occasional “research rabbit hole,” uncovering layers of institutional knowledge and connecting the dots between affiliate groups and departments. But even with all the technology and resources available, Cassidy is a firm believer in the power of presence and old-fashioned conversation. “I like to ask, ‘How can I help?’ or ‘What are you working on?’ I can’t sit still while others are busy. I genuinely like to contribute and be useful wherever I can.”
One of Cassidy’s greatest strengths is her ability to build strong relationships and earn trust through listening and understanding. She’s a thoughtful observer who respects existing processes and believes in learning the “why” before suggesting changes. “I’ve always believed in not fixing what isn’t broken,” she says with a smile.
Outside of work, Cassidy channels her creative energy into a thriving side hustle rooted in sustainability and design. What started as a casual interest in estate sales turned into a full-fledged passion for repurposing furniture and vintage goods. With over a decade in the business, she now has a booth in one of North Carolina’s top vintage shops. “I love giving things a second life,” she says. “It’s my creative outlet—and sometimes it leaves me with a few bruises or battle scars from the tools!”
She’s also passed the passion on to her dad, who helps with larger furniture projects, while Cassidy handles the design, painting, sewing, and finishing touches.
At home, Cassidy and her husband are proud parents to three grown sons. Their oldest is a Marine transitioning to the Coast Guard, their middle son works in construction in Raleigh, and their youngest is a Marine stationed at Camp Lejeune. With their nest a little emptier these days, they now dote on their two beloved (and very large) Great Pyrenees dogs.
After working remotely for more than 13 years, a setup that worked beautifully while raising kids, Cassidy is now grateful to be back in a collaborative environment. “Working from home has its perks, but it can get isolating,” she says. “At SSRI, I’ve found something really special: an amazing team and a supportive, enjoyable workplace.”