Our Team
Executive Director - Paul Daniele
Paul Daniele is a seasoned professional with a passion for rural economic development. With over 20 years of experience in international development organizations, he has been working to address systemic issues in rural communities in South Carolina since 2021.
As Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Rural Growth Initiative, Paul is committed to empowering and uplifting rural communities by fostering sustainable growth, innovation, and opportunity. He is dedicated to alleviating poverty through collaborative partnerships, targeted initiatives, and cutting-edge solutions that address the unique challenges faced by rural America.
Paul's experience includes leadership roles in international development finance institutions, including the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC). He brings a wealth of knowledge and perspective to his work, has an MBA from The Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from George Mason University. With his extensive experience and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact, Paul is a valuable asset to any organization or community focused on rural economic development.
Assistant Director - Economic Development
Jonathan Bennett is the Co-Founder and Assistant Director of the Rural Growth Initiative, dedicated to fostering sustainable growth and innovation through comprehensive development plans and historical preservation initiatives. His experience in economic development includes roles at South Carolina State University, Pine Mountain Strategies, Backroads of Appalachia, and at the South Carolina Department of Agriculture during his undergraduate studies at the University of South Carolina. His extensive experience and commitment to making a positive impact position him as a driving force in rural economic development and an invaluable asset to the Rural Growth Initiative.
Director - Appalachian Region
Nathan H. Nevels II a native of McCreary County Kentucky, has dedicated 32 years to education, serving as a secondary educator, principal, and grant writer across three Southeastern Kentucky school districts and the federal Pine Knot Job Corps facility. As the Economic Development Director of McCreary County, Nathan spearheaded efforts to revitalize the local economy. He filled all available business spaces in downtown Whitley City, revitalized a 35+ acre industrial site, and oversaw the renovation of the McCreary County Airport, restoring essential services that had been defunct since 2016. His collaboration with the tourism director, Michelle Perry, significantly expanded the county's AirBnB offerings, growing from 4 to 18 properties since 2019.
Nathan’s commitment to economic development is deeply personal, shaped by the closure of his family's coal operation, Nevels Coal Incorporated, in 1984, which led to the loss of their farm and home. This experience fuels his passion for revitalizing struggling local economies. As a principal, he inspired at-risk students to overcome generational poverty and addiction, leading them to become community leaders, business owners, and skilled workers. Nathan remains dedicated to helping communities reclaim their economic vitality and build a brighter future.
Advisory Board - Economic Development
Curtis Lee is an experienced executive, retired Marine Corps colonel, successful entrepreneur, and community builder. Holds 26 years of corporate experience with Rubbermaid, General Electric, and Sonoco Products Company, with expertise in manufacturing, process improvement, supply chain, sales & marketing, business development, pricing, and system implementation. Recently leading the "Carolina's for Ukraine Project" to relocate Ukrainian refugees into Hartsville and actively supporting startups in South Carolina through Venture South. Additionally, involved in community-based organizations like Community Foundation for a Better Hartsville and the Hartsville Planning Commission. Graduated with honors from the U.S. Naval Academy and currently resides in Hartsville with his wife Barbara and three adult children.
Advisory Board - Rural Education Renewal
Dr. Adam L. Cheeseman is the Superintendent of Doddridge County Schools. A native West Virginian, he oversees the 1,200-student district in North Central, West Virginia, where he has implemented many innovative changes that include developing a unique college and career readiness program, implementing a holistic child department, redesigning the county curriculum plan, and partnering with JASON learning to develop localized curriculums based upon public/private partnerships with local industry. Additionally, the district became the first district in the nation to be named an AASA STEM Certified District. He has also overseen several facility upgrades throughout the district, including a state-of-the-art Early Learning Academy, CTE facility, and athletic complex. Once one of the lowest-performing school districts in the state, Doddridge County rose from 53rd position to consistently rank in the top five districts in the West Virginia General Summative Assessment.
Dr. Cheeseman received his Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education from Alderson Broaddus University, a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies, and a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership from Liberty University. Dr. Cheeseman is the past president of the West Virginia Association of School Administrators and was named the 2023-2024 West Virginia Superintendent of the Year.
Advisory Board - Rural Public Utilities
Brett is a distinguished expert in rural utilities, currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Innovative Infrastructure Advising, LLC in Charleston, South Carolina. Since July 2023, he has been applying over ten years of specialized experience in the water, wastewater, and stormwater sectors to enhance rural infrastructure systems. His proficiency in grant writing and utility management has been critical in advancing the efficiency and sustainability of rural utilities.
In addition to his CEO role, Brett has been making significant strides as an Environmental Health Manager at the South Carolina Department of Health & Environmental Control since June 2022. Here, he focuses on tackling complex compliance challenges in rural water and wastewater systems, thereby playing a pivotal role in elevating the standards and capabilities of rural utilities.
His tenure as a Compliance Officer at Wrentham Developmental Center since January 2014 further solidifies his expertise in the field. Brett's deep understanding of environmental and hazardous compliance directly contributes to the safety and operational excellence of rural public utilities. His skills in project management, environmental permitting, and strategic planning are integral to his impactful work in rural utility development and management.
Advisory Board - Rural Education Renewal
Dr. Edward Johnson is an accomplished educator and administrator with a proven track record of turning around numerous struggling schools in rural South Carolina. He is also an army veteran. Currently serving as Director of Student Services at the South Carolina Virtual Charter School, he has 16 years of experience in Beaufort County Schools, including 10 years as Director of School Counseling at Hilton Head Island High School. Dr. Johnson holds advanced degrees in education and has expertise in special education, elementary education, and tutoring. He is dedicated to improving student outcomes and has worked with numerous rural school districts across South Carolina.
Advisory Board - Rural Public Health
Charlotte Toole Galloway, MSPH, PhD, is a seasoned public health expert and evaluator with an extensive career in community health, policy, and advocacy. Her multifaceted body of work spans areas such as teen pregnancy prevention, HIV/AIDS strategy, community health mobilization, and educational program assessment. Over the years, Dr. Galloway has prepared comprehensive technical reports for notable organizations like the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the Arnold School of Public Health, and the South Carolina Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, among others.
She has lent her expertise to evaluate various initiatives such as the EdCeptional Kids Initiative for EdVenture Children’s Museum and the Action Oriented Projects for the Office of Public Health Practice. In addition to her role as a dedicated researcher, she is a frequent contributor to peer-reviewed and invited presentations at conferences and summits across the nation, showcasing her leadership in public health.
Dr. Galloway has also contributed to professional service at both state and university levels, reviewing proposals for projects funded by esteemed foundations and serving in advisory roles at the University of South Carolina. Recognized for her excellence in academia and practice, she has received honors like the B.C. Inabinet Honors Medallion from Clemson University and a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Traineeship Award.
Her memberships in professional associations such as the American Public Health Association and the American Evaluation Association exemplify her commitment to her field. Combining her skills in evaluation, research, and program planning, Dr. Galloway continues to be a pivotal figure in shaping public health programs and policies.
Advisory Board - Community Safety
Steve Eames is a highly accomplished individual with a diverse background spanning military, journalism, and economic development. Eames started his career in the Australian Army including operational tours with the Tier One special operations unit. Following his time in the military, he transitioned to combat reporting, covering conflicts and crises around the world for various media outlets.
Eames eventually turned his attention to non government (UN) and economic development work, where he has made significant contributions in the field of security sector reform, law enforcement and community engagement. He is widely recognized for his work in designing and implementing effective community policing strategies, which have been successfully implemented in various countries.
Eames brings a unique perspective to his work; he operates at the nexus of community safety and economic development, drawing on his extensive experience in conflict zones and his understanding of the importance of community engagement in promoting sustainable economic development. His expertise and insights have been sought after by governments, NGOs, and businesses around the world.
Advisor - Community Building
Austin Saggus is a dynamic professional with a strong academic background, having earned his MBA from Clemson University and a Bachelor's from Furman University. As the Business Operations Manager at the South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA), Austin plays an instrumental role in bolstering the state's innovation economy, contributing significantly to SCRA's impactful strategies.
Beyond this, he wears the hat of President at Columbia Green, dedicating efforts to the environmental beautification and sustainability of the Columbia region. Blending corporate expertise with community-driven passion, Austin brings a holistic perspective to the team and offers a blend of quantitative skill, academic rigor, corporate acumen, and grassroots community insight.
Our Volunteers and Consultants
Billy Parrish - Downton Development
Billy Parrish - Downton Development
Billy Parrish - Downton Development
Since 1981, Billy has been a pioneer in downtown revitalization in the U.S., beginning as one of the first thirty Main Street® Managers. His 40-plus-year career spans roles such as Director of the National Main Street Center, executive in various preservation and housing development organizations, and leading Georgia's downtown development. Presently, he aids communities in rejuvenating their urban and neighborhood areas, with a focus on people and programs that invigorate small American cities and towns.
Billy's consulting work extends across multiple states, offering advanced training and strategic assistance in economic development and urban renewal. His approach centers on enhancing local capacities, facilitating training, and developing strategies for key real estate projects that bolster downtown cores. Residing in Brevard, NC, with his wife Connie, Billy is deeply engaged in local nonprofit initiatives. His recent roles include board chair for Brevard's Heart of Brevard during the Covid-19 pandemic, and he continues to contribute as the committee chair for the organization's built environment.
Tom Flynn - Industry Recruitment
Billy Parrish - Downton Development
Billy Parrish - Downton Development
Tom Flynn stands out as an economic development master, with over four decades of proven success in catalyzing investment and job creation in large metropolitan and suburban areas. His deep expertise in the Charlotte metro areas the Economic Development Director and a remarkable track record of attracting major tech players, including giants like Siemens, IKEA, Raytheon, and Amazon, reflect his unparalleled industry recruitment capabilities. Tom's strategic vision and intimate knowledge of the region are pivotal in supporting our efforts across the Southeast as key areas in the south become a burgeoning hub for manufacturing, technology and innovation. Credentials: MPA, The LBJ School of Public Affairs, The University of Texas at Austin; BA in Economics, Kalamazoo College
Aaron Bolzle - Tech Ecosystems and Remote Work
David Warner - Startups, Incubators, and Entrepreneurship
David Warner - Startups, Incubators, and Entrepreneurship
Aaron Bolzle's transformative work in Tulsa Remote illustrates his exceptional ability to create vibrant tech communities. As the architect behind one of the most successful remote work initiatives in the US, Aaron has demonstrated how strategic support and community building can attract and retain top tech talent. His experience with Apple further enriches the team's capabilities in shaping ecosystems that foster innovation and collaboration. Aaron is an avid public speaker and thought leader on creating and sustaining technology based communities and economies; he will be a key contributor to our projects. Credentials: Bachelor of Music in Music Business/Management, Berklee College of Music.
David Warner - Startups, Incubators, and Entrepreneurship
David Warner - Startups, Incubators, and Entrepreneurship
David Warner - Startups, Incubators, and Entrepreneurship
David Warner's profound knowledge of the economic and technological landscape is instrumental to the project's success. His somewhat recent tenure as Director of the Technology Incubator in Rock Hill and previously as an Economic Development Manager for the City has equipped him with deep institutional knowledge and unique insights into the entrepreneurial spirit and the critical drivers of a thriving knowledge economy. David's expertise and deep knowledge of the industries, key players, and challenges and opportunities will ensure the any project's initiatives are deeply aligned with the community's needs and potential.
Credentials: BGS MRP in Environmental Science & Regional Planning, University of Michigan; Certifications: Growth Wheel Certified Business Advisor, Economic Development Finance Professional, Certified Incubator Manager.