Julie Kunkle to lead the state’s economic development sales team
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Commerce announced today the promotion of Julie Kunkle to serve as the director of global business development (GBD). Kunkle will lead the department’s international and domestic recruitment efforts.
A senior leader with nearly 30 years of experience spanning the public and private sectors, Kunkle’s career has been rooted in business development, strategy and organizational leadership during periods of significant market and industry transformation. She joined the S.C. Commerce team in 2020, most recently serving as deputy director in the Business Services division, where her work focused on strengthening the state’s advancement, innovation and competitiveness.
Kunkle began her career in sales and marketing with organizations including Unilever and Gannett, then moved into the technology sector during the early internet era. At AOL, she held senior roles in sales strategy, account management and program leadership, translating emerging platforms into scalable commercial strategies.
In the public sector, Kunkle has led statewide initiatives designed to strengthen South Carolina’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, working across government, industry, higher education and nonprofit partners. Her experience bridges traditional economic development and innovation-driven growth, aligning institutions, resources and strategy to produce sustained impact.
“South Carolina has a proven track record of helping companies achieve success from launch to legacy. Julie Kunkle’s future-focused, innovative approach – grounded in long-term competitiveness and execution – will ensure S.C. Commerce continues to recruit and retain economic opportunities for all South Carolinians,” said Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III.