J.R. Charles is the Community Developmemt Director for the City of Mauldin, South Carolina.

Originally from Georgia, J.R. began his Econ Dev career in his home town's chamber of commerce after graduating from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor's degree in Journalism. His career evolved as he served as the Executive Director of two developmemt authorities, a county government department head, and vice president of a county economic development foundation. Over the course of his career, he has serviced $150 million in investmjent and secured 800 jobs.

He also served in several leadership capacities: committee chair/board member for the Georgia Economic Developers Association, Board of Advisors for UGA's Innovation Gateway Incubator, and various committee assignments for civic clubs in his communities where he has worked.

In addition to his professional responsibilities, J.R.'s proudest accomplishment is being a dad to his two kids and a loving husband to his wife. He enjoys playing guitar in his church's contemporary praise band, cooking unique meals with ingredients from his family's garden, and traveling to family-friendly destinations with his family.