SCEDA executive takes lead of SCMA’s Automotive Council

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The S.C. Manufacturers Alliance has hired on Lexington-native Andrea “Andi” Rawl as executive director of the S.C. Automotive Council following the four year tenure of Amy Tinsley.

“We are pleased to welcome Andi Rawl to the SCMA team,” Sara Hazzard, president and CEO of the S.C.  Manufacturers Alliance, said in a news release. “South Carolina’s automotive manufacturers are thriving as the industry continues to transition. The S.C. Automotive Council engages on topics including trade, policy, supply chain, workforce and economic development. The council’s annual events and programming provide a forum for insightful discussion on trends and issues impacting the automotive industry on a local and global basis.”

Prior to joining SCMA, Rawl served as the director of association management and events services for the Columbia-based CRAFT Association and Event Services, where she worked as the association executive for the S.C. Economic Developers’ Association and executive director for the S.C. Society of Association Executives.

She has more than 16 years of experience working for business associations, handling management, budgeting, marketing, conferences and events planning, and member communications, according to the release.

“Andi’s extensive relationships in economic development and background in association management will be a great asset to our organization,” Hazzard said in the release.

Rawl graduted from the University of South Carolina in 2006 where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Hotel, Restaurant, Tourism Management. She is currently pursuing an Institute of Organizational Management designation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and a Certified Association Executive designation through the American Society of Association Executives.

Tinsley, Rawl's predecessor in the role, has been promoted as secretary of the SCMA board.