Senate committee refers Baron Irvin Jr. favorably for JEDA seat

Baron Irvin Jr. was screened and referred favorably by the Senate Labor, Commerce and Industry committee for an initial appointment to the Seventh Congressional District seat on the South Carolina Jobs and Economic Development Authority, with a term cited in the hearing as commencing 07/27/2024 and expiring 07/27/2027.

In his remarks to the committee, Irvin described himself as a “lifelong resident” of Florence who has “spent the last 32 years, as an owner of a small business” and who now does consulting and property-management work for a private foundation. The committee’s staff reported that Irvin’s personal data questionnaire, statement of economic interest form, SLED background check, credit report and driving record had been received and reviewed.

Committee members offered endorsements on the record. Sen. Rick Locke said he had known Irvin and praised his work in Florence; other members likewise described Irvin as having played a role in local economic development. Sen. Reichenbach moved a favorable recommendation, and Sen. Williams seconded. The committee chair called the vote and the ayes carried; the transcript records a favorable referral but does not include a roll-call tally.

The committee’s action is a referral to the full Senate for consideration. No statutory objections or conflicts were raised during the screening. The committee did not identify any pending investigations, tax liens, bankruptcies or ethics actions against Irvin; he responded “No, ma’am” to the screening questions about each item. He also affirmed understanding of the obligations of the JEDA board.