Meet the Team

If you’ve decided to bring your company to our area, we’ll be there to work with you through the entire process, helping you access the information and resources you need. If you’re already doing business here, bring us your challenges, and we’ll identify resources and programs that can enhance your opportunities for success.

Will Williams

President & CEO
Will@WesternSC.org

“In this world of give and take, there aren’t enough people willing to give what it takes.”  – Lt. Clebe McClary, USMC, Ret.

Will considers himself “really good” at Dad Jokes, his coworkers agree occasionally, but his sons disagree. When he’s not working, he can be found doing one of his many hobbies like hunting, fishing, golf, running or spending time with his family. Most people would never guess that he played center on his high school football team.

After 25 years in economic development, with 12 of those years serving the counties of Western SC, Will’s passion for making people and places better is quite evident. During his career, he has been involved in the recruitment of over 4000 jobs and $2.7 billion in capital investment from companies including many in our region such as Bridgestone, Kimberly Clark, Generac, Rolls Royce, and AmbioPharm.

A native of South Carolina, having grown up in Georgetown, and attended The Citadel, Will’s education and experiences have helped him become a better economic developer. He spent 8 years in manufacturing before beginning his economic development career, which has given him the perspective to not only understand the numbers and motivations behind expansions and relocations, but the ability to relate to manufacturers Western SC works with.

In addition to the many local leadership roles he holds, Will holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from The Citadel. He is also a South Carolina Certified Economic Developer and is recognized as an Economic Development Master Practitioner by a regional consortium of universities. Will has been recognized twice by his peers, first in 2017, the South Carolina Economic Developers Association recognized him as their Local Developer of the Year, and then in 2021 he was recognized by Consultant Connect as one of the Top 50 Economic Developers in North America.

Theresa Daugherty

Office Manager
Theresa@WesternSC.org

Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up! -Brene Brown

Around the office we like to say TD keeps the money straight, and all of us out of orange! When she’s not keeping the office in line, she’s off on an adventure. Theresa enjoys the outdoors, whether she’s hiking, biking, boating, fishing, gardening, or taking a stroll with her pups. She has a deep passion for living life to the fullest and will flip a coin to choose which adventure to take off on next.

Theresa’s passion for business, accounting, and continued education lead her to Western SC, where she says the best part of her job is supporting the Western SC team. People have complimented her on her attention to detail, which has made her a vital part of EDP.

Following a 19-year career in medical, Theresa followed her passion for improving herself through education and completed her accounting degree through Aiken Technical College. Since joining Western SC in 2016, Theresa has found ways to fuel her passion for continued education through working with our technical colleges to keep local manufacturers informed of relevant course and training, as well as managing the business operations for both EDP and our affiliate Applied Research Center.

Theresa is a native of Aiken, SC growing up in the nearby Batesburg and Ridge Spring area. Theresa is a member of Cedar Creek West Campus and enjoys participating in any area her talents can be utilized. Her and husband, Michael, have one daughter, and two Boston Terriers.

Kelci Avery

Marketing & Development Director
Kelci@WesternSC.org

“The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.” – Ayn Rand

Kelci is our resident obnoxious football fan, saying ‘Roll Tide’ to almost anything, which is probably only socially acceptable in the state of Alabama. She says that she shot competitively in college, but says her scores now say otherwise. If they’re real birds she does great, clays on the other hand… well at least she’s fun to shoot with!

Kelci is most passionate about recruiting the best opportunities for the communities we serve, whether it’s higher paying jobs, or a company that better suits the interests of our citizens. She says the best parts of her job are all the people and companies she meets and works with, but greatest part is seeing the positive impact our industries have on our communities.

As a graduate of The University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce & Business Administration, and a major in Economics with a concentration in Applied Economics, she has over 5 years’ experience in economic development from product/land development to research and marketing. Kelci leads our marketing efforts, investor relations, and works with prospective industries.

In addition to her roles at EDP she is a member of South Carolina Economic Developer’s Association, The Southern Economic and Development Council, and a board member for Leadership Aiken County, an organization she became passionate about after completing the 2019-2020 LAC Class.

Kell Anderson

Existing Industry Director
Kell@WesternSC.org

“If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything”-Mark Twain

Kell is an accomplished pastel portrait artist specializing in both children and pet portraiture. He is also an amateur guitarist and could easily teach a graduate level course on the life and music of Led Zeppelin founder, Jimmy Page.

Over two decades of experience in Economic Development and Local Government Management which has prepared him for his role of Existing Industry Director. On a daily basis he assists existing Industry bridge gaps through coordination with service providers, local and state officials. Placing results over rhetoric, Kell strives to enhance quality of life of the communities he serves through unwavering dedication.

Kell has been a full time Economic Development professional since 2008 working a wide variety of projects in many different Counties and Municipalities. Before joining Western SC in March of 2022, he served the counties of SouthernCarolina Alliance for over a decade. During which time he assisted in the recruitment of hundreds of new jobs and millions of dollars in capital investment.