SC State Senate confirms Harry M. Lightsey, III to lead South Carolina’s Commerce Department
June 29, 2021 (Columbia, SC) – The SC State Senate today confirmed Harry M. Lightsey, III to lead South Carolina’s Commerce Department. Lightsey previously retired as executive director with General Motor’s Emerging Technologies Policy and brings with him 26 years of leadership at BellSouth and AT&T.
This confirmation brings to a close the tenure of Bobby Hitt, who has led the Department of Commerce since 2011. Hitt not only helped oversee some of the largest company investments in the state (Volvo, Mercedes-Benz Vans, and Boeing, to name a few), but he also fostered a culture of collaboration and innovation across industry, economic development, and academia.
The SC Department of Commerce is an essential partner to the SC Council on Competitiveness. As a business-led non-profit that focuses on managing industry clusters, providing actionable research, and growing the state’s next-generation workforce, the Council works regularly with Commerce across nearly all of its divisions and initiatives.
For more information on Lightsey’s confirmation, click here.
“We cannot thank Bobby Hitt enough for his efforts in enabling new and existing firm growth across South Carolina. His success in building a ‘Team SC’ culture of cross-disciplinary collaboration has been extraordinary,” remarked Susie Shannon, President & CEO at the SC Council on Competitiveness. “We look forward to working with Secretary Lightsey to continue to drive long-term economic growth for the Palmetto State.”
“We welcome Secretary Lightsey to his new role,” said Ed Sellers, Chairman of the SC Council on Competitiveness. “Our continued partnership with the SC Department of Commerce will enrich our existing industry clusters, increase innovation, and secure South Carolina as a leader in economic development.”