Harry M. Lightsey III

Harry M. Lightsey III was appointed by Gov. Henry McMaster to serve as Secretary of Commerce in June 2021. Since his confirmation, Lightsey has led the agency’s globally competitive recruitment strategy – leveraged through the “Launch to Legacy” brand – for South Carolina’s evolving target industries, resulting in multiple years of historic economic development performance. Under Lightsey’s leadership, the state has secured some of the largest projects in South Carolina history, including Scout Motors’ $2 billion investment in Richland County. He championed the establishment and federal designation for the Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy, elevating South Carolina’s position in advanced energy and mobility innovation. He has served as president of BellSouth Telecommunications for South Carolina prior to the company’s merger with AT&T, afterward becoming president for AT&T’s Southeast region. He most recently served as a principal with Hawksbill Advisors.