Robert D. Long, CEcD

Director

Profile

Robert Long is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) with more than 25 years of experience in economic and community development in South Carolina and Georgia. Robert was recently awarded as one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers of 2022 by Consultant Connect; one of only three economic developers recognized from South Carolina.

Robert began his career in economic development in January 1995 after graduating with a MS in Demography from Florida State University in December 1994. However, Mr. Long was born and raised in Aiken County, SC, where he graduated from Silver Bluff High School and then from USC Aiken with a BA in Sociology in May 1993.

Robert started his career with the Aiken/Edgefield Economic Development Partnership from 1995-2008, where he spent 13 years including the last seven as the Assistant Director. Mr. Long then worked for four years as the first Executive Director of the Darlington County Economic Development Partnership from 2008 until 2012.

Next, Mr. Long spent almost a decade in Metro Atlanta. He took a position as the Economic Development Director of Gwinnett County, GA, from 2012-2015 and then as the Vice President of Economic Development for the Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce from 2015-2020.

Robert was delighted to return to South Carolina as the Director of Chester County Economic Development in October 2020. He has been married for 20+ years to his wife, Tara, and they have two daughters: Zoe and Sophie. In his spare time, Robert enjoys traditional archery and sporting clays.

Recognition

Awarded by Consultant Connect as one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers of 2022.

Experience

  • Aiken/Edgefield Economic Development Partnership | Assistant Director | 1995-2008
  • Darlington County Economic Development Partnership | Executive Director | 2008-2012
  • Gwinnett County, GA, Economic Development Department | Director | 2012-2015
  • Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce | Vice President of Economic Development | 2015-2020
  • Chester County Economic Development | Director | 2020-Present

Education

  • Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of South Carolina Aiken
  • Master of Science in Demography from Florida State University

Karen Davison

Assistant Director

Profile

Karen Davison brings more than 12 years of experience in business and economic development across South Carolina and the Charlotte region.

A graduate of the College of Charleston in Charleston, SC, with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Business Administration, Hospitality & Tourism, she also holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) from Bond University in Queensland, Australia.

While working with the law firm of K&L Gates (2012-2018) in business development, Karen was intrigued by economic development. This led her to her first dedicated role in the field as the Global Business Development Manager for the Charleston Regional Development Alliance (2018-2022). There, she successfully attracted domestic and international companies to the Charleston region.

From 2022 to 2024, Karen served as the Director, Business Recruitment, for the Charlotte Regional Development Alliance. In this role, she led inbound recruitment efforts and assisted companies looking to establish or expand within the 15-county, two-state region.

Delighted to remain in the Charlotte area, Karen recently transitioned to the position of Assistant Director of Chester County Economic Development in April 2024. Outside of work, she enjoys travel, spending time with her Dachshund, fitness activities, and exploring the outdoors through hiking.

Experience

  • K&L Gates | Business Development | 2012-2018
  • Charleston Regional Development Alliance | Global Business Development Manager | 2018-2022
  • Charlotte Regional Development Alliance | Director, Business Recruitment | 2022-2024
  • Chester County Economic Development | Assistant Director | 2024-Present

Education

  • Bachelor of Science from College of Charleston, Charleston, SC
  • Bachelor of Applied Science from Bond University, Queensland, Australia

Lawanna J. Thompson

Administrative Assistant

Profile

Lawanna was born and raised in Chester, SC, and graduated from Chester Senior High School in 1978. She began her career with Chester County in 1989 as a Clerk in the Clerk of Courts Office and then transitioned to the Chester County Emergency Management Agency in 1999. Lawanna has worked for Chester County for more than 30 years, having worked with Chester County Economic Development since its creation in 2004.

Experience

  • Chester County Clerk of Court | Clerk | 1989-1999
  • Chester County Emergency Management Agency | 1999-2004
  • Chester County Economic Development | Administrative Assistant | 2004-Present

Education

  • Attended University of South Carolina Lancaster