Charleston Regional Development Alliance announces new business development and marketing hires
May 16, 2022
The Charleston Regional Development Alliance (CRDA) is pleased to welcome Brendan Barry as the organization’s new Business Development Coordinator, and Jillian Bunting as Marketing Communications Manager.
As business development coordinator, Brendan Barry provides a full range of planning and support for CRDA’s global business development program and assists with initiatives focused on strengthening the region’s innovation ecosystem.
Prior to CRDA, Brendan participated in an entrepreneurial fellowship program called Venture for America, where he worked in growth and operations for a financial technology startup. He also served as a corporate venture and innovation strategist at the Southern Company, where he helped manage a Techstars accelerator program and supported startup growth throughout the state of Alabama.
Brendan earned a bachelor’s degree in supply chain from Texas Christian University, where he competed as a member of TCU’s NCAA Division I swim team, and a master’s degree in sport management from Southern Methodist University. Having worked remotely in Charleston at the start of COVID-19, Brendan fell in love with the region and is excited to be back enjoying all things Charleston.
As CRDA’s new marketing communications manager, Jillian Bunting provides a full range of marketing support across the organization’s strategic focus areas while managing its digital marketing strategy, online platforms and related analytics.
Jillian comes to CRDA from W8LESS, a digital agency in Charleston where she worked with clients to expand their presence through digital strategy and operations management. This role allowed Jillian the opportunity to work with companies throughout the U.S., enhancing her knowledge of other business sectors and states’ competitiveness.
A native of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Jillian earned a bachelor’s degree in English and graphic design from Millersville University of Pennsylvania. After eight years of employment, she enrolled in the College of Charleston where she earned her MBA, with a concentration in marketing, and began to fall in love with the Lowcountry. Jillian is thrilled to call Charleston home, enjoy the warm weather and to get involved with the local community.
About the Charleston Regional Development Alliance
Charleston Regional Development Alliance is a professional economic development organization representing Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties. CRDA directly assists companies with competitive location or expansion projects by connecting them with the right people, the appropriate resources and the most meaningful and relevant information. CRDA promotes the Charleston region’s business, academic and lifestyle strengths worldwide to attract the world’s best companies, entrepreneurs, and talent. The goal is to strengthen regional employment, build our base of high-value industries, and significantly improve the economic future for all who live and work in greater Charleston.
