Charleston Regional Development Alliance Names New Board of Directors Chairman

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Chris Fraser, principal and managing director of Avison Young’s South Carolina offices, has been elected chairman of the Board.

Charleston Regional Development Alliance (CRDA) Board of Directors provides a powerful voice on critical matters where leaders’ influence and experience help the region achieve important economic development outcomes. The Board is comprised of top leaders from SC’s largest employers and strongest economic development assets.

As Chairman, Fraser will lead this group that serves as high-level advisors to CRDA as they:
• Focus on global marketing and business attraction efforts.
• Intensify talent attraction to provide employees for new and existing companies.
• Foster innovation within and across industry clusters.
• Increase the region’s resiliency and economic sustainability.

“Chris Fraser’s statewide leadership of Avison Young, among other leadership positions and experiences, have prepared him to lead the Board over the next two years and guide our Alliance and community to remain globally competitive,” said David Ginn, CRDA President & CEO.

As the principal and managing director of Avison Young’s offices in South Carolina, as well as Savannah, GA, Fraser oversees office leasing and development. He has held this position since 2012 and is based in Charleston, SC. Fraser has been recognized by industry in numerous capacities, including being named one of Charleston Business Magazine’s 50 Most Influential and a Hall of Fame inductee, receiving the CREW Charleston Distinguished Leader Award, and earning a spot on the prestigious SC Biz Real Estate Power List.

“I’m honored to embark on this journey with CRDA and other business, government and academic leaders to drive a sustainable economy for the Charleston region,” said Fraser. “Through collaboration, passion and innovative problem solving, our alliance will pursue strategic opportunities to successfully navigate the evolving economic landscape.”

An active member in the community, Fraser has been heavily involved with volunteer leadership roles in education and the arts serving as former Charleston County School Board chair and the Trident Technical College Foundation chair. Fraser currently sits on the Global Diversity and Inclusion Council at Avison Young.