For over five years, Ashley Feaster, Community Affairs and Economic Development Officer for the Palmetto Electric Cooperative, served as the Chair of the Beaufort County Economic Development Board.

Ashley Feaster grew up on the gulf coast of Florida and attended University of Florida. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science and then received a master’s degree at George Washington University in Washington DC in political management and public policy. For six years, she worked for the National Association of Home Builders assisting with state and local governmental affairs, running their grassroots efforts while traveling all over the country. Through this work, she helped home builders’ associations, and their members process the growing political climate and while helping communities and state legislatures understand that economic development is important for the future growth of their region. In 2006, she moved to Hilton Head Island to become CEO of the Hilton Head Area Home Builders Association and in 2015 accepted her current position with the Palmetto Electric Cooperative.

Recently, BCEDC celebrated the accomplishments of the organization under Ashley’s tenure. During this time, BCEDC:

• Worked on 55 projects that created 1,582 jobs and attracted $340 million in investments. Throughout this period, the BCEDC also managed over 511 leads, further proving the commitment to advancing Beaufort County’s economic potential.
• Collaborated with environmental groups and affected neighbors. None of these projects faced opposition from “Not in My Backyard” (NIMBY) or environmental groups which speaks to the initiative-taking approach in ensuring that each project aligns with the expectations of the residents and fits well within the community’s values.
• Secured over $20 million in grants that have been instrumental in helping companies expand and preparing sites for future development.

Ashley is most proud of the establishment of the Lowcountry Fresh Market & Café, a local food market and café. It is an amazing collaboration between entrepreneurs Andy and Cindy Rolfe who partnered with the Gullah Coop to help them build an economic future for their family farms. The venture was recognized by the International Economic Development Council for the best project of the year in 2021.

The torch has now passed to the very capable hands of Joel Braun, Palmetto Rural Telephone Cooperative, Chief Customer Experience Officer.

“As a young organization, we have had a great start. I believe Joel will bring the BCEDC to the next level. He stepped up and joined our Board last year and even at that time he was willing to take a leadership role. He really does have the drive, the mindset, and the ability to take what has been created here over the last seven years and really move it forward.” – Ashley Feaster

In turn, Joel praised Ashley’s leadership, “She has done an amazing job, and I’ve learned so much from her. I want to thank her for her leadership and mentorship during this transition. It is very apparent that she has a deep passion for economic development,” he said.

According to new Chair Joel Braun, the role of the BCEDC Board is to provide governance, offer strategic insight, approve budgets and then monitor the financial health of the organization.

“It is important that we talk through any big decisions or projects to make sure that we understand why we’re doing them, and that the outcome of that decision is what we’re expecting. “It is also important that we support efforts to secure funding and also act as the public face of the nonprofit when necessary.” – Joel Braun

Most recently the Beaufort County Council committed to funding economic development product development for the next five years, which is a testament to its success.

“Our accomplishments are a direct result of the strong partnerships we’ve built with Beaufort County, the four municipalities, and key organizations such as the SouthernCarolina Alliance, K-12 education, the Technical College of the Lowcountry, and the University of South Carolina Beaufort. Despite facing challenges such as a global pandemic, rising development costs, and increasing interest rates, I believe the Beaufort County Economic Development Corporation has earned the respect of state organizations like the State Legislature, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Agriculture, Educational Institutions and the Department of Employment and Workforce.” – Ashley Feaster

“The Beaufort County EDC has great leadership with John O’ Toole, Kelli Brunson and Brian Warner. The organization has been very successful, stemming from its founding member’s vision at its beginning to where it is today. The BCEDC has secured almost half a billion dollars in capital investment – that’s impressive. We know it can have even more impact on the local economy and our residents in the future! I am honored to follow Ashley as the new Board Chair and am ready to step up, with great pride, to move us forward.” – Joel Braun

The Beaufort County Economic Development Corporation extends its thanks to all of the Board of Directors for their wisdom and guidance.