SCA Hires Fulghum as Chief Operating Officer
May 14, 2026
SouthernCarolina Alliance Names Andy Fulghum as Chief Operating Officer
(Hampton, South Carolina) —SouthernCarolina Regional Development Alliance (SCA) recently announced the selection of Andy Fulghum as Chief Operating Officer following a comprehensive national search led by the SCA Board of Directors Search Committee. Fulghum has been hired as COO in anticipation of the announced retirement of SCA’s founding President and CEO Danny Black, who has led the regional economic development organization for 30 years with plans to retire at the end of 2026.
“Andy distinguished himself throughout this process with his depth of leadership experience, collaborative approach, and strong understanding of the region,” said Steve Murdaugh, Chair of the SCA Board of Directors. “He brings a unique combination of strategic vision, operational expertise, and relationship-driven leadership. The Board is confident he is the right leader to build on SCA’s strong legacy and guide the organization into its next phase of growth and impact.”
As Chief Operating Officer, Fulghum will work under the direction of the CEO to lead the organization’s strategic direction and daily operations while strengthening partnerships across the seven-county region. He will play a central role in advancing initiatives that drive job creation, capital investment, and long-term economic competitiveness, while serving as a key spokesperson and advocate for the region.
Fulghum brings nearly 30 years of executive leadership experience spanning local government management, regional collaboration, and economic development. He joins SCA at a pivotal time as the seven-county region continues to build on its strong momentum in growth, investment, and strategic positioning along the I-95 corridor.
He formerly served as County Administrator for Jasper County, South Carolina, the fastest growing county in the United States, and one of SCA’s member counties in the organization. Fulghum had held the position since 2004, where he managed a broad portfolio of government operations, including infrastructure, economic development, public safety, and financial management, leading more than 400 employees and managing a $68 million general fund budget.
Fulghum holds a Master of Public Administration from Shippensburg University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Salisbury University. He is a Credentialed Manager (ICMA-CM) and has been actively involved in numerous regional and statewide organizations, including prior service as an advisor to the SCA Board of Directors.
Founded in 1996, SouthernCarolina Regional Development Alliance is a nonprofit regional economic development organization representing seven counties in southern South Carolina: Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper Counties. The organization works to attract investment, support business growth, and enhance quality of life through strong partnerships with industry, government, and community leaders. To learn more, visit the website: www.SouthernCarolina.org.
For more information, contact Kay Maxwell @ kmaxwell@southerncarolina.org or @ 803.903.1150.
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