James Chavez

From the instant South Carolina Power Team was introduced to James he knew his career path had prepared him to lead the organization as President and CEO. His ability to develop and maintain relationships and his track-record of success of maximizing opportunities for developing rural areas and mid-sized communities, were necessities for moving this organization forward.

A native of Albuquerque, New Mexico, James graduated from the University of New Mexico with a Bachelor of Science. Having received his college degree in Childhood Development, James began his career at a local children’s hospital. Call it chance or fate, when a friend presented an opportunity for him to work in economic development with the Chamber of Commerce in Leadville, Colorado, it changed his course and began his 20-year career in economic development. Following, James worked in various executive leadership capacities for economic development organizations in both Georgia and Tennessee.

Upon joining the South Carolina Power Team in the fall of 2013, James ventured out to personally meet with over 130 stakeholders within his first six months. From his one-on-one conversations emerged the framework for a new strategy that enables South Carolina Power Team to become a leading economic development resource in South Carolina. With James at the helm, backed by a fully supportive board, a Strategic Blueprint was adopted in January 2014. Essential to the overall growth and future of the organization, James is charged with the strategy’s implementation.