Abbeville County taps familiar face to lead economic development

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Abbeville County appointed Austin Walker the new economic development director this week.

Walker brings a wealth of experience in community development that will translate into catalyzing growth for the entire county.

As the former community development director for the city of Abbeville, Walker brings a track record of success in business recruitment and retention, according to a news release from the Abbeville County government.

“Coming in on the heels of Stephen Taylor and Mark Warner is a little daunting; they have been mavericks for development in rural communities,” Walker said in the news release. “I know I will be able to hit the ground running because of the foundation they have laid.”

After Taylor’s departure late in 2021, the county has worked with McCormick County to contract with Warner, their director of economic and community development, to fill the position temporarily.  Warner will stay on in a consulting capacity for a short time, the release said.

“Our aim was always to fill the economic development director position with a permanent hire,” Abbeville County Administrator David Garner said in the release. “We can’t commend Mark enough for his work during this transition period. With announcements of new industries like Aerofoam and expansion of existing industries like Sage, Mark’s experience has been invaluable.”

Walker is native to the area, hailing from her hometown of Ninety-Six. She received a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Erskine College. Prior to her work in Abbeville, she was the program and festival coordinator at the Greenwood SC Chamber of Commerce. She is currently working through her Historic District Real Estate Finance certification through the National Trust on Historic Preservation, and her Travel Marketing Professional certification through Southeast Tourism Society.

“I’m excited to grow and expand this role and department, working to take Abbeville to the next level,” she said in the release. “I’ve got a passion to see this county thrive, and I’m looking forward to fulfilling the role.”