Ashely Teasdel

Ashely Teasdel has served as Deputy Secretary of Commerce since November 2021, working alongside Secretary Harry Lightsey to steer South Carolina’s globally competitive recruitment strategy and help secure some of the state’s most significant economic development wins on record. She also drives key programmatic priorities, including the state’s “Launch to Legacy” competitiveness framework, public-private collaboration to advance South Carolina’s energy leadership through the federally designated SC NEXUS tech hub, and expanded global diplomacy efforts to strengthen research and trade partnerships. Previously, Teasdel served as director of S.C. Commerce’s Business Services division, which focuses on small business development and existing industry support. Teasdel was instrumental leading the agency’s Covid-19 response efforts. Prior to joining SC Commerce in 2015, Teasdel spent almost a decade in the banking sector, focusing on small business advisory support and development within South Carolina.