Greenville hires Konduros to lead new development organization

Listen to this article

The city of Greenville has hired Sam Konduros to lead business recruitment and investor relations, and work with economic development partners for the Greenville City Economic Development Corp.

Konduros is a licensed attorney, certified economic developer and realtor. He’s held multiple business leadership roles regionally and statewide including president and CEO of Upstate SC Alliance and president and CEO of SCbio. He left that post in 2021 to take part in the launch of a Vikor Scientific-backed health innovation venture.

Related story: SCbio CEO steps down to launch startup

Konduros began his career at the South Carolina Department of Commerce where he helped recruit  international companies into South Carolina, according to an announcement from the city of Greenville. He is a graduate of Clemson University and the University of South Carolina School of Law. He was designated as a “Knowledge Economist” by South Carolina Research Authority and was awarded the Order of the Palmetto by the governor in 2018.

“The city of Greenville prides itself in its innovation and 24/7 vibrance,” Mayor Knox White said in the announcement. “Sam is a dynamic, high-energy leader, with decades of experience and strong relationships. It’s a perfect pairing. Through his service on the board of directors at the Greenville Chamber and executive roles at partner agencies, Sam has the institutional knowledge of an insider, but will bring fresh perspective to the city of Greenville’s economic development efforts.”

The GCEDC was established by Greenville City Council in June 2023 to implement the city’s Economic Development Strategic Plan with a focus on real estate and property development, small and minority business, retail, marketing, investor relations and business recruitment. The GCEDC is a 501(c)3 organization with a board of directors and the ability to raise private funds.

“With his track record of successfully setting up economic development organizations in South Carolina, which are still thriving today, we are thrilled to have Sam join the city of Greenville to establish the GCEDC to deliver corporate headquarters, recruit retailers and restaurants, and support our small business owners,” City Councilor John DeWorken said in the announcement.

Konduros, who lives in Greenville County, is expected to begin his new role in April, according to the city.