Cristina Paredes
Executive Director, SC NEXUS
Cristina Paredes is the Executive Director of SC Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy, South Carolina's Regional Technology and Innovation Hub (TechHub). She brings a wealth of experience in economic development and strategic leadership to her role, driving innovation and resilience in the state's energy sector.
Cristina Paredes is a seasoned economic development professional with over two decades of experience in leadership and consulting. Throughout her career, she has spearheaded policy development and initiated projects to drive economic growth and community development. Most recently, as a Senior Consultant at VisionFirst Advisors, she guided clients through strategic business expansion and location decisions, enhanced economic competitiveness, and navigated local government processes. With a deep understanding of economic development dynamics, Cristina excels in managing complex programs and navigating priorities effectively.
As the Director of the Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality, Cristina played a pivotal role in steering the community through its most significant economic growth phase, a feat that earned her national recognition. Her oversight of major expansion projects, such as the Amazon Robotics Fulfillment Center and Danfoss Turbocor’s new manufacturing and research facilities, resulted in the creation of over 2,900 new jobs. Cristina's commitment to diversity and economic inclusion was evident in her certification of 300 minority and women-owned businesses, which in turn enhanced business opportunities for nearly 2,000 employees.
Cristina's collaboration with university partners at Tier I research institutions and business leaders has bolstered recruitment, expansion, and commercialization efforts in the applied science industry. She worked with community leaders to secure U.S. Commerce Economic Development Agency funding for a regional innovation laboratory and small business funding, demonstrating her ability to develop collaborative structures and policies that expedite technology deployment. Under her leadership, her office earned 12 state, national, and international awards.
Cristina is committed to continuous learning and professional development. She is currently pursuing a Master of Legal Studies degree from Texas A&M College of Law, specializing in Environmental and Energy Law and Policy. She also holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s in public administration from Florida State University. Cristina has a Certificate in Economic Development from the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute. She is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
In 2021, Cristina’s contributions to economic development were recognized when Consultant Connect named her one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers. The Tallahassee Democrat also acknowledged her as one of 25 Women to Know. In 2022, she was honored with the Pinnacle Award from 850 Magazine, a testament to her significant impact on business and community development across the North Florida region.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Cristina is a person of diverse interests. She finds joy in staying active, whether it's through running, playing golf, keeping score at baseball games, or cheering for her alma mater, the Florida State Seminoles.