Shawn Jenkins, president and CEO of Benefitfocus, Inc. (NASDAQ: BNFT), a leading provider of cloud-based benefits software solutions, was recognized as a South Carolina Ambassador for Economic Development by the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

Representing Berkeley County, Jenkins was one of the 46 ambassadors chosen from each county in the state as part of South Carolina's 23rd Industry Appreciation Week earlier this month as declared in an official proclamation by Gov. Nikki Haley.

The Benefitfocus Platform is designed to simplify the complexities associated with benefits enrollment and administration. Since its founding in 2000, Benefitfocus has grown into a company with more than 900 associates located at its headquarters in Charleston, S.C., as well as at additional offices in Greenville, S.C.; Tulsa, Okla.; and San Francisco. In December, the company announced a significant expansion of its headquarters campus on Daniel Island in Charleston that will triple the campus footprint and create 1,200 new jobs.

"Benefitfocus is transforming the way people enroll in their benefits," Jenkins said in a statement. "We are committed to driving significant technology growth in South Carolina and to developing our community as an innovation destination. I am honored to be recognized by the Governor and the South Carolina Department of Commerce. This award is about more than an individual - it recognizes the hard work of every Benefitfocus associate and the growing tech community in Berkeley County as well as the greater Charleston region."

Benefitfocus has been recognized previously for its role within South Carolina's economy. The company and Jenkins were recognized in January during Gov. Haley's State of the State address. For the past two years, Benefitfocus has been recognized by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce as one of the best places to work in the state. The company also received the Trailblazer Award from the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce for its role in the community and its technology development.