New Economic Development Coordinator Brings Planning, Public Service and Community Experience to Lancaster County
LANCASTER COUNTY, S.C. (July 15, 2026) — As Lancaster County continues to attract new business investment and expand its economic base, the Lancaster County Department of Economic Development has welcomed Jennifer Bryan as its new Economic Development Coordinator.
Bryan joined the department in late June and will work alongside Economic Development Director Brian Fulk and Business Retention and Expansion Manager Amy Carnes to support business recruitment, existing industry growth, workforce development and job creation throughout the county.
Supporting Business Investment and Job Creation
In her new role, Bryan will help advance Lancaster County’s economic development priorities, including:
- Recruiting new businesses and investment
- Supporting existing employers and industry expansions
- Strengthening workforce and education partnerships
- Assisting with job creation initiatives
- Coordinating economic development projects
- Helping prepare the county for continued residential and commercial growth
Lancaster County is one of five counties represented by the South Carolina I-77 Alliance, which promotes the I-77 Corridor as a strategic location for business relocation and expansion.
Lancaster County Continues to Build Economic Momentum
Located just south of Charlotte, Lancaster County has experienced significant growth in recent years. Its expanding workforce, regional accessibility and proximity to major business markets have helped establish the county as one of South Carolina’s leading destinations for investment.
Strategic infrastructure improvements, workforce initiatives and public-private partnerships have also strengthened the county’s ability to compete for new projects while supporting its existing business community.
Bryan Brings Local Planning and Government Experience
Bryan holds degrees from Harvard University and North Carolina State University and brings experience in planning, public service and local government operations.
Before joining the economic development department, she spent five years with the Lancaster County Planning Department, where she:
- Coordinated Planning Commission activities
- Supported the Board of Zoning Appeals
- Assisted developers through the county’s development process
- Helped residents navigate planning and zoning procedures
- Worked with public officials on land-use and development matters
Bryan previously served for eight years as a Judicial Assistant in the Lancaster County and Mecklenburg County probate courts.
Leadership Welcomes New Coordinator
“Jennifer’s knowledge of Lancaster County, combined with her experience in planning and public service, makes her an outstanding addition to our economic development team,” Fulk said. “She understands both the opportunities and the responsibilities that come with a fast-growing community, and she’ll play an important role as we continue creating jobs, supporting existing industry and preparing Lancaster County for the future.”
Chris Finn, Interim President and CEO of the South Carolina I-77 Alliance, said Bryan’s experience will strengthen both Lancaster County and the broader regional partnership.
“The Alliance is built on strong partnerships, and those partnerships begin with exceptional people,” Finn said. “Jennifer’s background and commitment to Lancaster County strengthen not only the county’s economic development efforts but also the competitiveness of the entire I-77 Corridor.”
Strengthening the I-77 Corridor
The South Carolina I-77 Alliance is a regional economic development marketing and research partnership representing:
- Chester County
- Fairfield County
- Lancaster County
- Richland County
- York County
Stretching from the Charlotte region to Columbia, the Alliance promotes collaboration among its member counties and markets the corridor to companies considering investment, relocation and expansion.
Bryan’s appointment adds additional capacity to Lancaster County’s economic development team as the county works to attract new projects, retain existing employers and manage long-term growth.
