David Ginn: Share what drives you, and you’ll get the response you need

Hydra Consulting

Oct 12, 2026

6 mins read

David Ginn, President & CEO, Charleston Regional Development Alliance

David was there at the very beginning of the Charleston Regional Development Alliance (CRDA), and he knows the business, academic and political leaders who shape and drive the region’s economic growth. For more than 30 years, David has helped fulfill the organization’s mission to attract the world’s best companies, talent and entrepreneurs to the Charleston metro region of South Carolina. Outside the office, he’s a passionate skier and traveler, and a proud father: his daughter got married just two weeks ago.

How much has the region changed since you started at CRDA?

In 1993, the Charleston Navy Base and Naval Shipyard closed in a federal downsizing, and 22,000 jobs were lost in one year. So from that crisis to the diverse, thriving community we have today, we’ve changed quite a lot, and in a very positive way.

These days, roughly half of our metro region’s economic development activity comes from international companies, and most of them are European.

“Roughly half of our metro region’s economic development activity comes from international companies, and most of them are European.”

The Alliance has helped bring more than 330 new business projects to the region. Is there one you’re particularly proud of?

Every successful expansion project in our market takes many partners to help us compete. But Boeing’s decision 15 years ago to assemble and deliver 787 twin-aisle commercial aircraft in Charleston stands out. Its direct and indirect impact on our community and state has been substantial.

How do you make sure companies can find the people they need, especially for sales roles?

Our community and state offer several workforce development solutions to help companies find the people they need. One example is ReadySC, the State of South Carolina’s pre-employment screening, testing and training program.

Another local tool is CharlestonCareers.com, a job board that’s updated every night with open positions at 300 companies in our market.

Is there a “Business 101” lesson for European CEOs that always works?

Every project is unique, so it’s hard to name one lesson that “always” works. But I’d recommend that European executives be ready to share the key drivers behind their decision. That way, US states and communities can respond much better to their needs.

“Share what drives you, that way, US states and communities can respond much better to your needs.”

What are you most looking forward to in Prague?

This will be my first visit to Prague, and I can’t wait to finally discover a place I’ve read so much about!

The Charleston Regional Development Alliance serves as a catalyst for long-term regional prosperity by attracting the world’s best companies, talent, and entrepreneurs.

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