Dorothy Weaver

Dorothy Weaver joined the South Carolina Department of Commerce in January 2026 as Director of Marketing and Communications. In this role, she leads the agency’s strategic marketing and communications initiatives, serves as its chief spokesperson and plays a central role in sharpening how SC Commerce presents itself to the world – clearly articulating South Carolina’s story, value proposition and competitive strengths. 

She brings more than 25 years of strategic communications experience with a proven record of elevating brands, strengthening organizational messaging and leading teams through periods of growth and high-pressure environments. 

Most recently, Dorothy served as the Director of Strategic Communications at the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW), where she spent a decade shaping statewide campaigns, leading crisis communications, overseeing digital platforms and translating complex business objectives into clear, effective marketing and communications strategies. During her tenure at DEW, Dorothy was instrumental in developing and executing the agency’s COVID-19 communication response across multiple platforms and to diverse audiences.

Her career spans the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Prior to DEW, Dorothy worked in the private sector with a focus on B2B, sales and digital engagement campaigns; directed communications and supported donor relations at the Central Carolina Community Foundation; and served as an account executive at Chernoff/Silver Advertising Agency. There, she managed a diverse portfolio of clients including EdVenture Children’s Museum, Fleet Mortgage Company, Greenwood Genetic Center and Shell Oil Company.

Dorothy holds both a Master of Mass Communications and a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of South Carolina. She is also a graduate of the state’s Certified Public Management Program, where she received an honorable mention for the George C. Askew Award.

She lives in Columbia with her husband and has three adult children.