Will Johnson named SCEDA’s 2025 Ally of the Year
May 29, 2025
The South Carolina Economic Developers’ Association (SCEDA) has named Will Johnson, a shareholder at Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A., as its 2025 Ally of the Year.
The Ally of the Year Award recognizes a private-sector professional who has gone above and beyond in supporting economic development initiatives at the local, regional and state levels across South Carolina. Johnson is only the seventh recipient of the award in SCEDA’s history.
“I am deeply honored to receive the 2025 SCEDA Ally award,” said Johnson. “I love the work of bringing capital investment and jobs to South Carolina. I am grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with so many dedicated and talented allies within SCEDA who share the goal of building a stronger, more prosperous South Carolina.”
Johnson, who leads Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd’s Economic Development practice group, has helped facilitate more than $10 billion in domestic and foreign investment across the state. His practice focuses on structuring incentives such as fee-in-lieu-of-tax agreements, special source revenue credits, and job development and tax credits to support long-term growth.
Beyond his professional counsel, Johnson has been a staunch advocate for local economic development efforts, offering mentorship to younger professionals and providing volunteer leadership in trade and industry organizations. As a lecturer at the South Carolina Economic Development Institute, he shares his expertise with local government officials and emerging professionals, shaping the next generation of community and economic development leaders.
A Lake City native, Johnson also serves on the boards of the Florence County Economic Development Partnership and Darlington County Progress. He was named Best Lawyers’ Economic Development “Lawyer of the Year” in Columbia in both 2019 and 2025.
About SCEDA
The South Carolina Economic Developers’ Association (SCEDA) is the leading professional organization for economic developers in the state, committed to enhancing the professional development of its membership and to advocate for economic development to benefit the citizens of South Carolina.
