The South Carolina Economic Developers’ Association (SCEDA) announced its 2024-2025 officers and board of directors during the Annual Conference in Myrtle Beach. SCEDA and its 650+ members have been the ‘Voice of Economic Development’ in the Palmetto State for more than 50 years.
Rick Farmer, Director of Newberry County Economic Development, will serve as the incoming SCEDA president.
“I am honored to serve as President and work alongside such dedicated professionals in advancing economic development initiatives across the state,” said Farmer. “I am excited to collaborate with our esteemed board of directors to continue fostering the personal and professional growth of SCEDA members, ensuring we are all equipped with the skills needed to drive impactful change, for the betterment of all citizens of South Carolina.”
2024-2025 Board of Directors
President – Rick Farmer, SCCED, Newberry County Economic Development
Vice President – Tavia CM Gaddy, SCCED, Greenville Area Development Corporation
Treasurer – John Truluck, SCCED, Dorchester County Economic Development
Secretary – Melvin C. Williams, F.SAME FACEC, Terracon Consultants, Inc.
Past President – Sandy Steele, SCCED, SouthernCarolina Regional Development Alliance
Director- Merle Johnson, Orangeburg County Development Commission
Director- Sara Hazzard, SC Manufacturers Alliance
Director- Kris Phillips, MRB Group
Newly Elected Incoming Directors
Director- Sam Moses, Parker Poe
Director- Erin Cole, Samet Corporation
Director- Jamie Frost, Alliance Consulting Engineers, Inc.
Ex-Officio Members
Hugh Weathers, Commissioner, SC Department of Agriculture
- Designee: Clint Leach
Dr. Tim Hardee, President, S.C. Technical College System
- Designee: AJ Newton
Mr. Harry M. Lightsey III, Secretary, SC Department of Commerce
- Designee: Ashely Teasdel
Mr. Duane Parrish, Director, SC Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism
- Designee: Daina Riley-Phillips
Ms. Barbara Melvin, President and CEO, SC State Ports Authority
- Designee: Travis Frank
About SCEDA
Since 1965, the S.C. Economic Developers’ Association has served as the Voice of Economic Development in the Palmetto State. A professional trade association of more than 580 members, with representation from all 46 counties, SCEDA includes local and regional economic developers, as well as officials from municipal, county and state government agencies, construction and engineering firms, utility companies, attorneys, consultants, financial institutions, and higher education. To learn more, visit www.SCEDA.org.
