How are Southeast states expanding their transit and road infrastructure and addressing increased demand on services as people and businesses move in? How do cities and regions move people more efficiently and cost effectively? What kinds of projects are issuers focusing on in the Southeast? How are federal policies impacting transportation projects in the region?

Public Finance leaders will set the stage for how the Southeast is managing population growth, providing services and finding infrastructure financing solutions amid the shifting policies from Washington and Southeastern states. What are the risks and opportunities for public finance in the Southeast?

Brandy James serves as Chief Financial Officer of Charleston International Airport, where she oversees Finance, Procurement, Properties, and the Diversity Business Enterprise (DBE) program. With more than 25 years of experience in finance and accounting, she is recognized for her integrity, strategic mindset, and results-driven leadership. Brandy brings a disciplined, transparent approach to financial management, with a strong focus on accountability, long-term planning, and stakeholder trust.

Before joining Charleston International Airport, Brandy served as Chief Financial Officer for the Richland County Recreation Commission, where she led Finance and Procurement operations. In that role, she successfully implemented an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, modernized payroll processes, and significantly enhanced the accuracy, clarity, and usefulness of financial and budget reporting.

Brandy’s professional background also includes senior finance and audit roles at SCANA Corporation, a regulated electric and gas utility, as well as positions in healthcare finance and public accounting. In addition, she has served as an adjunct professor, teaching accounting and taxation at both the undergraduate and graduate levels—reflecting her commitment to education, mentorship, and developing future financial leaders.

A Certified Public Accountant, Brandy holds a Master of Science in Accountancy and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the College of Charleston. She is actively engaged in professional and civic leadership, with service spanning faith-based, nonprofit, and industry organizations. She is a member of the South Carolina Association of CPAs, the American Association of Airport Executives, and Airports Council International – North America, and currently serves on the Board of the YWCA Greater Charleston.

Brandy values service, collaboration, and community impact—principles that strongly inform her leadership philosophy and public-sector work. Outside of her professional responsibilities, she enjoys spending time with family, staying active, and reading.

Tyler began his career in the Public Finance Investment Banking group at Citigroup in New York before becoming a financial advisor at a top 10-ranked firm in the Southeast. He served as financial advisor for finance teams in local government, higher education, and healthcare for nearly eight years before founding DebtBook to build powerful and easy-to-use treasury and accounting software for public finance teams.

Smith becomes only the third executive director in JEDA’s 40-year history Jesse A. Smith has been appointed the new Executive Director of the South Carolina Jobs-Economic Development Authority (JEDA), succeeding Harry A. Huntley, CPA, who is retiring after holding the post since 2009. Smith most recently served as a partner at Styx Companies in Columbia, advising firms on raising capital. He was previously a Senior Vice President at First Citizens Bank, where he created and expanded relationships with commercial clients. With 20 years of experience assisting South Carolina companies, Smith is well-positioned to lead JEDA in its mission of facilitating financing economic development statewide. JEDA is a conduit issuer of tax-exempt and taxable bonds, partnering with public and private entities to provide favorable financing that also helps maximize job growth and retention. “I’m honored to follow in the footsteps of those before me who have helped JEDA play such a vital role in South Carolina’s economic progress since its creation in 1983,” said Smith. “I look forward to working closely with our board and partners statewide to continue building this legacy of continuity and accomplishment.” “Jesse has proven himself to be an energetic and innovative lender devoted to the success of the borrowers he serves and the communities where they live and work,” said JEDA Board Chairman Michael W. Nix, CFA, President & Chief Investment Officer of Verity Investment Partners in Beaufort. “We’re confident he will lead JEDA effectively into the future.” Huntley, only the second Executive Director after the late Elliott Franks III, oversaw JEDA’s participation in facilitating 14 years of strong economic growth across the Palmetto State. “JEDA will be in very good hands with Jesse and I am grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to serve our state in this capacity,” Huntley said. Since its establishment by the South Carolina General Assembly in 1983, JEDA has facilitated more than $15.4 billion in financing for schools, healthcare and senior living providers, other public and private nonprofit organizations, and companies in multiple industries, contributing to the creation and retention of more than 314,167 jobs.

Leslie M. Norwood is Managing Director and Associate General Counsel of the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA). She has served SIFMA and its predecessor organizations since 2004. Ms. Norwood is responsible for the legal, regulatory and market practice initiatives of the Association relating to all municipal securities products. Prior to joining SIFMA, Ms. Norwood was an Associate in the Corporate and Securities department at Greenberg Traurig. She also spent 6 years as an Associate in the Public Finance department of Sidley Austin LLP (formerly known as Brown & Wood LLP) where she represented bond issuers, borrowers and underwriters in fixed and variable rate transactions; general obligation, subject to appropriation and revenue bond (public power, education, health care and cultural institutions) transactions; and transactions with credit enhancement. Ms. Norwood received a B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley and her J.D. from Boston University School of Law. She is a member of the New York, New Jersey and California Bars.