Ernest Andrade is the visionary, founder and Director of the Charleston Digital Corridor and City of Charleston's Office of Business Development. Launched in February 2001, the Digital Corridor serves as the catalyst for Charleston’s growing knowledge economy.

Over the past twenty years, Ernest has successfully served the City of Charleston in several capacities including Annexation Coordinator, where he single handedly grew City from 38 to over100square miles, increased the tax base by over $2.5 billion and added 17,000 residents.

Ernest then directed the Office of Industrial Development and Annexation, which executed a strategic plan to recruit competitive economic development projects such as the Family Circle Cup, SunCom and Software and NanoScreen.

Under his leadership, the Charleston Digital Corridor has grown from 18 companies to over 90 companies today while being recognized as a model for high-wage, knowledge based economic development.

Ernest Andrade 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. Mr. Andrade has a BS in Business Administration from the College of Charleston and a Master of Public Administration.

Ernest Andrade is also the principal of Andrade Economics, a business and economic development consulting firm focused on the elements of high wage job creation including business incubation, talent development and capital formation.

Prior to joining the Charleston Digital Corridor, Carolyn was the Practice Manager for FirstPoint IP, an intellectual property and business development boutique in Charleston, where she helped grow the practice from founding. Her past experience includes apprenticeships in large law practice and the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, as well as membership development for Sports Club/LA in New York City.

Carolyn received her JD from the University of New Hampshire School of Law in 2011 as a Daniel Webster Scholar Honors recipient. She is a 2006 graduate of the University of California Los Angeles with dual degrees in History and Communications Studies. As an undergraduate, Carolyn was a member of the UCLA track and cross-country programs. Carolyn is admitted to the Massachusetts and New Hampshire bar.

Alex is a recent graduate from the College of Charleston with a dual major in Business Administration and Hospitality and Tourism Management. While in college, Alex gained management and marketing experience by serving as Project Leader in ENACTUS and Director of Events for the Dean’s Student Forum.