The One Sumter Economic Development Foundation Board of Directors is excited to announce a new emphasis on donor engagement and relationship management as the organization enters its second decade. Recognizing the need to dedicate full-time staff to guide the foundation’s evolution into a stronger, more purposeful nonprofit, the Board announces Colton Mims as One Sumter’s new Director of Donor Relations. 

With a relationship-based business background with William Bailey State Farm and Thryv, Mims brings expertise built upon a hands-on approach to cultivating donor and investor relationships, which will be essential to One Sumter’s long-term sustainability.

One Sumter Chair Alex Saratsiotis explains the foundation’s new approach, “Over the course of three successful capital campaigns with One Sumter, we have realized the key to our ongoing success will be to improve the ongoing relationships we have with our existing investors—and, the opportunity to grow our own throughout the five-year life cycle of GROW 2029, not just at the end of the five years. The communications, outreach and accountability to investors need to be a part of our daily business model. We believe Colton can do that.” 

Throughout Mims’ career, he has demonstrated a commitment to understanding and addressing the unique needs of the people and businesses he serves. His approach has consistently centered on building trust and offering genuine, lasting solutions—qualities that One Sumter is hoping will enhance his efforts in strengthening donor relations for the organization. 

Saratsiotis continues, “Colton is going to be a great addition to our team. We are excited about taking the next step for One Sumter’s long-term success, and we believe Colton is the right person to guide us in that direction. It’s the piece we’ve known we’ve needed for some time, and making sure we are accountable to the needs and expectations of our donors is most important as we continue to address Sumter County’s economic, community, and workforce development priorities.”

Mims shares Saratsiotis’ enthusiasm for the opportunity to grow the organization, and in turn, its impact. Mims shares, “With One Sumter having a proven track-record of shaping a future where economic opportunity uplifts every member of our community, I am wholeheartedly focused on strengthening connections across Sumter County and beyond.” 

Joining the One Sumter team on November 18, Mims will work in direct coordination with the Board of Directors and One Sumter’s Director of Programs Tammye Pettyjohn Jones. The new focus area will allow One Sumter’s staff to streamline efforts to create a more effective approach to both its critical work in the community and its ability to facilitate quality, meaningful relationships with those who make the work possible—the donors.

Mims concludes, “My goal is to provide meaningful ways for citizens and businesses to support One Sumter’s mission, with a commitment to unwavering stewardship.”

For more information about the One Sumter Economic Development Foundation, please visit www.onesumter.org or contact them directly at 229.924.3042.