Former Director of Existing Industry Program Amy Thomson to lead division
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The S.C. Department of Commerce today announced that Amy G. Thomson has been named director of the agency’s International Strategy and Trade Division. Created in 2015, the division is tasked with coordinating and executing a more developed strategic plan across South Carolina’s international recruitment and export efforts.
“Encompassing the state’s four international offices, the International Strategy and Trade Division is a critical component of our economic development efforts in South Carolina,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “As we continue to grow our footprint into new markets around the world, this division – under Amy’s leadership – will help us put our best foot forward with both new and existing international partners.”
As a veteran economic development and international business professional, Thomson has been with S.C. Commerce for a total of 11 years. Prior to accepting this new position, she served as director of the agency’s Existing Industry Program and, before that, as an international trade manager. During her career, she has also spent time as a senior international trade specialist with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service.
Thomson is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and a former chair of the S.C. International Trade Coalition. Currently, she serves on the board of the S.C. Manufacturing Extension Partnership.