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Anderson County hires new Economic Development Director
ANDERSON — Anderson County is proud to announce the hire of Heather Simmons Jones as the new Anderson County Economic Development Director. Mrs. Jones, her husband Terry, and their son are moving to Anderson County where she will begin her duties on October 16, 2006.
“I view this position as an opportunity to recruit targeted industry, through strong regional partnerships, state allies, and local support, into a county that has product ready to market,” Jones said. “Through my existing relationships and network, history of ethical and professional work habits, and as a member of the South Carolina Economic Developers’ Association’s Board of Directors, chairing the Local Developers’ Committee, I know that I am qualified to lead Anderson County’s economic development efforts with positive progress.”
“We are very excited to have Heather join our team,” Anderson County Administrator Joey R. Preston said. “The skill sets and expertise that Heather brings will greatly enhance our ability to attract new industry as well as expand current growth in our County.”
Jones previously held the position of Executive Director of the Greater Beaufort-Hilton Head Economic Partnership, Inc. in Beaufort, S.C. Prior to becoming Executive Director, she was the Director of Business Development. Earlier in her career, she has served as the Allendale County Administrator, and the Allendale Director of Economic Development.
Mrs. Jones earned her Bachelors Degree from ClemsonUniversity in 1997. She is also a graduate of South Carolina Economic Developers’ School. She is currently enrolled in the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma.
Her affiliations include:
- SCEDA Board of Directors (2005-2007)
- Beaufort Regional Film Commission, co-chair
- USC-Beaufort Advisory Council
- SCEDA Scholarship recipient to BEDC and EDI
- Lowcountry Regional Alliance Steering Committee
- SCAC Scholarship recipient to the SC Budget and Control Committee
- Northern BeaufortCounty Regional Plan Steering Committee
- Rotary Club of Beaufort
- Junior Service League of Beaufort
- Salkehatchie Leadership graduate and Tri-County Leadership graduate
- Three Rivers Solid Waste Authority Board (1993-2003)
- Savannah River Re-development Authority Board (1999-2003)
- AllendaleCounty Chamber of Commerce Board (2001-2003)
- Coosawhatchie Clemson Club-Sceretary (2001-2003)
- Zeta Tau Alpha Alumnae Chapter President (1999- present)
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