Danny Black is the President and CEO of the Southern Carolina Regional Development the non-profit economic development organization serving the counties of Allendale Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper in South Carolina.

Under Black’s leadership in the last 29 years, SCA has spearheaded initiatives to foster industrial recruitment, workforce development, and small business growth. He played a pivotal role in launching a microloan program—with USDA grant support—to help startups and expand companies secure capital. He has also guided regional economic planning efforts, collaborating with top consultants to assess and strategize long-term growth.

Black is an advocate for community development, as evidenced in his promotion of a “leadership pipeline” through programs like USC Salkehatchie’s Leadership Institute. Additionally, he was involved in helping launch SCA’s podcast, “Behind the Golden Shovel,” which explores economic development challenges and successes in the region.

Known for forging strategic partnerships, Black has actively recruited major employers and supported infrastructure investment to improve the quality of life and create jobs in rural South Carolina.

Carl Blackstone earned a degree in business administration from the College of Charleston. His first job was at Walker’s Athletics Club in Washington, N.C., where he learned about working with people and workplace responsibility.

As president and CEO of the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce, Blackstone leads an organization that has prioritized developing a robust workforce pipeline to strengthen talent retention in the Midlands over the past three years. The chamber’s commitment translates into action through programs including Campus Leaders, Launch Cola and the Midlands Business Accelerator.

Blackstone serves on multiple boards including the South Carolina State Chamber of Commerce, Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, InvestSC and Main Street District.

“I’ve always believed success isn’t about individual accomplishments,” Blackstone said. “It’s about bringing people together to create something special, meaningful and lasting.”

Blackstone is the father of four daughters, who he credits with shaping his outlook on balance, empathy and resilience.

Jody Bryson is a first-generation college graduate who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Clemson University in 1987 and a Master of Public Administration from the University of South Carolina in 1992. His career in public service began with the 1986 Campbell for Governor Campaign.

As President and CEO of the SC Technology & Aviation Center and Executive Director of the International Transportation Innovation Center, Bryson leads facilities generating a $6.1 billion annual economic impact on South Carolina. Under his leadership, ITIC opened a new three-mile oval track in summer 2025, and SCTAC earned Best in Show at the 2024 Southeastern Economic Development Communications Awards.

Bryson serves on the Francis Marion University Board of Trustees and the Upstate SC Alliance Executive Committee. He was recognized as one of the state’s most influential business leaders and inducted into the Southern Economic Development Hall of Fame in June 2025.

Former Greenville Mayor Bill Workman offered advice that guides his work: “If you ain’t growing, you’re dying.”

John O’Toole leads the Beaufort County Economic Development Corporation as executive director, guiding the three-employee organization through challenges of trade policy ambiguity and development costs affecting foreign direct investments. Since September 2024, the organization assisted with $439 million in projects creating 1,560 jobs.

A Skidmore College graduate with a bachelor’s degree in arts, O’Toole earned his master’s degree in business administration from the University of New Haven. He earned the International Economic Development Council Project of the Year in 2021 and Gold Awards in 2015 and 2008.

“No one cares what you know until they know you care,” he says.

His first job delivering newspapers taught him to always deliver and do his best work.

O’Toole serves on the South Coast Cyber Security Board, Hilton Head Island Bluffton Chamber of Commerce Business Education Partnership, and Don Ryan Center for Innovation board.

He defines success as using talents and time to the best of one’s ability.

Colleagues might be surprised he appeared on screen in the 1991 film “Other People’s Money” featuring Gregory Peck.

Katie Collins earned a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising with a minor in Psychology from the University of South Carolina in 2013. She immediately began her career at the Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce that same year as Director of Communications & Events, where she managed event planning and strategic initiatives for four years.

Collins advanced to Vice President of Operations in 2017 before joining Greater Winston-Salem, Inc. in 2018. There, she served as Vice President and later Senior Vice President of Strategy & Engagement for nearly six years, overseeing business development and member relations throughout North Carolina. During this period, she completed the Institute for Organization Management program at the University of Georgia.

In 2024, Collins returned to the Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce as President/CEO, bringing extensive experience to her leadership role. Her expertise spans event management, strategic planning, customer service and public speaking. Throughout her career in non-profit organization management, Collins has demonstrated strong leadership in chamber operations and community engagement.

David T. Ginn has led the Charleston Regional Development Alliance since 2000, working closely with business, academic and political leaders to shape and execute a comprehensive regional economic development strategy. He directs global business development and marketing initiatives while guiding day-to-day operations for the organization focused on attracting top businesses, talent and entrepreneurs to the Charleston metro market.

Ginn has been with CRDA since its inception, previously serving as executive vice president and project director. A Certified Economic Developer, he maintains strong affiliations with the International Economic Development Council and served as past president of the S.C. Economic Developers Association. He previously held professional economic development and industrial marketing positions in Atlanta and Savannah, including vice president at Savannah Economic Development Authority.

Ginn grew up in the Atlanta area and holds a degree in economics and international business from the University of Southern Mississippi. He also studied at the London School of Economics.

Jerry Howard earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Clemson University and attended the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute. He serves as president of InSite Consulting, an economic development firm with eight employees.

Howard recently led the national launch of the USA Best Sites Program, which he describes as the first of its kind built around manufacturing-focused standards. The initiative addresses what Howard sees as critical industry challenges, including inconsistent site readiness standards and workforce preparation gaps.

“Communities and employers are struggling with same workforce issues they were 40 years ago because traditional educational pathways are not meeting workforce needs,” Howard said.

His career began at an employment agency, where he observed widespread entitlement and insufficient preparedness among job seekers—an experience that shaped his approach to workforce development.

Howard has contributed to numerous organizations, including Saint Anthony’s Padua Food Pantry, the South Carolina Economic Developers Association, Greenville Technical College Board of Advisors and the Greenville Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He defines success as building sustainability into processes.

Harry M. Lightsey III leads South Carolina’s economic development efforts as Secretary of Commerce, a position he has held since July 2021.

Lightsey began his career at BellSouth Corporation in 1986 as an attorney handling corporate and securities matters. Over 15 years with BellSouth, he advanced through regulatory and legal leadership positions, serving as general counsel for South Carolina and later as state president for South Carolina, managing 60 staff and an $8 million budget.

Following BellSouth’s merger with AT&T, Lightsey served as president for AT&T’s Southeast region, managing 280 employees across 10 states. He later joined General Motors, where he directed emerging technologies policy for six years, overseeing autonomous vehicles, connected vehicles and cybersecurity initiatives with an $8 million budget.

Before his appointment as Commerce Secretary, Lightsey practiced law with McAngus Goudelock & Courie and served as principal at Hawksbill Advisors, providing strategic counsel on public policy.

Lightsey earned his bachelor’s degree from Princeton University and his law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law.

Merle Johnson leads Charleston County Economic Development with a focus on smart, inclusive growth and creating equitable opportunities. Under his leadership, the organization balances sustained economic success with maintaining quality of life for all residents.

Johnson has a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Computer Science from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and completed the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma. Before his career in economic development, he served as a deck watch officer on the U.S. Coast Guard cutter USCGC Sweetgum.

Active in professional leadership, Johnson serves on the SCEDA Board of Directors and the Innovate Fund Advisory Board. He was named to Consultant Connect’s Top 50 Economic Developers in 2025 and earned Top Forty Under 40 recognition from SCBIZ/Charleston Regional Business Journal in 2011.

Johnson emphasizes continuous improvement in communities and individuals. “If a community isn’t growing, it is dying,” he says. “I believe the same thing for people.”

Sam Konduros has a Bachelor of Arts from Clemson University and a juris doctorate from the University of South Carolina School of Law. He began his economic development career as a project manager at the South Carolina State Development Board, recruiting industry from around the world and working with corporate executives during complex decision processes.

In 2024, Konduros was named the inaugural president and CEO of the newly formed Greenville City EDC. He serves on the boards of the Greenville Local Development Corporation, SCBIO and Upstate SC Alliance, as well as the South State Bank Greenville Advisory Board.

His career includes receiving the Order of the Palmetto from Gov. Henry McMaster in 2018, being named a Knowledge Economist by SCRA and receiving the Greenville Chamber Chairman’s Award twice. He served as board chair of the Greenville Chamber in 2011 and served two terms on the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee.

“Building and being part of something far bigger than yourself that creates a lasting legacy,” Konduros said.

Angelle Laborde has dedicated nearly three decades to advancing economic development through chamber leadership across the Southeast. She began her career in 1995 at The Chamber/New Orleans & The River Region as an area council manager before advancing to membership director. Her chamber leadership journey includes serving as president and CEO of the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce in Metairie, Louisiana, from 1998 to 2006, followed by nearly 15 years leading the GreenwoodSC Chamber of Commerce from 2006 to 2020. Since August 2020, she has served as president and CEO of the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center.

Laborde earned her bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University and her master’s degree in human resource management from the Florida Institute of Technology. She holds a certificate in nonprofit management from Winthrop University. Her professional background also includes experience with the United Way for the Greater New Orleans area and the American Diabetes Association.

John Lummus leads the Upstate Alliance as president and chief executive officer, guiding the 10-employee economic development organization through a period of significant regional growth and the challenge of anti-growth sentiment driven by infrastructure concerns.

A 1987 Wake Forest University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in history, Lummus earned his master’s degree in public administration from the University of South Carolina in 1991. His early construction work in summer heat taught him valuable lessons about contributing to something meaningful.

“Work hard every single day — you can’t help but succeed,” he says, reflecting advice that has guided his three-decade career in economic development.

Lummus served as president of the South Carolina Economic Developers’ Association from 2008 to 2009 and completed Leadership South Carolina in 2008. His community engagement includes serving as Anderson YMCA board chairman, Anderson Rotary Club president, and elder at First Presbyterian Church.

An avid reader of 20th century U.S. history, Lummus defines success through achieving goals and creating personal satisfaction.

Bernie Mazyck has built a career advancing community economic development across the Carolinas. He attended Charleston Southern University before beginning his professional journey as a program manager for the city of Charlotte.

Mazyck returned to South Carolina to serve as vice president of community development for the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, where he strengthened connections between business and community development initiatives. He founded the South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development, where he now serves as president and CEO. Under his leadership, the organization has expanded the capacity of community development organizations throughout the state.

His expertise earned him appointment to the board of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, where he serves a term through 2027. In this role, Mazyck has helped the Richmond Fed better understand economic conditions across the region. He has also chaired the board of the National Alliance of Community Economic Development Associations, extending his influence to the national level. Based in Charleston, Mazyck continues connecting economic opportunity with underserved communities.

James McQuilla brings more than 30 years of experience in sales, management and entrepreneurship to his leadership of the Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce. McQuilla earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Management from The Citadel and an MBA from Winthrop University.

His career spans pharmaceutical sales, government contracting and nonprofit leadership. As CEO of Professional Buyers Advantage LLC, McQuilla successfully built a multi-million dollar government contracting firm that secured more than 300 federal contracts in 10 years. He previously served as executive director of the Greater Columbia Community Relations Council and as a territory representative for Wyeth.

McQuilla has maintained strong ties to his alma mater, serving as the South Carolina governor’s appointee to The Citadel Board of Visitors from 2009 to 2013. Since May 2020, he has successfully led the Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce, promoting the region while supporting entrepreneurs and business development. McQuilla recently authored the children’s book The Adventures of Matty Peajay and the Sumter Bunch.

Kenneth Moon leads the Cherokee County Development Board as executive director, guiding the organization through historic growth including the county’s largest-ever investment: Cielo Digital Infrastructure’s $2.1 billion data center announced in May 2025.

An Ashford University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in organizational management, Moon earned his South Carolina Certified Economic Developer designation in 2023 and master practitioner certification from the Advanced Economic Development Leadership Program in 2020. Under his leadership, Cherokee County announced $422 million in capital investment in January 2025.

Moon identifies workforce challenges and infrastructure readiness — including power, water, broadband and road access — as the county’s primary obstacles.

“Sometimes you just have to sit down, shut up and listen,” he says.

His first job at the Army Air Force Exchange Service operating Europe’s first Baskin Robbins in Germany introduced him to customer service fundamentals.

Moon serves as vice chair of Upstate Alliance Local Economic Developers and member of Gaffney Rotary. He served as Humane Society of Cherokee County president from 2018 to 2024.

Colleagues might be surprised that he maintains a YouTube channel with 75,000 subscribers featuring woodworking and bowl-turning projects.

Phillips leads the Greenville Chamber as president and CEO, bringing two decades of experience in the chamber profession. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Kentucky and a Master of Arts from Western Kentucky University.

Phillips serves on the boards of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, United Way of Greenville County, Community Foundation of Greenville and UNCF Upstate Mayor’s Masked Ball Leadership Committee.

His recognitions include the ACCE Certified Chamber Executive designation, ACCE Chairman’s Award, Carolinas Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Outstanding Chamber of the Year, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Five-Star Accreditation and United Way of Greenville County Advocate of the Year.

Phillips defines success through helping others achieve their goals. “I long for my family, friends, organization and ultimately the community that I call home to be successful,” he said.

His first job mowing neighborhood lawns taught him the value of time, money and quality work, shaping his current work ethic.

Henry Ravenel founded the Southeastern Chamber of Commerce in 2005, transforming it from a Charleston networking association into a regional organization with nine divisions across South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Washington, D.C. Under his leadership, the chamber launched programs including NENO, Taste of North Charleston and regional mixer series while establishing divisions like B.E.E.P., international initiatives and the CEO Circle to serve sectors including healthcare, technology, manufacturing and green energy.

Ravenel has led international advocacy efforts including U.S. Capitol Hill engagements and African trade missions to advance procurement access. He developed a 180-day ROI model for small and family-owned businesses, delivering networking, government contracting and capital access benefits.

“The marketplace doesn’t need more carbon copies — it needs visionaries who aren’t afraid to disrupt, reimagine and lead from authenticity,” Ravenel said.

Ravenel serves as executive board chairman of the Southeastern Chamber Board of Governors and chairman of Market Street Gentlemen Society. He studied psychology, government and foreign affairs at Hampden-Sydney College and earned his high school diploma from Camden Military Academy.

Jeff Ruble leads the Columbia Area Development Partnership, which he established in July 2025 to advance economic development in the region. With degrees from Winthrop University and the University of South Carolina, Ruble has built a distinguished career in economic development.

Ruble’s leadership extends beyond his role as president and CEO. He served as president of the South Carolina Economic Development Alliance in 2014 and was recognized as Economic Developer of the Year in 2023. He currently serves on the executive committee of the I-77 Economic Development Alliance and holds board positions with the USC Columbia Technology Incubator and Benedict College Business School Advisory Committee.

His approach to leadership reflects lessons learned early in his career. Delivering newspapers taught him the importance of showing up every day ready to work. “Doing the things you don’t want to do well will dictate how successful you can be,” Ruble said.

An ordained elder, Ruble defines success as making a positive impact on people’s lives. Born in the United Kingdom, he now calls South Carolina home.

Jay Schwedler leads economic development efforts for Sumter and the surrounding region as President & CEO of TheLink Economic Development Alliance and Sumter Economic Development. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Applied Economics from Clemson University.

Schwedler has been recognized as South Carolina Economic Developer of the Year and named among the top 50 economic developers in the United States by Consultant Connect and top economic developers in the Southeast by Southern Business Development. He is a Leadership South Carolina alumnus, State News 40 under 40 honoree and Toumey Fellow.

He serves on multiple boards including the Sumter Development Board, The Link Regional Alliance, Sumter EDGE, South Carolina Economic Developers Association and Palmetto Partners. His previous board service includes the Sumter YMCA, Santee Lynches Council of Governments and Southern Economic Development Council.

“My passion in helping our community, region and state grow in a proper manner stems from my small-town upbringing,” Schwedler said.

He also serves as a Santee Cooper Envoy and South Carolina Port Ambassador.

Allen C. Smith has served as president and CEO of OneSpartanburg, Inc. for 11 years, leading the Carolinas’ only consolidated model of business, tourism and economic development. Under Smith’s leadership, Spartanburg’s public and private partners have recruited $10.7 billion in new investment and 15,861 new jobs since 2016.

Smith considers his greatest career achievement to be building OneSpartanburg’s current team. “Their experience and qualifications are unmatched, but beyond those attributes, they are good people,” he said.

Having relocated from North Carolina, Smith has come to appreciate South Carolina’s size and the close relationships it enables. He believes the state’s manufacturing strengths position it well for continued economic momentum, though he advocates for economic diversification through corporate headquarters and knowledge-based jobs. Smith views education as South Carolina’s biggest challenge, noting that almost every indicator leads back to improving educational outcomes.

Smith was selected to join 20 other South Carolina leaders in Liberty Fellowship’s Class of 2025. The Fellowship brings together a small group of established leaders with a wide range of thought, professions, geographic locations and lived experiences.

Max Stewart leads the Greenville Area Development Corporation as President and CEO, overseeing an organization focused on recruiting new business projects to Greenville County. Stewart holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Central Florida.

Stewart’s early career began with self-employment mowing lawns, where he learned to budget for maintenance and manage basic business operations. At 17, he worked as a technical representative at OfficeMax during the 1990s, selling computers in what he describes as both time-consuming and rewarding work.

In his current role, Stewart guides a team of nine professionals working on major economic development initiatives. Since September 2024, the GADC has worked on significant projects including the Isuzu North American Manufacturing Facility valued at $280 million, a $200 million GE Vernova expansion, a $194 million Magna project, a $100 million Dartpoints initiative and Koops Automation’s $10 million investment.

Stewart views workforce participation and available project sites as the industry’s primary challenges. “Economic development is a long sum game,” Stewart said. “If you are in economic development for quick wins, you are in the wrong industry.”

Beyond his professional responsibilities, Stewart serves on the boards of Visit Greenville SC and the Greenville Chamber. He was previously a studio musician who played bass guitar for recording sessions.

John Truluck has led Dorchester County Economic Development to unprecedented growth, driving record capital investment in 2022, 2024 and 2025. As executive director, he has transformed the county’s economic landscape through strategic business recruitment and community development initiatives.

A graduate of the University of South Carolina with both a BSBA and MPA, Truluck brings a deep understanding of economic development strategy to his role. His leadership has earned recognition as SCEDA Local Developer of the Year in 2024 and a place among Consultant Connect’s Top 50 Economic Developers in 2022. Currently serving as vice president on the SCEDA Board, he continues to shape economic development policy across the state.

Truluck defines his success by the tangible impact on families and communities. “For myself, it’s riding around and seeing companies that I have helped recruit to my community and seeing the cars in the parking lot that represent families whose lives have been changed,” he explains.

Beyond his professional achievements, Truluck has served as a volunteer firefighter for 38 years, embodying the work ethic instilled from growing up on his family farm.

Eric Weissmann leads NextGEN, an economic development organization focused on strengthening the Greenville region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. A graduate of The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Weissmann has positioned the organization at the forefront of connecting regional startup founders with national investment opportunities.

Under Weissmann’s leadership, NextGEN recently held its 10th annual Next Venture Summit, bringing 25 investors from across the country to meet with 45 startup founders from the Greenville area. These interactions help spotlight Greenville beyond its reputation for livability, demonstrating the region’s viability for founders seeking to grow and scale businesses.

Weissmann views attracting and retaining talent as the paramount challenge in economic development, particularly as remote work and artificial intelligence reshape traditional workforce equations. “Don’t be afraid to fail, to see what happens,” Weissmann said, noting the value of taking risks over playing it safe.

Outside his professional role, Weissmann has completed four marathons and dozens of half-marathons, all after turning 45.

John O. Williams has served Berkeley County in expanding leadership roles since 2015. Williams began as county attorney, advancing to deputy supervisor in March 2021 while maintaining his legal responsibilities. In February 2024, he assumed the additional role of economic development director, guiding the county’s business growth initiatives while continuing as head county attorney.

A Berkeley County native, Williams graduated from Berkeley High School before earning a civil engineering degree from Clemson University and his Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina. Following law school, he clerked for the Honorable R. Markley Dennis Jr. of the South Carolina Circuit Court. Williams then served as an assistant solicitor with the Ninth Circuit Solicitor’s Office before entering private practice with Williams & Hulst LLC in Moncks Corner from 2012 to 2014.

His unique combination of engineering background and legal expertise positions him to address complex development and governance challenges facing the rapidly growing coastal county.

Will Williams leads the Western SC Economic Development Partnership, guiding economic growth across the region. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from The Citadel.

Williams has built an extensive network of leadership roles throughout South Carolina. He serves on multiple boards including the SC Economic Developers Association, Savannah River Site Community Reuse Organization, North Augusta Chamber of Commerce, Aiken Chamber of Commerce, Aiken Corporation and Aiken Technical College Foundation.

His contributions to economic development have earned significant recognition. The SC Economic Developers Association named him Local Developer of the Year in 2017, and he was recognized among the Top 50 North American Economic Developers in 2021. Williams served as chairman of the Southern Economic Development Council Board of Directors in 2020 and chairman of the SRSCRO Board of Directors from 2022 to 2023.

Under Williams’ leadership, the region announced $1.22 billion in new capital investment during the most recent fiscal year, creating 419 new jobs.