The South Carolina Economic Developers’ Association (SCEDA) named Sandy Steele, President and Owner of PWS Ventures of SC, as the recipient of its 2025 Distinguished Service Award in recognition of her exceptional service and commitment to economic development in South Carolina.
An active SCEDA member since 2009, Steele has served on the Professional Development and Legislative Committees, was SCEDA President from 2023–2024, and currently serves as Co-Chair of the Legislative Committee. Her advocacy efforts have been instrumental in advancing economic development policy, including securing up to $80 million in funding for site readiness initiatives and passage of the energy bill.
“I am truly overwhelmed and honored to receive this award,” said Steele. “SCEDA is an incredible organization made up of dedicated, passionate professionals who work every day to strengthen South Carolina’s economy. To be recognized among such distinguished peers is both humbling and profoundly meaningful.”
Colleagues describe Steele as one of the first to welcome newcomers to SCEDA, make key introductions within the industry, and offer meaningful mentorship.
“Sandy cares fiercely about the success of others and our state. Through her leadership, SCEDA has become a well-respected resource among leaders and decision-makers,” said John Wall, Partner at Burr & Forman and Co-Chair of SCEDA’s Legislative Committee. “There is nobody who has taught me more about economic development, nobody else I would want by my side in a tough fight, and nobody more deserving of this award than Sandy Steele.”
Retired from her role as Director of Operations at SouthernCarolina Alliance, Steele supports economic growth across South Carolina through her consulting work with multiple companies and organizations. Her decades-long career in economic and workforce development includes leadership roles at both the county and regional levels, serving as Director of Economic Development for Hampton County and earlier as Workforce Development Director for the Lowcountry Workforce Investment Area.
Steele, a South Carolina Certified Economic Developer (SCCED), is a graduate of the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma and the S.C. Economic Developers School at the College of Charleston. She holds a degree from the University of South Carolina.
