David Nelems - Director of Special Projects
David Nelems now serves as the Director of Special Projects at the Don Ryan Center for Innovation (DRCI), where he is leading high-impact initiatives in artificial intelligence, economic development for the Town of Bluffton, and other strategic efforts as directed by Town Council and the Town Manager. In this new role, David is combining his deep technical background and entrepreneurial mindset to help position Bluffton at the forefront of innovation and future-ready growth.
David recently concluded a nine-year tenure as CEO of the DRCI, a role in which he helped guide more than 300 companies through various stages of startup and expansion. Under his leadership, the Center became a launchpad for some of Bluffton’s most successful local businesses, offering mentorship, resources, and growth opportunities to entrepreneurs across the Lowcountry.
This was David’s second time at the helm of DRCI—he previously served as Executive Director and CEO from 2012 to 2018, before briefly leaving to support a startup on a short-term contract. He returned in early 2020 and continued to expand the Center’s reach and impact through 2025.
A serial entrepreneur, David has been involved in four different startups with four successful exits. He was the founder and president of ActiveGroup, a trailblazing firm that delivered video-streaming services to the marketing research industry. The company enabled Fortune 500 clients to observe focus groups from 450 locations worldwide in real-time—eliminating the need for on-site travel. He grew ActiveGroup into a multi-million-dollar enterprise before selling it in 2007.
David’s multifaceted career also includes time as a pilot for Delta Air Elite and as a touring rock band keyboardist. He holds a degree in Human Relations and Aviation Management from Georgia State University.
In his current role, David continues to champion innovation while focusing on emerging technologies and strategic growth for Bluffton’s future.