The Columbia Chamber will honor AT&T South Carolina President Pamela P. Lackey at the Chamber’s 116th Annual Gala, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield, on Thursday, October 4, 2018.

The Ambassador of the Year Award, sponsored by Colonial Life, is presented to a member of the community who exemplifies outstanding business ethics and has influenced positive promotion and preservation of the greater Midlands.

“The Annual Gala allows the Chamber to recognize individuals who are striving to make positive impacts in the business and local community,” said Carl Blackstone, Columbia Chamber president and CEO. “Pam has a strong passion for community outreach and educating the next generation of leaders.”

Prior to her telecommunications career, Lackey was a professional educator. She joined AT&T’s predecessor company, BellSouth, in 1997 and initially served in the business marketing group. In that role, she was instrumental in establishing the state’s first broadband network to provide high-speed Internet services to schools and libraries. She was subsequently promoted to the position of director of government relations and then named to her current position in 2007.

Out of the office, Lackey is engaged in community and civic affairs through leadership roles with numerous local and state organizations. Currently, she is a co-chair of Transform SC, a past chair of the SC State Chamber of Commerce, and a vice chair of the S.C. Ports Authority Board. Having previously served on various education and arts boards, Lackey is currently serving on the Business Partnership Foundation at USC’s Moore School of Business, the Palmetto AgriBusiness Council, Hollings Cancer Center Advisory Board, and the International African American Museum Board. She is the first female chair of the Palmetto Business Forum and the South Carolina Ports Authority.

“Colonial Life is proud to honor Pam with this year’s Ambassador of the Year Award,” Colonial Life President and CEO Tim Arnold said. “She has played numerous roles in bettering our community. Whether it be in business, arts, or education, Pam uses her skills and knowledge to make positive changes that last.”