Gov. McMaster nominates Harry M. Lightsey III to be the next secretary of the Dept. of Commerce

Gov. McMaster nominates Harry M. Lightsey III for secretary of the Dept. of Commerce

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)– At the Statehouse Thursday morning, Governor Henry McMaster nominated Harry M. Lightsey III to serve as the next secretary of the South Carolina Department of Commerce. Lightsey has served in executive roles at Bellsouth, AT&T and General Motors.

“Harry Lightsey has been a fixture in South Carolina’s business community for decades, and I’m confident that with the vast experience he will be bringing to the Department of Commerce, South Carolina will keep winning,” said Governor McMaster. “Our state will have the workforce, infrastructure, intellectual capital, environmental assets and the quality of life necessary to compete – both nationally and globally – for jobs and investment.”

If confirmed, Lightsey would succeed Bobby Hitt. Hitt is retiring this fall after serving the state for over 10 years.

“It would be my distinct honor and privilege to have the opportunity to serve as South Carolina’s Secretary of Commerce,” said Harry Lightsey. “In addition to bringing new businesses into our state, I believe we have a role to play in helping our established businesses thrive and transform when necessary.  As the governor has said, South Carolina needs an educated, trained, and skilled workforce so that we can compete nationally and globally for jobs and capital investment. Our workers will need to develop new skills to adjust to ever changing technological advances. I am excited about the opportunities to usher in a new era that enhances the quality of life for all South Carolinians.”

The Governor’s Office says Lightsey is a 1978 graduate of Princeton University and a 1981 graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law.