South Carolina Jobs-Economic Development Authority names new leader

Listen to this article

Jesse A. Smith has been elected the new executive director of the South Carolina Jobs-Economic Development Authority (JEDA), with his appointment effective Oct. 1. Smith is succeeding Harry A. Huntley, CPA, who is retiring on Sept. 30 after holding the post since 2009.

Smith most recently served as a strategic adviser to companies across the state, helping firms raise capital, according to a news release. Prior to that, he was a senior vice president at First Citizens Bank, where he created and expanded relationships with commercial clients.

“Jesse has proven himself to be an energetic and innovative lender devoted to the success of the borrowers he serves and the communities where they live and work,” said JEDA Board Chairman Michael W. Nix, president and chief investment officer of Verity Investment Partners in Beaufort, in the release. “We’re confident he will lead JEDA effectively into the future.”

Related content: South Carolina Department of Transportation adds to C-suite

With 20 years of experience assisting South Carolina companies, Smith is well-positioned to lead JEDA in its mission of facilitating financing economic development statewide, the release stated. JEDA is a conduit issuer of tax-exempt and taxable bonds, partnering with public and private entities to provide favorable financing that also helps maximize job growth and retention.

“I’m honored to follow in the footsteps of those before me who have helped JEDA play such a vital role in South Carolina’s economic progress since its creation in 1983,” said Smith in the release. “I look forward to working closely with our board and partners statewide to continue building this legacy of continuity and accomplishment.”

Huntley, only the second executive director after the late Elliott Franks III, oversaw JEDA’s participation in facilitating 14 years of strong economic growth across the Palmetto State. “JEDA will be in very good hands with Jesse and I am grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to serve our state in this capacity,” Huntley said in the release.

Since its establishment by the South Carolina General Assembly in 1983, JEDA has facilitated more than $15.4 billion in financing for schools, health care and senior living providers, other public and private nonprofit organizations, and companies in multiple industries, contributing to the creation and retention of more than 314,167 jobs.