Henry "Hal" Johnson, President/CEO

Hal Johnson serves as President and CEO of the Upstate SC Alliance. Johnson joined the UA team in 2005 after six years with the Orangeburg County Development Commission as its Executive Director and three years with the South Carolina Department of Commerce as a Project Manager. In 2003 Johnson was named Economic Developer of the Year by the National Rural Economic Developers Association.

Johnson graduated from the Citadel in 1988 with a BS in Business Administration. He is a 2002 graduate of the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma and is a South Carolina Certified Economic Developer. Johnson served on the Board for the South Carolina Economic Developers Association and served as its President in 2005. Johnson is currently serving on the Board for the Southern Economic Development Council.

Blown away by
As a father of two young boys, I have been most blown away by the family environment that exists in the Upstate. I have lived and worked all across the great state of South Carolina for most of my life and there’s no place quite like it. Whether it is the education, outdoor and recreational activities, or the cultural opportunities, I know my family has a multitude of opportunities right at their fingertips.

Jennifer Miller, Vice President

Jennifer Miller serves as Vice President for the Alliance and is responsible for the direction and execution of the Alliance’s global marketing strategy. Miller joined the UA in 2006, after working for the Mississippi World Trade Center where she served as the Information Specialist for 2 years.

Miller received her Bachelor of Science with a major in International Business from The University of Southern Mississippi. She is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute and a graduate of Leadership Greenville Class 37.

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Originally from Mississippi, I was first introduced to the area during my second interview with the organization. The more I become accustom to the region, the more I appreciate all it has to offer. From its multitude of outdoor recreational activities to its diversity in restaurants and live entertainment, I am repeatedly blown away.

Jacob Hickman, Investment Recruitment Officer

Jacob Hickman serves as Investment Recruitment Officer for the Upstate SC Alliance in which he is responsible for a wide variety of marketing and economic development strategies, while interfacing with and directly supporting the roles of Marketing and Investment Recruiting. He also serves as the organization’s lead point-of-contact for the aerospace and advanced materials industry target. Hickman joined the UA in 2010 after working for Select Corporate Housing as a regional sales director.

Hickman received his Bachelor of Arts from Randolph-Macon College in Virginia and is currently earning his M.B.A at North Greenville University.

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When my company announced in 2007 we were opening a new location in South Carolina, my wife and I were anxious to leave Florida so we jumped on the opportunity. Our first trip to the Upstate was to secure a residence and we did not know what was in store. I was blown away with the quality of life the area has to offer and we decided that the Upstate was the place for us to make our home.

Aimee Redick, Investment Recruitment Officer

Aimee Redick serves as an Investment Recruitment Officer for the Upstate SC Alliance for which she is responsible for a wide variety of marketing and economic development strategies, while interfacing with and directly supporting the roles of Marketing and Investment Recruiting. She also serves as the organization’s lead point-of-contact for the automotive industry target and for centers of influence.

Redick joined the UA in 2012 after working for The Cliffs Communities in their sales and marketing department. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina and her Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law.

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Born and raised in the Upstate, I have always appreciated the beauty of the land and the friendliness of the people who have chosen to make it home. As an adult, I have been blown away by the spirit of leadership, the drive for excellence, and the generosity of the businesses and citizens of the Upstate.

Erin Ford, Investment Recruitment Officer

Erin Ford serves as an Investment Recruitment Officer for the Upstate SC Alliance for which she is responsible for a wide variety of marketing and economic development strategies, while interfacing with and directly supporting the roles of Marketing and Investment Recruiting.

She also serves as the organization’s lead point-of-contact for the bioscience and energy industry targets. Ford joined the Upstate SC Alliance in 2012 after working for the Simpsonville Area Chamber of Commerce as the director of development. She also has significant media industry experience.

She holds a B.A. in communication from La Salle University in Philadelphia, PA. Erin completed the basic economic development course through Georgia Tech University. She is also a 2012 graduate of Leadership Simpsonville.

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I’ve had the opportunity to live in several places before relocating here, and I am constantly blown away by the Upstate and all it has to offer. The region boasts great local communities with wonderful people not only from the region, but from all over the world. The mountains, beaches, specialty shopping, and great restaurants are all close by to enjoy. As a business community, I’m blown away by the opportunities for growth and the willingness of industries to work together to ensure the region continues to thrive and develop.

Elizabeth Feather, Marketing Research Manager

Elizabeth Feather serves as Marketing Research Manager for the Upstate SC Alliance for which she is responsible for managing the research efforts for the Upstate SC Alliance team including compiling data and reports for prospects and investors and working with industry partners to provide the most up to date information about the Upstate. Feather joined the Upstate SC Alliance in 2011 after eleven years with GSA Business.

Feather graduated from the Honors College at the College of Charleston with a BA in English, a BA in French and a minor in Arts Administration.

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As someone who has grown up in the Upstate, I am continually blown away by the drive for advancement that is seen across the region. From the government officials to machine shop operators to coffee shop proprietors, everyone you talk to is excited about the development of the region and eager to see growth and change. The Upstate is passionate about progress and full of the collaborative spirit that can make dreams become reality, all of which makes this an exciting place to live and to raise a family.

Haley Hamam, Investor Relations Coordinator

Haley Hamam serves as Investor Relations Coordinator for the Upstate SC Alliance for which she is responsible for managing the organizational efforts of contributor services, event planning, media relations and all forms of internal communications. Hamam joined the Upstate SC Alliance in 2011.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Clemson University.

 

Blown away by
Originally from Greenville, I have had the privilege of experiencing the many aspects of life that make this region so special and I am constantly blown away by the opportunities, natural beauty of the area, and friendliness of the people. After graduating from Clemson, I considered moving to another city in the Southeast, but I quickly realized the Upstate still has so much to offer as I begin this new chapter in my life.

Alicia Knauff, Executive Administrator / Office Manager

Alicia Knauff serves as the Executive Administrator/Office Manager for the Upstate SC Alliance and is responsible for assisting the President/CEO, managing office operations and overall administrative services for the organization. Knauff joined the Upstate SC Alliance in 2007. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Paralegal/Legal Assistant.

 

 

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Originally from Pennsylvania, I was blown away by all the Upstate has to offer in terms of quality of life, entertainment, dining and culture.