Columbia, SC – After building Parker Poe Consulting's site selection and economic development division over the past 15 years, Mark Simmons has transitioned its leadership to Nelson Lindsay. Nelson joined the consulting firm in 2023 and carries forward the client-centric, solution-oriented approach that has defined Mark's tenure.

Nelson has approximately three decades of expertise in economic development, including serving as CEO of the Central SC Alliance and director of global business development for the South Carolina Department of Commerce. When he began his career in Kershaw County, Mark supported him at the regional level as executive vice president of the Central SC Alliance.

"Mark has been my mentor since I got into economic development," Nelson said. "I turned to him frequently for advice, and he has helped guide me throughout my career. I approach projects the same way Mark does because of what I learned from him and how I've seen it benefit our clients and communities."

"I am very fortunate to become the next leader after Mark has already built a great organization, including with tremendous contributions from Azad Khan and other team members over the years," Nelson said. "The future is very bright for Parker Poe Consulting because of the foundation Mark has laid."

That foundation started with conversations between Mark and Ray Jones, a Columbia partner and leader at the law firm Parker Poe. They initially developed a relationship helping clients and communities advance their priorities when Mark worked for regional and local economic development organizations. In 2011 — at a time when law firm and consulting firm collaborations were uncommon in the Southeast — they had a vision to bring the site selection, incentives negotiation, and legal aspects of economic development projects together into a holistic solution. 

"Our focus has always been on adding value to the client," Mark said. "We believed that if we brought these pieces together, the client would benefit more than if we were each providing services on our own. We also wanted to create a better model on the consulting side, as a lot of consulting firms get paid based upon a percentage of the total incentives package. We believe that encourages taking a client to the community that writes the biggest check, rather than the community that gives them the best resources and support to flourish down the road."

Client feedback has resoundingly affirmed the collaborative model in the years since. From global conglomerates to family-owned businesses, Parker Poe Consulting has helped hundreds of clients expand their footprints, make capital investments, and create jobs in the Southeast and around the country.

"Mark is one of the legends in the economic development business in South Carolina, and we are deeply grateful for his vision and leadership," Ray said. "When he came to me to discuss succession planning, we both agreed there was only one person for the job: Nelson Lindsay. We are excited to continue working with Nelson and see where he takes Parker Poe Consulting from here."

"Nelson is built for the client relationship," Mark said. "He listens and pays attention to each client's needs. He is a hard worker and self-starter. He doesn't sit around waiting for someone to give him a solution — he finds it. He is also a team player, which is a big deal for us."

"We work here as a team," Mark continued, "and Nelson is the next leader we need." 

About Parker Poe Consulting
Parker Poe Consulting - Location Solutions is a corporate site selection and economic incentives consulting firm and integrated part of Parker Poe’s Business Expansion + Location Solutions (BELS) Team. Parker Poe Consulting provides site selection services to find data-driven solutions for clients who are expanding their footprints and considering new capital investment and job creation. The firm also provides economic incentives consulting services to growing companies, helping clients navigate and negotiate incentives for economic development projects.

Parker Poe Consulting LLC is a limited liability company and wholly owned subsidiary of Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP. Parker Poe Consulting also has separate government relations, local government services, and tax credits divisions.