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.

Richard Blackwell, Vice President

Richard K. Blackwell serves as the Vice President for the Alliance for which he is responsible for fundraising, contributor services, event planning, public affairs, media relations and all forms of communications. Blackwell joined the UA in 2007 after working in politics, government relations and local economic development since 1998.

Blackwell holds a Masters in Public Administration from the University of South Carolina and a B.A degree in Political Science / Public Relations also from the University of South Carolina. He has finished the Basic Economic Development Course through Georgia Tech, received a Certificate in Non-Profit Management from Duke University, is a graduate of two Leadership Programs and was selected as one of the “Best & Brightest” in Greenville in 2008.

Blown away by
As the only Upstate native on the Alliance Team, I have been blown away the amount of change that has occurred in the region over time and how it has truly blossomed into a wonderful, vibrant melting pot of business and people.

Jennifer Miller, Director of Marketing

Jennifer Miller serves as Director of Marketing for the Alliance and is responsible for the direction and execution of the Alliance’s branding and strategic marketing objectives, inbound events, research and intern programs. She also serves as the organization’s lead point-of-contact for the advanced materials industry target. 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 member of Leadership Greenville Class 37.

 

Blown away by
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.

Blown away by
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.

Charlotte Flint, Investment Recruitment Officer

Charlotte Flint serves as Investment Recruitment Officer for the Upstate SC Alliance in 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 industry target and centers of influence.

Flint holds a Sport and Entertainment Management degree from the
University of South Carolina where she previously worked in Major Gifts for their Athletics program.

Blown away by
Growing up in Charleston, SC and taking advantage of all it has to offer, I am constantly blown away by the Upstate and the multitude of opportunities here. From its entertainment and festivals to its cultural opportunities to its recreational activities to its business communities, I am always finding new and exciting things to appreciate.

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.

Blown away by
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 assisting in the organizational efforts of fundraising, contributor services, event planning, and communication. 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.

 

 

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