Gilleon Frieson
Gilleon J. Frieson is the Executive Director of Williamsburg County Economic Development Board (County Government) and Williamsburg County Development Corporation (Non-Profit), the county’s two leading economic development organizations.
Gilleon is a relentless, competitive leader with a unique professional background, encompassing both private and public sectors. He has over 20 years of management experience in retail, academia, summary court level of the judicial system, city/county government, military, non-profit organizations, real estate, and small business ownership.
Gilleon earned undergraduate degrees from Florence-Darlington Technical College (AAS Paralegal) and Coker University (BS Business Administration), a Master of Business Degree from Capella University, and completed all but the doctoral study for the Doctor of Business Administration Degree at Walden University. He attended the David Lloyd School for Real Estate, and is a licensed REALTOR®. Gilleon also obtained a certification from the Association of Accredited Small Business Consultants as an Accredited Small Business Consultant (ASBC).
Gilleon is a member of several professional organizations to include, International Economic Development Council (IEDC), South Carolina Economic Developer’s Association (SCEDA), National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), South Carolina REALTORS® Association (SCR), and the Municipal Association of South Carolina (MASC).
Gilleon is a US Army Veteran of the South Carolina Army National Guard, serving in the Former Yugoslavia in Operations Joint Guard and Operation Joint Endeavor (1997). He received various metals, awards, and promotions during his military career.
Gilleon has been a dedicated servant of his community, volunteering and serving on the boards of various groups whose missions were to positively impact at-risk youth, which included the 12th Judicial Juvenile Arbitration Program, Knights of Pythagoras, FAVOR, Inc., The Dannon Project, and Dramatic Coffee Beans.
Gilleon is a native of Florence County and resides in Lake City, SC with his wife, Catrice, daughter Jayla, and son Carson. He is a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. When Gilleon is not working or volunteering in the community, he enjoys spending time with his family, and fishing in his backyard.