Brad Abercrombie Named Executive Director of Main Street Laurens

Brad Abercrombie Appointed as New Executive Director of Main Street Laurens, Begins in August

Laurens, SC – Brad Abercrombie, a local resident and committed community volunteer, has been appointed the new Executive Director of Main Street Laurens. Abercrombie’s official start date is set for early August 2025, succeeding Craig Scharton, who is departing for a new position in North Carolina.

After a challenging selection process lasting over six months, Abercrombie was chosen to lead the nonprofit organization, as it struggled to maintain events and activities during a period the board described as “touch and go.” This period of uncertainty has highlighted the critical need for a strong leadership presence to revitalize community efforts focused on local businesses.

John Young, the Vice Chairman of the Board, indicated that Abercrombie’s deep connections within the community played a crucial role in his selection. His commitment to volunteer initiatives throughout the evaluation period further demonstrated his enthusiasm and dedication to the role, marking him as a standout candidate. The board faced significant difficulties during the interview process, including needing to temporarily pause the selection while grappling with its volunteer structure and the demands of full-time jobs.

Goals and Objectives

Abercrombie’s primary tasks will include renewing previous Main Street initiatives and infusing new energy into existing programs. He is expected to take an active role in identifying and applying for grants to invigorate community projects. Recent funding challenges have prompted the board to shift its focus towards enhancing membership engagement and securing necessary financial resources from available grants.

Young noted the importance of Abercrombie’s existing relationships in Laurens, suggesting that this local familiarity will facilitate a faster positive impact compared to previous Executive Directors, who typically hailed from outside the area and required time to establish connections with local business owners.

With an aim to recover from a six-month hiatus, Abercrombie will work on reinvigorating volunteer participation and rallying the community around Main Street efforts. This revitalization is essential for supporting and promoting local businesses effectively.

Transition of Leadership

Craig Scharton, the former Executive Director, played a significant role in promoting local businesses through various events, including the well-received Squealin’ on the Square. His departure underscores the importance of continuity in leadership as the board progresses through this transition. While the search for a permanent replacement continues, plans are underway to appoint an interim Executive Director to maintain stability during this transitional phase.

The board has scheduled a meeting on January 22 to discuss further steps in the leadership transition and the future of Main Street Laurens initiatives. The community had previously engaged with the selection process; Abercrombie, along with two other finalists, Brandon Shields and Lydia Thomas, presented their visions for the future of Laurens at a public meeting held at the Capitol Theatre.

As Abercrombie prepares to take on this pivotal role, both the board and the Laurens community maintain a hopeful outlook toward revitalizing Main Street and re-engaging local residents in supporting their businesses.