Accomplished Economic Developer Cristina Paredes to head state’s effort to become a leader in advanced energy
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) today announced Cristina Paredes will serve as the first executive director of the SC Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy (SC NEXUS), South Carolina’s Regional Technology and Innovation Hub (Tech Hub). Paredes, a veteran economic development professional, brings more than two decades of experience in leadership and consulting, spearheading policy development, and initiating projects to drive economic growth.
Most recently, Paredes worked as a senior consultant at Florida-based VisionFirst Advisors, where she guided clients through strategic business expansion and location decisions, enhanced economic competitiveness, and navigated local government processes.
As the director of the Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality, Paredes played a pivotal role in steering the community through its most significant economic growth phase, a feat that earned her national recognition. She oversaw major expansion projects, such as the Amazon Robotics Fulfillment Center and Danfoss Turbocor’s new manufacturing and research facilities, which led to the creation of over 2,900 new jobs.
Additionally, Paredes worked with community leaders to secure U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) funding for a regional innovation laboratory, demonstrating her ability to develop collaborative structures and policies that expedite technology deployment. Her proven track record of working with university partners at Tier I research institutions and business leaders will maximize SC NEXUS’ effort to quickly commercialize advanced energy and grid resilient technologies.
“The opportunity SC NEXUS represents for our state, nation and the world means South Carolina can lead the way in ensuring grid resiliency for a more secure future, and there is no better person than Cristina Paredes to help the tech hub continue to grow and achieve the type of speed to market necessary for not only meeting today’s power needs, but those of tomorrow,” said Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III.
The EDA’s Tech Hubs program is designed to scale up the production of critical technologies, create jobs in innovative industries, and strengthen U.S. economic competitiveness and national security.
Last fall, the EDA designated 31 entities across the country as federal tech hubs, including SC NEXUS. The designation allowed the tech hubs to apply for approximately $500 million in grant funding. In July, SC NEXUS received $45 million in implementation grant funding, making it one of only 12 tech hubs to receive funding.
Paredes is pursuing a Master of Legal Studies degree from Texas A&M College of Law, specializing in Environmental and Energy Law and Policy. She holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in public administration from Florida State University. She begins her new role Sept. 3, 2024.