Elizabeth Watson joined the Upstate SC Alliance in 2011 after 11 years with GSA Business. As director of research and strategic initiatives, she is responsible for directing and executing the organization’s research efforts as well as leveraging relationships and resources to position the organization as the go-to resource for information on the Upstate.
Watson was an integral part of the Upstate’s partnership with the Global Cities Initiative, a joint partnership of the Brookings Institution and JPMorgan Chase, and served as project lead for the Regional Export Plan and Regional FDI Plan projects, both part of a multi-step planning process to develop a customized, comprehensive global engagement strategy for the Upstate region.
Watson currently serves on the SC District Export Council, the World Affairs Council Upstate steering committee, and is an active member of the SC International Trade Coalition.
Watson grew up in Spartanburg and graduated Cum Laude from the Honor’s College at the College of Charleston with Bachelor of Arts Degrees in English and French and a Minor in Arts Management. She lives in Spartanburg.