Meet the dedicated professionals and community leaders driving economic growth in Cherokee County.
Our Team
Staff
Our cohesive team of professional staff members bring diverse expertise and backgrounds to enhance our economic development efforts.
Kenneth Moon
SCCED
Executive Director
Kenneth M. Moon, or Ken as he prefers to be called, is a passionate and dedicated economic developer who has been serving the Development Board of Cherokee County since 2015. A native of Sarasota, Florida, Ken holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Organization Management from Ashford University. With more than 10 years of experience in various economic development roles, Ken has a wealth of knowledge and skills that he applies to his work in attracting and retaining businesses in Cherokee County.
Noah Beason is Deputy Director of the Cherokee County Development Board, joining the team in September 2023. He graduated from Wofford College in May 2023 with majors in both Business Economics and History. A Cherokee County native, Noah is committed to helping the community grow into a prosperous region. He is an active member of the SC Economic Developers Association, the Upstate SC Alliance, and the Gaffney Rotary Club.
Melissa Thomas is an integral part of the Cherokee County Development Board team, employed jointly by Spartanburg Community College and the Development Board since 2015. She studied at Spartanburg Community College and is an expert in various Microsoft products. She handles office management and website updates, and is critical to the day-to-day operations of both the college and Development Board.
The Cherokee County Development Board is operated under a 9 member Board of Directors. Members serve 3 year terms, nominated by County Council Members and voted on by the full membership. The Board meets every 4th Monday of the month at 12 p.m. open to the public.
James (Jim) M. Cudd
Chairman
James (Jim) M. Cudd serves as Chairman of the Cherokee County Development Board. He is a long-standing community leader and advocate for economic growth in Cherokee County, bringing extensive experience in local business and civic affairs to the Board's leadership.
Jim Cook
Vice Chair
Jim Cook serves as Vice Chair of the Cherokee County Development Board. He is an active participant in Cherokee County's economic development efforts and brings valuable perspective from his professional and community involvement to the Board.
W.B. Cook
Board Member
W.B. Cook is a dedicated Board Member of the Cherokee County Development Board. His commitment to the county's long-term economic prosperity and his deep roots in the community make him a valued member of the Board of Directors.
Doug Hubbard
Board Member
Doug Hubbard serves as a Board Member of the Cherokee County Development Board. He brings professional expertise and a commitment to community progress to his role on the Board, contributing to the county's strategic economic development initiatives.
Hermenia Gardner
Board Member
Hermenia Gardner is a Board Member of the Cherokee County Development Board. She brings a wealth of community knowledge and professional experience to the Board, helping to ensure that Cherokee County's economic development strategies are inclusive and forward-thinking.
James R. Thompson
Board Member
James R. Thompson serves as a Board Member of the Cherokee County Development Board. With strong ties to the community and a background in local affairs, he is a committed advocate for policies and projects that drive economic opportunity across Cherokee County.
Bill Sarratt
Board Member
Bill Sarratt is Founder and President of Sarratt Farms, which is located in Gaffney and has been in operation since 2002. He has a Degree from Furman University. He has been a valued member of the Cherokee County Development Board since 2014. In addition to the Cherokee County Development Board, he also holds the positions of Vice-Chairman, Spartanburg Community College Commission; while holding past positions as President, Spartanburg Lions Club; Past President, Carolina Country Club; Past President, Spartanburg County Cattlemen's Association. He has also been honored to be named Cherokee County Economic Development Ambassador 2009 and SC Cattlemen of the Year, 2012.
Andrea McCraw
Board Member
Andrea McCraw serves as a Board Member of the Cherokee County Development Board. She contributes her professional expertise and community-minded perspective to help guide the Board's economic development strategies, ensuring Cherokee County remains an attractive destination for business investment.
Ex-Officio
The Honorable Harvey S. Peeler, Jr.
South Carolina Senate
The Honorable Harvey S. Peeler, Jr. serves as Ex-Officio member of the Cherokee County Development Board in his capacity as a South Carolina State Senator. Senator Peeler has long championed economic development in Cherokee County and the Upstate region, leveraging his legislative influence to support business growth and job creation.
Board Meetings
Every 4th Monday of the Month at 12:00 PM
Held at the Cherokee Business Training Center, SCC Campus — open to the public and advertised through local media.
