Brandy James

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.