I-77 Alliance Board of Directors Chairman Derrek Pugh
The South Carolina I-77 Alliance has named Richland County Council Vice Chair Derrek Pugh chairman of its board of directors, elevating a current board member to lead the organization’s regional economic development efforts.
Pugh, whose council district includes parts of the fast-growing Blythewood area, will now chair the 28-member Alliance board as the panel continues working to advance economic development across the five-county I-77 corridor.
The South Carolina I-77 Alliance markets the corridor stretching from the Columbia region to the Charlotte metro area, with a focus on generating business leads that create jobs and drive long-term economic growth.
“Derrek has been a valued member of our board of directors, and we’re excited to have him step into this leadership role,” South Carolina I-77 Alliance Interim President and CEO Christopher Finn said. “His understanding of our region, his commitment to collaboration and his experience in public service and workforce development will serve the alliance well as we continue promoting the opportunities that exist across our five-county corridor.”
First elected to Richland County Council in 2020 and now in his second term, Pugh serves as vice chair and chairs the Administration and Finance Committee. His other committee assignments include economic development, Office of Small Business, transportation and fire advisory.
Pugh earned a bachelor’s degree from Benedict College and a master’s degree from Webster University. He has spent more than two decades developing programs that support children and families across South Carolina while building a distinguished record of public service and community leadership.
“I’ve appreciated the opportunity to serve alongside an outstanding board and leadership that’s deeply committed to the success of our region,” Pugh said. “It’s an honor to be named chairman, and I look forward to helping build on the alliance’s strong foundation and record of success as we continue working together to attract new investments, create quality jobs and strengthen the economic competitiveness of the I-77 corridor.”
The SC I-77 Alliance is a five-county economic development marketing partnership spanning Chester, Fairfield, Lancaster, Richland and York Counties. The board of directors comprises public officials, private sector business leaders and the lead economic development professionals from each county.
