Austin Smallwood

Austin serves as Executive Director of Public Policy and Regulatory Affairs for the South Carolina Hospital Association, joining the organization in January 2026. As a member of SCHA’s advocacy team, he helps advance the Association’s legislative and regulatory priorities, serving as a registered lobbyist and providing legal and policy analysis on issues impacting South Carolina hospitals and health systems. As a licensed attorney, Austin also assists with legal drafting, regulatory review, and the development of policy strategies that support quality, accessible healthcare across the state.

Prior to joining SCHA, Austin served as Vice President of Legal Affairs and Public Policy for the South Carolina Association of REALTORS, where he led advocacy efforts on a wide range of legislative, regulatory, and legal issues affecting the real estate industry. Through that role, he worked closely with lawmakers, state agencies, industry stakeholders, and association members to advance public policy initiatives and protect industry interests.

Austin earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina Moore School of Business and a Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law.

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