Mark Farris to Lead Greenville (S.C.) Economic Development Group

GREENVILLE, S.C., July 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Greenville Area Development Corporation (GADC), tasked with promoting the economic growth of Greenville County (SC), has named prominent economic development executive J. Mark Farris as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. Farris will assume his new role September 15, 2014. 

"We are excited to have Mark join the Greenville Area Development Corporation as our new President and CEO," said Richard (Dick) Wilkerson, Chairman of the GADC Board of Directors.  "Mark has been a tireless advocate of smart, strategic and high impact economic development in South Carolina, and is widely respected as a strong leader, visionary and strategist in the industry.  He will bring knowledge, energy, and a strong collaborative spirit to our public/private partnership, and is the right leader to build upon Greenville County's tremendous opportunities, reputation and momentum."

Farris had served as Director of Economic Development for York County (SC) since 1987, announcing over $4 billion in new capital investment and thousands of new jobs there during his tenure.  He is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), a graduate of the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma and past President of the South Carolina Economic Developers' Association. He holds undergraduate and master's degrees from Clemson University, and is an active member in the International Economic Development Council, Southern Economic Development Council, and South Carolina Economic Developers' Association. 

"There are few positions in all of America that I would have entertained leaving York County for, but my overwhelming love of the Palmetto State and the strengths of Greenville County as an attractive and vibrant location made me realize that this was the right time and destination to commit my efforts and abilities to," said Mr. Farris. "The GADC is a nationally respected economic development organization with a superb team, and Greenville County is a model for planned strategic growth.  I look forward to contributing to the advancement of such an attractive and vibrant community."   

The GADC, a non-profit organization established to promote and enhance economic growth and development in Greenville County, was founded in 1991 and has announced more than 17,500 new jobs and over $3 billion in new capital investment in the county. Greenville County is globally recognized for its business-friendly environment, acclaimed quality of life, and business concentrations in automotive manufacturing, advanced materials, aerospace/aviation, biosciences, logistics and regional headquarters.

Contact: Sam Patrick, 864-787-0820, [email protected]

SOURCE Greenville Area Development Corporation