CRDA Welcomes John O’Toole

CRDA is pleased to welcome John A. O’Toole, CEcD, SCCED, as Vice President of Economic Development. He will officially join the organization on November 2, helping lead CRDA’s efforts to attract new investment and advance business development opportunities across the Charleston region.

O’Toole brings more than 25 years of experience spanning regional economic development, business development, utilities, local government and community leadership. Most recently, he served as the founding Executive Director of the Beaufort County Economic Development Corporation, where he led the organization for nearly a decade.

Under his leadership, BCEDC completed more than 100 economic development projects representing approximately $1 billion in capital investment and more than 3,400 jobs.

“John brings a depth of economic development experience that will strengthen our team as we continue competing for projects and advancing the Charleston region’s long-term economic strategy,” said David Ginn, President & CEO of CRDA. “His experience, relationships and understanding of South Carolina’s economic development landscape will be a strong asset to CRDA and the region.”

Throughout his career, O’Toole has worked across corporate recruitment, site selection, business retention and expansion, strategic site development, infrastructure, workforce and international business development.

“John’s experience and knowledge of economic development in South Carolina make him a strong addition to CRDA’s leadership team,” said Will Russell, Chairman of the CRDA Board of Directors. “As CRDA continues advancing its regional strategy, having experienced leadership focused on business development and investment attraction will be critical. The Board looks forward to welcoming John and supporting the team as they build on the region’s momentum.”

O’Toole will work closely with CRDA’s public- and private-sector partners to support project opportunities, strengthen regional business development efforts and help advance the Charleston region’s long-term economic strategy.