Our Team

Stephen Astemborski serves as Director of Engagement & Aerospace Initiatives at the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness (SC Competes), where he leads efforts to strengthen and grow the state’s aerospace industry cluster.

With a background in advanced manufacturing, supply chain operations, and military leadership, Stephen brings a systems-level perspective to industry growth and performance. He works closely with aerospace companies to align operational needs with statewide strategy—supporting initiatives that enhance supply chain resilience, workforce alignment, and long-term sector competitiveness.

Prior to joining SC Competes, Stephen was the Manufacturing Projects & Initiatives Specialist for GE Aviation’s Operational Excellence Team (Delivery Tiger Team). Stephen was one of the original members of the Delivery Tiger Team, working with suppliers to improve delivery of parts to GE Aviation shops. In addition to that role, Stephen spent time working as a Product Quality Engineer and Operations Leader for GE Aviation and GE Power in both Greenville, South Carolina and Schenectady, New York.

Stephen began his career as an officer in the U.S. Army, where he led operations in both domestic and overseas environments, managing mission-critical initiatives, coordinating large-scale logistics, and leading teams in high-pressure conditions. He was deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom and Kuwait as part of Area Support Group-SECFOR South. Stephen has been awarded the Order of St. George-Black Medallion, Order of the Spur, Combat Action Badge, and Bronze Star Medal. He left active duty in 2014 with the rank of Captain.

Stephen holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point. He has served as President of the West Point Society of Upstate South Carolina and as a member of the Greenville Transit Authority Board. Stephen lives in Greenville with his wife Caroline and daughter Clare.