Staff Report
Published Nov. 9, 2012

Bonnie Ammons, a 21-year veteran of state government, was named Thursday as the first executive director of the S.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority.

Bonnie Ammons

The authority, created by the state Legislature, is tasked with a range of responsibilities aimed at sparking economic development in the state’s rural areas.

“Bonnie Ammons has a wealth of experience in the economic development arena, working with rural areas across the state,” said Commerce Secretary Bobby Hitt, who is chairman of the authority. “She has been a valuable part of the commerce team for years and is a perfect fit for helping lead the Rural Infrastructure Authority.”

Ammons most recently served as the assistant director of Federal Grant Programs in the S.C. Department of Commerce’s grants division.

The rural authority’s duties include selecting and assisting in financing qualified rural infrastructure by providing loans and other financial assistance to municipalities and counties, special purpose and public service districts, as well as public works commissions for constructing and improving rural infrastructure facilities.

Ammons is a native of Montgomery, Ala., and a graduate of Auburn University at Montgomery.