When it comes to strengthening the business climate in the Charleston region, the work doesn’t just happen in boardrooms or at connection events. Much of it happens behind the scenes, building relationships, analyzing legislation, tracking infrastructure and housing policy and advocating for the needs of our business community.
That’s why the Charleston Metro Chamber’s Government Relations work is now Business Advocacy.
This change goes beyond a name update. It’s a reflection of the team’s evolving role, the broader scope of the work and the Chamber’s continued commitment to delivering real, measurable value to our members.
Why the Change?
“Our mission is to advocate for business and that means leading with clarity,” said Kevin Sheilley, President and CEO of the Charleston Metro Chamber. “The name ‘Business Advocacy’ better reflects how this team and their work aligns with our mission and who we do it for: our members. It’s not just about engaging with government; it’s about using advocacy as a tool to build a stronger regional economy.”
Kevin noted that during his first 90 meetings in 90 days with regional leaders, the Business Advocacy team came up repeatedly as one of the most impactful parts of Chamber membership.
“The work Scott, Bailey and Diamond have done to connect the business community with local and state government is incredibly important,” he said. “As one of the Chamber’s core focus areas, Business Advocacy will only grow stronger as we invest in this work.”
What “Business Advocacy” Really Means
Business Advocacy may sound broad, but the work is anything but vague. The team’s efforts are strategic, data-informed and deeply collaborative. Each member of the team plays a specialized role, but together they form a unified front pushing for policies and partnerships that make our region more competitive and accessible.
The team actively works on:
- Advancing attainable housing strategies to help workers live near job centers
- Advocating for workforce development and education policies to support talent pipelines
- Promoting career pathways for veterans transitioning to civilian employment
- Championing improvements to infrastructure and access to childcare, essential to a functioning economy
From monitoring zoning policies in local municipalities to providing input on state legislation, the team’s work is informed by real-time insights and regional needs. “Business advocacy may sound like a broad term, but the work we do is highly focused, deeply strategic and always centered around our members,” said Senior Vice President of Business Advocacy, Scott Barhight. “Our team doesn’t just represent the Chamber. We build trust with elected officials, align with government and community leaders and champion smart, forward-looking solutions that keep the Charleston region competitive and accessible.”
Get Familiar with the Team Behind the Work
The Business Advocacy team includes a diverse group of professionals who are each deeply embedded in the issues and communities they serve:
- Bailey Vincett, Associate Vice President of Business Advocacy, spends much of her time in Columbia as the Chamber’s registered lobbyist, tracking legislation and advocating for business-friendly policies on a state level.
- Diamond Curry, Manager of Business Advocacy, works across Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties, building relationships with local leaders and working to align community needs with pro-business policy solutions.
- Craig Logan, the Chamber’s housing strategist, focuses on attainable housing efforts. He brings data-driven insight to local governments and community partners to support smart housing development across the region.
- Darryl Brown, Senior Director of Military Affairs, advocates for the integration of active duty, retired and veteran military talent into the regional workforce. His work helps businesses tap into a pipeline of highly skilled workers.
This isn’t a passive team. They are connectors, researchers, advocates and relationship-builders who are out in the field every day.
How It Benefits Our Members
The real value of Business Advocacy is the direct benefit it brings to you, our members.
Whether it’s pushing for funding for improved infrastructure near an industrial corridor or making sure new state policy doesn’t put undue burden on small businesses, the team is your voice at every level of government.
“Every conversation, every connection and every policy position we take is part of a bigger effort to create a region where businesses can grow and people can thrive,” Barhight said. “We’re not just working on ideas, we’re working on implementation.”
Our members are at the center of this work. When the business community speaks with one voice, we are stronger and that’s exactly what this team helps make possible.
What’s Next & How You Can Get Involved
This transition to Business Advocacy is not just about words. It’s a recommitment to elevating the voice of business in the Charleston region and ensuring that voice drives action.
We encourage you to engage with the team: share the issues you’re facing, connect them to opportunities and bring your perspective to the table. Whether you’re navigating local permitting challenges, have a housing concern impacting your workforce or want to understand upcoming legislation, the Business Advocacy team is here to help.
“This isn’t just a name change; it’s a recommitment,” said Sheilley. “A recommitment to our members, to the business community and to the future of the Charleston region.”
To learn more or connect directly with the team, visit charlestonchamber.org/business-advocacy or reach out to members of the team directly.
- Scott Barhight – sbarhight@charlestonchamber.org
- Bailey Vincett – bvincett@charlestonchamber.org
- Diamond Curry – dcurry@charlestonchamber.org
- Craig Logan – clogan@charlestonchamber.org
- Darryl Brown – dbrown@charlestonchamber.org
