With nearly two decades of experience in economic development, Jason J. Giulietti is a dynamic leader known for his energetic, strategic, and people-first approach. As the President and CEO of the Central SC Alliance, he combines his expertise with a genuine passion for fostering strong relationships to drive economic growth and development in the central region of South Carolina. His leadership is defined by a commitment to ethical and moral values, coupled with an emphasis on putting people first—a philosophy that sets him apart from others in his field.
Jason thrives on strategic challenges and enjoys finding big-picture solutions that yield meaningful results. His leadership style is marked by his dedication to building relationships, both professionally and personally, recognizing that success in economic development hinges on collaboration and trust. This relationship-driven approach has been key to his ability to navigate the complexities of economic development while achieving lasting impact.
Outside of work, Jason finds fulfillment in continuous learning, exploring new ideas, and bringing out the best in himself and others. Whether he’s guiding his team at the Central SC Alliance or spending time with loved ones, he remains focused on personal growth and fostering an environment where others can thrive alongside him.
Journey to Economic Development Leadership
Jason’s career has consistently thrived at the intersection of the public and private sectors, where he has developed a unique ability to navigate both worlds and create mutually beneficial outcomes. He began his journey at Connecticut’s largest statewide business association, quickly mastering the use of data to communicate with stakeholders and identifying key intersections between the two sectors to advance opportunities. This skillset propelled him to a leadership role at the University of Connecticut, where he took on the challenge of economic development. He engaged both internal and external audiences around a common vision, while building global business relationships to launch a new technology park. Elevating the university’s role as an educational driver for statewide growth became a rewarding endeavor.
From there, Jason transitioned to a statewide public-private economic development organization, where he led an international business attraction strategy aimed at strengthening and diversifying the state’s economy. His team achieved unprecedented success in these efforts, particularly in key industry verticals. His career then brought him to Texas, where he became the CEO of a regional economic development organization between Austin and San Antonio during a period of rapid growth. He successfully navigated challenges like the pandemic while spearheading transformative growth for both the organization and the region.
Now, as he embarks on his next chapter with the Central SC Alliance, Jason looks forward to leveraging his rich background in economic development to drive meaningful growth in South Carolina.
The Central SC Alliance is one of eight regional economic development alliances in South Carolina, committed to creating greater economic opportunities for residents in the region. As a full-service economic development organization (EDO), its primary mission is to attract jobs and capital investment. This is achieved through a sophisticated approach that blends data analysis, relationship building, and strategic marketing. By partnering with eight counties and the capital city of Columbia, the Central SC Alliance ensures that each area’s unique strengths are effectively communicated. Its public-private partnership model brings together private industry, public sector collaborators, and the state of South Carolina, all working in unison for shared prosperity.
Jason’s vision for the Central SC Alliance is ambitious: to become the nation’s best economic development organization. This means setting a standard of excellence that others strive to match. While the journey will come with challenges, the rewards—both for the organization and the communities it serves—are immense. The focus remains on delivering measurable results for the people, communities, and stakeholders that depend on the Central SC Alliance’s efforts. Jason aims to position the organization as a leader among EDOs nationwide, known for its innovative strategies and tangible impacts.
Looking globally, Jason’s goal is to build strategic international relationships and leverage the strengths of the central region of South Carolina to attract global investment. Through data-driven decision-making, fostering key partnerships, and showcasing the region’s unique value propositions, the Central SC Alliance will create opportunities that drive economic success on an international scale. This global outreach will be essential for long-term growth and success.
Confidence and Support
Jason emphasizes continuous personal and professional growth by actively seeking out challenges and stepping into uncomfortable spaces. This proactive approach keeps him adaptable, resilient, and prepared to navigate difficulties with confidence. His confidence is rooted in the strong support system around him, which includes his team, board of directors, mentors, and family. They provide guidance and encouragement, allowing him to take calculated risks that often yield the most significant rewards.
One quality Jason feels is missing in many of today’s emerging leaders is the focus on building genuine, meaningful relationships. He believes that in the field of economic development—and leadership more broadly—everything is based on trust and integrity. These qualities can only be developed through authentic human connections, not superficial online interactions. Leaders who understand the value of real relationships, he asserts, possess a crucial attribute that distinguishes them for long-term success.
Leading by Empowering Others
As President and CEO, Jason’s primary responsibility is to set the strategic direction for his organization and ensure that his team, board leadership, partners, and communities remain aligned with that vision. He focuses on removing roadblocks that could hinder progress, empowering his team to succeed and achieve their collective goals.
Jason’s leadership style has evolved over the years, centering on finding the best people for each job and ensuring their success. He emphasizes empowerment, accountability, and ownership, often encouraging his team by telling them, “You are the CEO of your position.” This approach, inspired by Ron Kitchens, fosters independence and responsibility, allowing his team to take charge of their roles and decisions, contributing to the overall success of the organization.
The most fulfilling part of Jason’s day is seeing the company succeed. The satisfaction of hitting goals and making an impact brings him immense joy, and his genuine love for his work keeps him motivated and excited every day. For Jason, leadership is not just a role—it’s a passion that drives both him and his organization forward.
Ensuring Workforce Readiness for Economic Growth
One of the biggest challenges Jason faces in the central region of South Carolina is maintaining rapid economic growth while ensuring the workforce is equipped with the skills necessary to meet the demands of the evolving economy. As industries transform, it becomes crucial that the local talent is prepared to take on the jobs of the future.
To address this challenge, the Central SC Alliance is actively collaborating with educational institutions, workforce development programs, and businesses to align training and education with the specific needs of the modern economy. By focusing on upskilling and reskilling initiatives, the alliance is working to create a sustainable talent pipeline that not only supports current growth but also prepares for future industry demands. This proactive approach helps ensure that the region’s economic success is long-term and inclusive, offering residents the opportunity to thrive in a changing job market.
Lifelong Advancement for All
Jason’s focus on improvement revolves around three core areas:
- Providing Greater Economic Opportunity: He believes that creating pathways to better-paying jobs is essential for improving the quality of life in communities. Economic growth that lifts individuals and families is at the heart of his mission.
- Ensuring Access to Jobs that Promote Well-being: Beyond financial stability, Jason emphasizes the importance of jobs that offer flexibility and support mental and physical health. He believes that everyone should have the chance to experience the benefits of a well-rounded work environment that enhances overall well-being.
- Fostering Continuous Opportunities for Growth: Jason stresses that success comes from effort but asserts that everyone should have access to ongoing growth and opportunity for themselves and their families. He is committed to ensuring that no one is left behind on their journey toward personal and professional advancement.
Vision for Central SC’s Future
The greatest risk Jason has taken as a professional has been consistently challenging the status quo. “I’ve built my career on embracing unconventional approaches and pushing boundaries,” Jason stated. “This mindset has often led to uncharted territories for the organizations I’ve served, yielding unprecedented success and rewards.”
“Looking ahead five years, I envision Central SC as the leading economic development organization nationwide. I see our team expanding and our community thriving with unprecedented opportunities. My goal is to ensure that every resident experiences a level of prosperity and growth that sets a new standard for economic development. This vision drives me to innovate, lead boldly, and continue shaping a future where our region excels on every front.”
A Pathway to Success in Economic Development
Jason’s message for those interested in economic development or working with the Central SC Alliance is clear: Never give up—no matter the challenge. He emphasizes the importance of staying true to who you are and being your authentic self. In the field of economic development, and particularly with the Central SC Alliance, he believes that unlocking your full potential involves embracing your uniqueness and standing firm in your vision. Jason asserts that only then can you truly contribute to shaping a prosperous future for the community and beyond.
