Staff
John M. Truluck, SCCED
Director
John M. Truluck leads the economic development team with dedication and experience. He was named Director of Dorchester County Economic Development in 2014. Previously, he led industrial recruitment efforts for Clarendon County, where he also once served as Emergency Services Director. In his first four years with Dorchester County, John played a pivotal role in the creation of more than 1,600 jobs and nearly $300 million in capital investments.
In an effort to strengthen Dorchester County’s competitive status among others in the region, John spearheaded the creation of Advance Dorchester, a 501 (C) (3), designed to raise funds from private sector investors. These funds are allocated to four key pillars that are instrumental in successful economic development: marketing; product development; prospect development; and workforce development.
John earned a bachelor’s in business administration, as well as a master’s of public administration, from the University of South Carolina. He is a South Carolina Certified Economic Developer and a graduate of the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute and the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill’s Basic Economic Development program. He is a native of Lake City, SC, but he and his family now proudly call Summerville home.
Michelle McDonald
Deputy Director – Existing Industry & Workforce Development
Michelle will engage Dorchester County’s existing industry partners and promote workforce development efforts for County residents.
Michelle has over 15 years of experience in workforce development and consultation in the government, nonprofit and private industry sectors. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Winthrop University and a master’s degree in business administration from The Citadel. She previously served in business development and workforce roles for the Berkeley/Dorchester office of South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation and the Berkeley/Charleston/Dorchester Council of Governments.
Anna McSwain
Marketing and Investor Relations Administrator
McSwain guides marketing and communication efforts to continue the facilitation of new business and economic expansion while supporting the vitality of existing industry in the county. Additionally, she will engage with current and prospective investors while working toward the advancement of DCED’s strategic initiatives.
McSwain brings over 15 years of marketing experience as well as a wealth of knowledge in corporate relations, non-profits, and development. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Charleston Southern University where she also previously oversaw athletic marketing and corporate sponsors. McSwain is a skilled photographer and longtime Summerville resident.
Brantley Strickland, SCCED
Project Manager
As Project Manager, Strickland serves as the primary point of contact and supervisor for all project-specific efforts, including Requests For Information (RFI) data calls and submissions, coordinating with South Carolina Department of Commerce to ensure the accuracy of Dorchester County’s sites and buildings in all databases, and supporting DCED’s director, John Truluck, with research and details necessary to continue to make Dorchester County highly competitive in the region.
Strickland began his economic development career with the Southern Carolina Alliance in 2015 where he served as senior project manager until summer of 2022 when he took on the role of director. He holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of South Carolina and in 2019 received South Carolina Certified Economic Developer status. Strickland and his wife, Amie, reside in Walterboro with their children J.D. and Anna Grace.
Amy Dixon
Administrative Assistant
Amy is an essential member of the Economic Development team. She is responsible for overseeing all financial duties for both public and private budgets, supporting the Economic Development mission with efficient office management, and professional and courteous stakeholder relations. Prior to joining this office, she served the County as Claims Assistant for Risk Management and Safety.
As a native of Dorchester County, and 18-year County employee, Amy brings a wealth of institutional and area knowledge to her position. To further her contributions to this office, she has completed the SC Department of Commerce’s Economic Development 101 course and is currently enrolled in a more in-depth study of Economic Development.