JEDA Team

Elliott E. Franks, III, as President and Chief Executive Officer of the South Carolina Jobs-Economic Development Authority (JEDA), directs the overall activities of this entity. The mission of JEDA is to enhance the business and economic climate of the state through loans, investments, exportation of goods, and the promotion of services and capital revenue produced within the state. JEDA seeks to provide innovative financial direction and offer products and tools to promote growth and competitiveness among new and existing businesses, create jobs, and improve living conditions in South Carolina.

Elliott E. Franks, III, a native of Sumter, South Carolina, has been a resident of Columbia for 38 years. He grew up in Augusta, Georgia, received his bachelor's degree from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, and completed the Management Institute at the University of South Carolina's Darla Moore College of Business.

Mr. Franks was inducted into the South Carolina Black Hall of Fame in 2001. He is a member and past president of the Agency of Directors Organization (ADO) State of South Carolina; President of the South Carolina Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration; President of South Carolina Export Consortium; member of the Board of Directors, United Black Fund; Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, Brookland Foundation; member of the Board of Directors, South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston; Editorial Board of the "Business & Economic Review Magazine," University of South Carolina; member of the Small Business Committee of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce; and, a member of the Columbia Rotary Club. He is a former member of the Public Service and Agricultural Advisory Board, Clemson University; former member of the Council on Education, Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce, and a former member of the Board of Directors, Bank of America, Columbia. He is a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and Brookland Baptist Church, where he is a member of the Male Chorus.

He is married to the former Angela Cook of Aiken and is the father of three daughters, Allison, Charnete, Nikki and a son, Elliott IV (Ernie).

Gwendolyn B. Suber is the Executive Assistant/Office Manager for the SC Jobs-Economic Development Authority. She coordinates the administrative functions of the company and assists the President & CEO with management.

Ms. Suber was formerly employed with Business Carolina, Inc. for fourteen years. She has attended several developmental classes and is presently enrolled in the Certified Public Managers Program, which is a nationally accredited program sponsored by the SC Budget and Control Board.

She is an active member of Providence AME Church, where she serves as a member of the Steward Board, a member of Stewardess Board, Second Vice President of the Missionary Department, member of the Finance Committee, member and Treasurer of the Gospel Choir, member of Usher Board and past YPD Director.

She resides in Chapin, SC with her husband Tommy. They are the parents of two sons - Kim and TJ.

Her hobbies include traveling, exercising, listening to music and shopping.