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 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, 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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