Merle Johnson Returns to Lead Charleston County Economic Development
Feb 04, 2025 12:23PM ● By David Dykes
(Photo: Jack Alterman Photography)
Charleston County officials announced the return of Merle Johnson as economic development executive director, effective Feb. 7, 2025.
Johnson, an economic development professional with 20 years of experience, served in multiple leadership roles with Charleston County Economic Development for over seven years.
Johnson returns to Charleston County after serving as the executive director of the Orangeburg County Development Commission for two years.
During his tenure, he led efforts that resulted in over $1.1 billion in new investment and more than 600 new jobs in Orangeburg County.
Officials said his expertise in business recruitment, process improvement, and strategic site development played a key role in expanding the county-owned mega site and developing infrastructure growth plans to support industrial and residential development.
Prior to his leadership in Orangeburg, Johnson was the director of Economic and Community Development for the city of Greenville, South Carolina, where his leadership resulted in more than $356 million in new capital investment and 1,300+ new jobs.
He facilitated major corporate relocations, including Kiyatec’s bio-tech headquarters, Southern First Bank, and United Community Bank, helping to drive Greenville’s economic growth and business expansion.
With Charleston County Economic Development, he held key positions including deputy director, director of operations, and director of business development.
He also played a significant role in regional economic development efforts through his work with the Charleston Regional Development Alliance, supporting business growth across Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties.
Johnson holds a bachelor’s degree in math and computer science from the United States Coast Guard Academy.
He graduated from the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute, a three-session advanced leadership program accredited by the International Economic Development Council, and a Master Practitioner of the Advanced Economic Development Leadership (AEDL) program.