Robert D. Long has been named director of Chester County Economic Development for Chester County. He assumed duties on October 5, 2020.
“Chester County and the Chester Development Association conducted an extensive search over the past few months to find a seasoned professional who can move our community forward in the areas of job growth and marketing,” said Tony Pope, chairman of the Chester Development Association.
“Robert has the skill set and knowledge to lead our community to a new level and build upon the solid foundation put in place over the past ten years,” said Wylie Frederick, interim county supervisor of Chester County. “We are delighted to welcome Mr. Long to Chester County.”
Long recently served as the vice president of economic development for the Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce and is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD). The CEcD, administered by the International Economic Development Council, is the industry gold standard for excellence in the profession.
“Located between Charlotte and Columbia along the I-77 corridor, Chester County is becoming a manufacturing powerhouse,” said Robert Long, director of Chester County Economic Development. “The community has invested heavily in infrastructure and preserving large tracts for industrial development, and it is starting to pay off.”
Long’s responsibilities in Forsyth County included product development, project management and support, incentive negotiations, and fiscal impact analysis. During his tenure, he has participated in over $615 million of new investments from businesses and the creation of more than 4,400 jobs.
During his twenty-five-year career, Long has held various economic development roles in South Carolina and Georgia including the Economic Development Partnership in Aiken, SC; Darlington County Economic Development Partnership in Darlington, SC; and Gwinnett County Planning and Development in Lawrenceville, GA.
The new director graduated with a Master of Science in Demography from Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida and earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina Aiken.
Long, his wife Tara, and their two daughters will be moving to Chester County.