GREENVILLE, SC – August 11, 2026 – The Greenville Area Development Corporation (GADC), announced today that Benjamin Abdo, AICP has joined the organization as Director of Research & Development. In his role, Abdo will serve as the strategic leader of GADC’s data analytics, market intelligence, and research initiatives, driving the organization’s data strategy to support business recruitment, retention, and expansion across Greenville County. He will oversee GADC’s economic, demographic, and geospatial research.

Abdo is an AICP-certified urban planner with more than eight years of experience spanning municipal long-range planning and zoning, affordable housing, community development, and economic development research within regional public organizations, along with applied research and evaluation work for nonprofit clients. His appointment comes as the GADC continues to expand the data platforms and geospatial tools it uses to compete for economic development projects, a mission that has helped generate more than 38,000 jobs and $8.8 billion in capital investment in Greenville County since the organization’s founding in 2001.

“Ben brings a rare combination of research depth and hands-on planning experience to this role. He already knows how Greenville County works, and that perspective will make our team even more effective for the companies and communities we serve,” said Max Stewart, President and CEO, GADC.

Abdo is not new to the GADC. From 2017 to 2019, he served as the organization’s Research Manager, supporting site selection, regional competitiveness, and workforce analysis across more than 200 economic development projects. He later spent several years with the City of Greenville, where he contributed to long-range initiatives including the GVL2040 comprehensive plan, the Haynie-Sirrine neighborhood plan, and the Greenville Development Code. He also served as the City’s project manager for the Airport District Planning Study, working with a consultant team on the plan, while supporting implementation through development review and preparing and presenting staff recommendations to the Planning Commission.

Abdo also spent time with the Greenville County Redevelopment Authority, where he managed affordable housing and infrastructure projects and conducted NEPA environmental assessments. Most recently, he served as a Research and Data Consultant at Openfields, where he contributed to mixed-methods research and evaluation projects for nonprofit clients focused on social impact, strategy, and systems change.

Abdo holds a Master of City and Regional Planning from Clemson University and a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from North Greenville University. He is a certified planner through the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and has completed professional development programs including the Labor Market Information Analyst Training through Rutgers University and the Georgia Tech Basic Economic Development Course.

“My work has always brought together planning, housing policy, economic development, and applied research with direct community engagement. I got my start in economic development here at GADC, and I’m excited to bring what I’ve learned since then back to an organization that shaped so much of my career,” said Benjamin Abdo, Director of Research, GADC. 

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ABOUT GREENVILLE AREA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
The Greenville Area Development Corporation is a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2001 by Greenville County Council. As leaders in economic development for Greenville County, the GADC provides support and resources to businesses of all sizes and acts as a liaison between the business community and local government. The GADC works closely with government officials and agencies to ensure that the needs and concerns of businesses are heard and addressed. For more information about Greenville Area Development Corporation, visit www.greenvilleeconomicdevelopment.com.