Lee & Sumter Counties, South Carolina | 803.418.0700
Welcome to
THE NEXT BIG TEAM
Meet the Team
Our Economic Development team works tirelessly to facilitate and support continuous economic growth for our region.
JAY SCHWEDLER
President & CEO
A South Carolina Certified Economic Developer, Jay is a Clemson University graduate with dual degrees in Economics and Agriculture. Since 2006, he has been the leader of Sumter Economic Development and has facilitated the creation of more than 3000 jobs . A distinguished economic developer, Jay has been recognized as the South Carolina Economic Developer of the Year. In addition, he is a graduate of Leadership South Carolina, a Tuomey Fellow and serves on multiple state, regional, and community level boards and organizations. Most recently, Jay was recognized as one of the top 50 Economic Developers in the nation and as a Master Practitioner after completing the Advanced Economic Development Leadership Program. In his free time, Jay enjoys the outdoors and spending time with friends and family.
ELIZA BUXTON
Manager, Operations
Eliza joined the Sumter Development Board in 2011. Prior to her arrival in Sumter, she gained significant experience in non-profit management as the former Director of Finance for the Gibbes Museum in Charleston, SC and the Director of Operations for a non-profit consulting firm.
With a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University and a Masters in International Business from the University of South Carolina, she brings a vast educational background and a diverse work experience to the job. She has studied in London, and worked in San Francisco and Paris.
As the Manager of Operations, Eliza acts as the chief support personnel to the Board of Directors and the President/CEO with a primary focus on managing day to day office and organizational operations of Sumter Economic Development and the Sumter EDGE. Eliza is a South Carolina Certified Economic Developer. Her interests include antiquing, traveling and spending time with her husband and boy/girl twins.
BRIAN RAUSCHENBACH
Economic Development Project Manager
Brian Rauschenbach, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, is the economic development project manager. Prior to this role, Brian served as the youth apprenticeship consultant for Apprenticeship Carolina and was instrumental in the development of youth apprenticeship programs across the state.
A South Carolina Certified Economic Developer, Brian has a B.A. in Business Administration specializing in technology management from Saint Leo University. He has associate’s degrees in applied sciences from the Community College of the Air Force specializing in aviation maintenance technology and technology and military sciences. As Economic Development Project Manager, Brian is responsible for existing industry retention and expansion as well as new business development. He is married to Kimberly Rauschenbach, and they have two children Calla and Brooks.
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ERIKA WILLIAMS
Manager, Communications & Strategic Initiatives
Hailing from Denmark, SC, Erika has more than 15 years of diverse experience in integrated communications and program management. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communications and Theatre from Lander University and a Masters in Public Administration from the University of South Carolina. As the Communications and Strategic Initiatives Manager, Erika is the primary liaison for community outreach, media relations, and talent development initiatives. She is an AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor and is involved in a number of community councils and advisory boards.
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Darlene A. Sparks
Manager. Investment & Stakeholder Relations
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Darlene Sparks grew up as a military child, which gave her a unique opportunity to experience diverse cultures and adapt to different environments throughout her upbringing. In 2007, she made Sumter her home and established strong roots in the community. Shaped by the discipline and adaptability that come with a military lifestyle, Darlene exemplifies resilience, determination, and flexibility. Holding a Master’s in Business Administration, she has leveraged her skills to excel in community outreach, engagement, and public and business relations. In this role Darlene will engage with regional stakeholders to further economic development efforts. .As a devoted mother of four and a supportive law enforcement spouse, Darlene demonstrates her commitment to family, community service, and building lasting relationships, making her an integral part of the Sumter community.
Meet the Board
Gordon Eckley
Chairman, Lee County Council
Bruce Snipes
Member, First Citizens Bank
Herb McClary
Individual Investor
Jay Davis
Vice-Chairman, Coldwell Banker Commercial Cornerstone
Greg A. Thompson
Member, Thompson Construction
Thompson Isaac
Member, PCL Tours
Jess Williams
Member, Norman Williams & Associates, Inc
Chad Chancellor from Next Move Group interviews Jay Schwedler.
Lee & Sumter, South CarolinaÂ
Economic Development Alliance
TheLINK is a public-private economic development organization charged with facilitating the creation of jobs and the investment of capital in our region.
