Our mission is to impact place-based initiatives where public policy and business strategy intersect 

President and Chief Executive Officer

Alyssa Richardson

Alyssa Richardson, a South Carolina native, advises companies and institutions on economic development initiatives and complex, place‑based investments. With a career spanning government, corporations, and legal practice, Alyssa brings a comprehensive understanding of how policy, business, and law intersect to advance strategic objectives in regulated environments. She is a trusted advisor on public‑private partnerships and navigating public‑sector processes to support long‑term growth and project execution.

Alyssa graduated from Harvard Law School and holds a summa cum laude degree in economics from Furman University. She previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff and senior legal advisor to U.S. Senator Tim Scott, where she led work on housing, banking, and economic development policy. Earlier in her career, she served as a federal prosecutor in Columbia, handling complex white‑collar matters, including fraud, public corruption, and civil rights enforcement, which deepened her commitment to integrity, risk management, and accountability across complex regulatory environments.

In addition to her public service, Alyssa has provided strategic legal counsel to corporations and mission‑driven organizations. She previously served in an of counsel role to a law firm, advising clients on economic development initiatives, regulatory compliance, governance, and public‑private project structures. Alyssa currently serves on the Board of Directors for Santee Cooper.

Our Partners

Develop South Carolina works alongside a trusted network of experienced professionals to deliver practical solutions for complex initiatives. We regularly collaborate with finance and accounting specialists, engineers, legal advisors, and other technical experts whose deep subject‑matter expertise helps move projects forward efficiently. By assembling the right team for each engagement, we ensure meaningful results aligned with our clients’ objectives.

Our Impact

At Develop South Carolina, our dedicated team has contributed to the growth and development of numerous vibrant and flourishing communities across the region. Through our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and social responsibility, we have left a lasting impact on the lives of our clients and the larger community.