Orangeburg County names Ty Davenport executive director

The Orangeburg County Development Commission has appointed Charles T. “Ty” Davenport as its new executive director. Davenport brings more than two decades of economic development, land planning and business recruitment experience to the role.

Davenport most recently served as president and CEO of Development Results LLC, where he provided strategic development guidance to local governments, developers, large landowners and nonprofit organizations across South Carolina, according to a news release. Prior to that, he was deputy director of economic development for Richland County, where he helped lead record-setting recruitment efforts that resulted in $2.5 billion in capital investment and 4,400 new jobs, including projects such as Scout Motors, RiteDose and Cirba Solutions.

Previously, Davenport served as director of economic development for Fairfield County, where he recruited six new manufacturing companies, generating more than 1,000 jobs and $100 million in investment, and led the development of major industrial sites, including the I-77 International Mega Site, the release stated. His background also includes senior leadership roles in commercial real estate development and economic development with SCANA Corp. and Nucor Corp., where he worked closely with major national and global brands.

“It is a very exciting day in Orangeburg County as we announce our new executive director for the Orangeburg County Development Commission, Charles Davenport,” said Johnnie Wright Sr., Orangeburg County Council chairman. “There have only been five former executive directors in nearly 70 years of OCDC history, and we look forward to Mr. Davenport building upon the many successes and extensive planning that is already in place. We are excited about the new opportunities ahead and thrilled to have him here.”

Davenport holds a Master of Science in Economic Development from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Presbyterian College.

“On behalf of the Orangeburg County Administration, we are very pleased with the selection of Mr. Charles Davenport as our next executive director,” Harold M. Young, Orangeburg County administrator, said in the release. “I am confident Mr. Davenport will be a tremendous asset to our community and take Orangeburg County to the next level.”

The search for an executive director was extensive and produced several highly qualified candidates, according to Kenneth Middleton, OCDC board chairman.

“Ty was chosen to lead the commission because of his skill set and preparation for a historically significant time for Orangeburg County,” he said in the release. “Together, we are building an even brighter future.”

Davenport is an active member of the South Carolina Economic Developers’ Association and a former member of the Southern Economic Development Council and the International Economic Development Council.

As executive director, Davenport will lead OCDC’s efforts to attract new industries, support existing businesses and guide strategic economic initiatives throughout Orangeburg County.