From Staff Reports

AMERICUS — The One Sumter Economic Development Foundation Inc. announces that it has named Ivy Oliver as the interim executive director of the organization until a permanent director is named. The announcement came following the board of directors’ regular monthly meeting earlier this month. One Sumter has been seeking an executive director since Mary Beth Bass Brownlee accepted a new position as County Consulting Services Associate with the Association of County Commission Government (ACCG).
Oliver has served as director of Communication & Outreach for One Sumter since 2017, establishing key media relations and managing media events to promote One Sumter projects. She has provided direct oversight in establishing a stock photography library for Sumter County and worked alongside community partners to develop an overall brand concept of “Georgia’s Sumter County,” Oliver has provided direct leadership to One Sumter, by establishing a strong web presence, redesigning its website, and launching new social media platforms, among other duties. Oliver also brings eight years of economic development experience, business development, and community program management with the Sumter County Chamber of Commerce and Sumter County Development Authority.
Oliver shared her enthusiasm for the transition. “I am excited to serve One Sumter in this new capacity and feel privileged to continue serve the Sumter County community,” she said.
One Sumter chairman, Alex Saratsiotis shared the importance of leadership and consistency for the future of One Sumter. “One Sumter is an organization with a unique approach to economic development and has garnered the reputation of being a catalyst for change in the community,” he said. “We have been able to leverage the investments of our donors and address some of the challenges that impact the entire community. And we are receiving recognition state-wide for our accomplishments.”
Expressing his support of Oliver’s transition to executive director, Saratsiotis said, “It is important that we maintain our leadership as we prepare for the future. Ivy has been involved with each project along the way, currently maintains key relationships with stakeholders and community partners and understands the heart of the organization. Her experience and background will help ensure a smooth transition as we continue our search for a permanent executive director. Because we have a unique approach, we want an executive director that possesses a diverse skillset with preference to backgrounds in economic development, community and strategic planning. We want to make sure we are very thorough with our search, because it’s important we find the right person.”

Following the selection of interim director, the One Sumter board of directors also appointed Mary Beth Bass Brownlee to serve as the newest member of the One Sumter board.
Saratsiotis said, “Mary Beth has proven to be an asset to our organization. With her leadership, we have been able to build strong community collaborations and partnerships that have led to many successes over the past four years. We are pleased to have her join the One Sumter Board and feel it ensures the sustainability and continuity of One Sumter as we move forward.”
Brownlee shared her appreciation to the board and excitement about taking on the new position. “To be asked to serve on the board of directors for the One Sumter Economic Development Foundation is truly an honor. I am strongly committed to the work we have done together and feel grateful for the opportunity to be able to continue to serve and work in my hometown. To have been able to play a role in the Pineland broadband project and the creation of Ignite College & Career Academy, among other work, has truly been a pleasure and a privilege. For the donors to have been able to leverage over $5 million in external capital investment in just four short years is truly amazing.”