SCEDA names new executive director, taps management group

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The South Carolina Economic Developers’ Association has named a new executive director and an agency to lead the statewide organization.

Beacon Association Management will lead SCEDA in day-to-day operations including the execution of large events and coordinating membership meetings, according to a SCEDA news release. In addition, it will guide the board through strategic planning, and provide comprehensive metrics and reports to evaluate and continue the planning process for the future, the release stated.

Also, Katie Koon, CEO of Beacon Association Management, will serve as the new executive director of SCEDA, according to the release.

Koon replaces Andrea “Andi” Rawl. In June, the S.C. Manufacturers Alliance hired Lexington-native Rawl as executive director of the S.C. Automotive Council.

Five team members will work closely with SCEDA in support of Koon, who has experience serving as executive director for various trade and professional associations, the release stated. Those experiences include leading Community College Business Officers, the South Carolina Aviation Association and the South Carolina Association of Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors, according to Koon’s LinkedIn profile.

She holds the Certified Association Executive credential, awarded by the American Society of Association Executives, which is the highest professional credential in the association industry, according to the release. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina, according to LinkedIn.

SCEDA board President Marty Baltzegar led the board’s search in naming a new association management firm.

“The SCEDA board of directors and SCEDA members from across South Carolina are excited to welcome Beacon Association Management into our SCEDA family,” Baltzegar said in the release. “They have a rich history of successfully leading organizations on the executive and administrative fronts. We look forward to working side by side as we focus on casting a vision for our future.”