S.C. Department of Commerce announces new Global Business Development director
January 22, 2026
Julie Kunkle to lead the state’s economic development sales team
The South Carolina Department of Commerce announced the promotion of Julie Kunkle to serve as the director of global business development (GBD). Kunkle will lead the department’s international and domestic recruitment efforts.
A senior leader with nearly 30 years of experience spanning the public and private sectors, Kunkle’s career has been rooted in business development, strategy and organizational leadership during periods of significant market and industry transformation. She joined the S.C. Commerce team in 2020, most recently serving as deputy director in the Business Services division, where her work focused on strengthening the state’s advancement, innovation and competitiveness.
Kunkle began her career in sales and marketing with organizations including Unilever and Gannett, then moved into the technology sector during the early internet era. At AOL, she held senior roles in sales strategy, account management and program leadership, translating emerging platforms into scalable commercial strategies.
In the public sector, Kunkle has led statewide initiatives designed to strengthen South Carolina’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, working across government, industry, higher education and nonprofit partners. Her experience bridges traditional economic development and innovation-driven growth, aligning institutions, resources and strategy to produce sustained impact.
“South Carolina has a proven track record of helping companies achieve success from launch to legacy. Julie Kunkle’s future-focused, innovative approach — grounded in long-term competitiveness and execution — will ensure S.C. Commerce continues to recruit and retain economic opportunities for all South Carolinians,” said Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III.
About S.C. Commerce
Welcome to South Carolina. The new headquarters of American innovation. As the state’s lead economic development agency, the South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) works to recruit and support companies of all sizes in their quest to launch, expand and build a legacy. With proactive, strategic initiatives that help the agency create economic opportunities to increase choices for all South Carolinians, S.C. Commerce champions new and existing businesses and partnerships that fuel emerging and established industries alike. S.C. Commerce is the principal collaborator for SC NEXUS, a consortium of state leaders in government, utilities, higher education and other stakeholders exploring advanced energy. Recognized for its pro-business climate and policies that have attracted global brands and industry leaders, South Carolina is committed to maintaining the state’s long-term competitiveness while building a modern economy — one that is diverse, supporting businesses at every phase of their lifecycle – allowing people to live and work where they love. For more information, visit www.sccommerce.com.
