Ernest Andrade has over 20 years of leadership experience successfully engaging the public, private and non-profit sectors by implementing forward thinking strategies in the areas of municipal annexation, knowledge-based economic development, program management and workforce development.
As Annexation Director, he grew the City of Charleston from 38 square miles to 100 square miles - a strategy that increased Charleston's tax base by over $2.5 billion and 17,000 residents.
In 2001, the Charleston Digital Corridor, Andrade's brainchild, was launched. This comprehensive knowledge-based economic development initiative has earned Charleston its reputation as an emerging technology destination and is recognized as a national model for technology-based economic development.
In June 2009, Ernest piloted yet another victory for the City of Charleston - the Flagship, Charleston's premier co-working environment. Companies at the Flagship and recent graduates have secured a total of 14.1 million dollars in funding and created almost five million dollars in compensation, locally.
Ernest Andrade also consults with privately held knowledge-based companies on a wide range of business issues including raising capital; streamlining operations; along with brand and communications management. Under a "no committees-just results" philosophy, Ernest is the epitome of "strategic doing."
Ernest was born and raised in Kuwait and lived in India prior to migrating to the United States in 1981. He became a naturalized citizen in 1996.