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Charleston regional economic development coalition names chairperson

Jason Thomas //March 30, 2023//

Charleston regional economic development coalition names chairperson

Jason Thomas //March 30, 2023//

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One Region, a comprehensive coalition formed to strengthen the local economy and produce opportunities for all tri-county residents, has named Shawn Saulsberry as its chairperson for 2023, according to a news release.

Saulsberry, a senior manager at EY Charleston, is a Charleston-area native with a background in strategic planning and consulting, the release stated. In addition to his work with One Region, he serves as board chair for Metanoia, a board member for Big Brothers Big Sisters and as a member of the Strategic Thinking Group.

As chairperson, Saulsberry works directly with the One Region staff, advisory committee and lead agent organizations to implement the strategies outlined in the One Region Roadmap, according to the release. The Roadmap, released in January 2023 after 18 months of community input, is an economic recovery and resiliency plan to address the most significant foundations of a thriving region.

“I am honored to join this initiative because of its potential to make a lasting impact on our community,” Saulsberry said in the release. “Working with our lead agents and key stakeholders, we will grow the reach of the One Region strategy to make the vision of ‘Opportunities for All’ into a reality.”

“One Region’s mission is as relevant as ever to the tri-county area. Together, we have created a plan to address the region’s most pressing needs, but our work has just begun,” outgoing One Region chairperson Kendra Stewart said in the release. “With his business experience and service to the community, Shawn is the perfect person to lead this charge.”

Stewart, a professor of political science and director of the Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Center for Livable Communities at the College of Charleston, served as chairperson since 2021.

With Saulsberry at the helm, One Region is poised to roll out its next phase. “We’ve surveyed the community, identified key issues and recruited lead agents to address these issues,” Saulsberry said in the release. “The success of the Roadmap, however, lies in its ability to create measurable and sustainable change.”

One Region is a joint venture partnership between the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments, the Charleston Metro Chamber and the Charleston Regional Development Alliance. Since its launch in 2016, One Region has worked to create actionable changes that move the community forward. To view the Roadmap, visit oneregionstrategy.com.

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