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Columbia Business Monthly

Columbia's 50 Most Influential People 2024

Jan 23, 2025 12:08PM ● By Donna Walker

Columbia Hall of Fame


 Michele Abraham

State Director

South Carolina Small Business Development Centers

Michele Abraham has been the state director of the South Carolina Small Business Development Center (SC SBDC) since 2010. In this role, she oversees a network of professionals who provide consulting and training services to small businesses and entrepreneurs across South Carolina. Under her leadership, the SC SBDC has consistently received excellent ratings during national accreditations and achieved record-breaking performance levels in economic development.

Abraham has served on the board of directors of America's SBDC Association for six years, including two as chair. She has also participated in national committees and negotiated a vendor contract that provides all 63 SBDC networks access to a critical tool at an affordable cost.

Prior to her current position, Abraham held senior management roles in marketing, strategic planning, product management, business development, and sales management at private sector hi-tech companies. She has also owned two businesses herself, giving her firsthand experience in overcoming challenges faced by small business owners.

Abraham takes great pride in leading an organization that helps thousands of small business owners in South Carolina achieve their entrepreneurial dreams each year.

Her advice for someone starting out in their career is, “Work hard, believe in yourself, but soak in all you can learn from those who precede you.”

She says South Carolina’s landscape and people are its greatest assets. “We have a beautiful canvas from oceans to meadows to mountains, and our citizens are committed to working together to support each other and make it a fabulous place to live and work.”

 

 Terrance Ford

 Vice President South Carolina – External Affairs

AT&T

Terrance Ford, a 24-year veteran of AT&T and its former company Bellsouth, was appointed Vice President of AT&T South Carolina in 2023. Throughout his career, Ford has held various positions, including overseeing the installation and maintenance of advanced services like broadband in the network operations department, managing technicians, and leading economic development and community outreach efforts in Upstate South Carolina.

Originally from the Charleston area, Ford holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Webster University. He is a graduate of Leadership South Carolina and a Riley Fellow.

Ford is actively involved in the community, serving on executive boards of organizations such as the SC Chamber of Commerce, Central SC Alliance, South Carolina Technology and Aviation Center, Columbia Chamber, Central Carolina Community Foundation, United Way of the Midlands, and Columbia Urban League. He is also an active member of Greenhill Baptist Church.

Ford’s advice for someone starting their career is “be dependable and work to be the best,” and his favorite quote is “the best way to get ahead is to get started.”

 

 W. Keller Kissam

President 

Dominion Energy South Carolina

W. Keller Kissam serves as president of Dominion Energy South Carolina, overseeing the company's regulated utility operations that provide electric and natural gas services to approximately 1.2 million customer accounts across the state. Kissam joined the company, formerly known as SCANA, in 1988 and has held various leadership roles in both electric and gas operations over the years.

Prior to the merger with Dominion Energy, Kissam served in various executive roles with SCE&G. Following the merger, he assumed the role of President of Electric Operations at Dominion Energy South Carolina, before being appointed to his current position in January 2022.

Kissam is actively involved in several professional organizations, serving as a board and executive committee member for the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, as well as a board member for the South Carolina Manufacturer's Alliance, the Southeastern Electric Exchange, and the Palmetto Business Forum.

He holds a bachelor's degree from The Citadel, where he served as Regimental Commander of the South Carolina Corps of Cadets.

South Carolina’s greatest asset, Kissam said, is “our people, who are as diverse and beautiful as our geography – from the mountains to the sea. ... Its biggest challenge is our people, as well. We need to resist the national discourse of polarization. Harmony should be our absolute goal. I experienced this firsthand, yet again, with Hurricane Helene. This storm had no regard for social status or demographics as it ravaged our communities. However, the extension of patience and grace from these same communities was so universal and so humbling as we worked to restore their power.”

 

 Jim Lehman

Managing Partner

Nelson Mullins

Jim Lehman, a seasoned litigator and respected legal professional, serves as the managing partner of Nelson Mullins, a law firm boasting over 1,000 lawyers and government relations experts across 40 offices nationwide. With a focus on business litigation and professional liability matters, Lehman has established himself as a formidable advocate in the courtroom.

Lehman's exceptional contributions to the legal profession and his unwavering commitment to community service have garnered him numerous accolades, including the prestigious 2024 United Way Humanitarian of the Year award. His dedication to education and philanthropic endeavors is evident through his longstanding service on the board of Claflin University, where he has held the position of chair since 2018. Additionally, Lehman lends his expertise to the board of Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, further underscoring his commitment to improving the lives of those around him.

A graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law, Lehman distinguished himself early in his academic career as an editor of the Law Review and through his clerkship with the Federal Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. His legal prowess has taken him to the highest echelons of the judicial system, as he has argued before the United States Supreme Court. Lehman's admission to federal courts throughout the country further solidifies his reputation as a preeminent legal mind, capable of navigating the complexities of the legal landscape with unwavering professionalism and expertise.

He says South Carolina’s greatest asset is “our people.”

 

 Brenda C. Murphy

President

NAACP State Conference

Brenda C. Murphy, a resident of Columbia, South Carolina, is a passionate advocate for justice and equality. She obtained nursing degrees from the University of South Carolina and served as a nurse administrator, educator, and therapist. Murphy mentored student nurses on cultural sensitivity and compassion throughout her career.

A retired Department of Veterans Affairs nurse, she attained the rank of Major in the U.S. Army Reserves Nurse Corps.

She is an American Nurses Association SC Nurses Association member and a Charter Member of the Delta Eta Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Nursing Sorority. She was inducted into Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Sorority.

Murphy has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the NAACP Juanita Jackson Mitchell Award for Legal Activism, the U.S. Department of Justice's Director's Leadership Award, and the Columbia Urban League's Equity Leadership Honor Roll Award.

She serves on boards and committees, such as the United Way of South Carolina and the South Carolina Unitarian Universalist Justice Alliance and is a member of the American Red Cross Regional Diversity Committee.

As the first female president of the NAACP South Carolina State Conference, Murphy advocates for the organization's game-changers: Health and Well-being, Education Innovation, Race and Justice, Advocacy and Litigation, Inclusive Economy, and Next-Generation Leadership. Her mission is to "advocate for justice and equality for all people."

 

 Thomas K. Stringfellow

President & CEO

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

Thomas K. Stringfellow is president and chief executive officer of Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. With over 40 years of experience in the zoo and attractions industries, he is the third executive to lead Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in its 50-year history. For more than two decades, Stringfellow has been dedicated to ensuring the continued growth, financial success, and leadership in conservation at Riverbanks.

During his tenure as president, Riverbanks launched its vision for the future, Bridge to the Wild. This transformative makeover aims to attract tourists, boost economic impact, create jobs, and enhance livability in the community.

Stringfellow holds a bachelor's degree in business marketing from Winthrop University. He laid the foundation for his career working in operations, sales, and marketing at Paramount Parks, Inc. and Six Flags Entertainment Corporation.

He has served on the Boards for the Columbia Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau, Atlanta Convention and Tourism, and currently serves on the Board of Advisors for Palmetto Health's Camp Kemo, the River Alliance Board, and Midlands Business Leadership Group.

Stringfellow's long-term focus remains on Riverbanks' continued growth and its lasting impacts on conservation, economy, and vibrancy in the community.

He said his favorite quote comes from Abraham Lincoln: “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”

South Carolina's greatest asset, Stringfellow said, is “Southern hospitality.”


Columbia 50 Most Influential People


 Cassandra Addison

State Volunteer President

AARP South Carolina

Cassandra Addison represents more than 600,000 South Carolina AARP members and leads the state’s 200-plus volunteer corps in collaboration with the state director, state executive council and staff.

Addison works with AARP’s newest affiliate OATS (Older Adults Technology Services) to ensure that free virtual and in-person technology classes are available throughout the state. Addison became involved with AARP eight years ago as a Tax Aide volunteer in addition to volunteering with Columbia’s AARP chapter as legislative officer. She worked for more than 10 years on Capitol Hill for former New York Congressman Jack Quinn.

 



 Michael Amiridis

President

University of South Carolina

In 2022, Michael Amiridis became the 30th president of the University of South Carolina, after serving as chancellor of the University of Illinois-Chicago for seven years. Previously, Amiridis had spent more than 20 years at USC, including roles as dean of the College of Engineering and Computing and executive vice president for academic affairs and provost.

As a researcher, he has published 110 peer-reviewed articles in archival journals. Amiridis was elected a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2012 and a fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers in 2015.

 

 Allen Amsler

CEO

McCrory Construction

Allen Amsler believes in taking advantage of every opportunity to learn from teammates and colleagues. That commitment has served him well as he has led industry leader McCrory Construction for 20 years.

After graduating from the University of Florida, he joined Columbia-based McCrory in 1987 and became president and CEO in 2003. Since then, McCrory has experienced unprecedented growth in general contracting and commercial construction, operating in 13 states. Under Amsler’s leadership, McCrory expanded its services, market sectors and geographic presence. He moved into his current role as CEO in 2020.


 Jeannette Andrews

Dean and Helen Gurley Wolford Professor of Nursing

College of Nursing, University of South Carolina

With 35 years in nursing, Jeannette Andrews is recognized for her transformational leadership and scientific contributions to her field. Since coming to the University of South Carolina as dean in 2013, she had led initiatives resulting in the College of Nursing’s recognition as a national premiere college.

Since her arrival, the college has doubled in size, risen to No. 1 in Online Graduate Programs by U.S. News and World Report and achieved top 1 percent in pass rates for the Nursing Council Licensure Examination for undergraduate programs.

 

 Tom Andrews

Mayor, Forest Acres

Attorney, Andrews Law Office LLC

Tom Andrews wears two hats: He is the mayor of Forest Acres, a small city adjoining Columbia, and also is a lawyer assisting veterans in fighting for their VA benefits. As mayor, he leads a city with a deep sense of community. Forest Acres has had some recent wins in the redevelopment of the Richland Mall property, Andrews says.

In working for veterans’ VA benefits, he must address highly technical legal questions at the court level while interviewing individuals and working with medical providers to develop evidence.

 

 Shane Beamer

Head Football Coach

University of South Carolina

In his fourth season as Gamecocks football head coach, Shane Beamer is enjoying his most successful season to date.

Beamer’s 2024 team won nine regular-season games, something that has only happened five times in the university’s history. Beamer holds a 29-21 record, winning more games in his first four seasons at USC than any other coach, one more than Steve Spurrier, the school’s previous all-time winner.

A Charleston native, Beamer had been assistant coach at seven Football Bowl Subdivision schools prior to his first stint as head coach, spending four seasons as Spurrier’s assistant coach.

 

 Cynthia M. Bennett

EVP and Chief Operating Officer

South Carolina Chamber of Commerce

Cynthia M. Bennett is executive vice president and chief operating officer of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, and she oversees the Chamber’s Education and Workforce Development Foundation. In addition, she has served as chief diversity officer and VP of education.

Bennett has over 25 years of experience collaborating with schools and businesses to improve students’ academic achievement. She has served on the Education Oversight Committee, United Way of the Midlands board of directors, and SC Afterschool Alliance board. She also serves on the Chamber’s Legislative Policy team.

 

 Peyton Bryant

Managing Partner

Trinity Partners, Columbia Office

Peyton Bryant has built his career around his passion for helping people. As managing partner for Trinity Partners’ Columbia office, he is dedicated to building up the Midlands.

A full-service commercial real estate firm, Trinity Partners tailors solutions to each individual client. Bryant helps ensure the firm’s mission of providing best-in-class service is achieved. His advice: “Take inventory of everything you can control, and everything you cannot. Relentlessly pursue what you can control.” Bryant serves on the boards of the Columbia Chamber and United Way of the Midlands.

 

Michael Bundy

Chief Operating Officer

Prisma Health Midlands Market

Michael Bundy has worked in health care leadership for more than two decades, and he joined Prisma Health in 2019.

Bundy previously was senior vice president and chief operating officer at Cape Cod Healthcare in Massachusetts, and also worked in leadership roles with Wellmont Health System in Tennessee.

He is a U.S. Army veteran, having served eight years of active duty as an airborne infantry officer. Bundy earned a bachelor’s degree from West Virginia University and a Master of Business Administration from Tiffin University.

 

 M. Malissa Burnette 

Attorney

Burnette Shutt & McDaniel, PA

Malissa Burnette graduated from the USC School of Law (now the Joseph F. Rice School of Law) in 1977. She served as chief of staff for the first woman to be elected to statewide office, Lt. Governor Nancy Stevenson, 1978-1982.

In 47 years of law practice, she says she was fortunate to have played a part in changing laws so that girls in public schools can play contact sports, women can attend state-supported military schools, and same-sex couples can enjoy the fundamental right to marry.

 

 Holt Chetwood

Regional Business Executive

First Citizens Bank

Holt Chetwood has worked in the South Carolina banking industry for the past 28 years, and he believes the state’s greatest asset is “the connectivity of the people of this state.”

Now regional bank executive at First Citizens Bank, Chetwood supports retail, business and commercial banking across South Carolina. First Citizens ranks in the top 15 banks in the U.S. by asset size. Chetwood serves on many boards including the Columbia Chamber, Columbia Urban League, Central SC Alliance, and Palmetto Baseball League.

 

 Ryan Coleman

Director of Economic Development

City of Columbia

Growing Columbia’s reputation as a welcoming destination for development and investment is the focus of Ryan Coleman and his Economic Development staff.

Coleman, who took the job in October 2006, works with his team to recruit new business, support existing local businesses, assist startups and attract and retain talent.

A University of South Carolina graduate in economics, Coleman completed South Carolina Economic Developers School in 2007 and became an accredited Certified Economic Developer with the International Economic Development Council in 2012.

 Robert Dozier Jr.

President and CEO

Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union

Before the age most people finish college, Robert Dozier Jr. was already serving in a leadership role, elected to Richland School District 2 School Board at age 20 and rising quickly to board chairman, at the time the youngest in the country.

A University of South Carolina graduate, Dozier is president and CEO of Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union, a $1.3 billion financial institution that began in 1936. Earlier, Dozier was appointed to the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta and served in leadership roles there for 10 years.

 



 Bill Ellen

President and CEO

Experience ColumbiaSC

Bill Ellen spent the last 40-plus years in the hospitality and tourism industry. Ellen serves as president and CEO of Experience ColumbiaSC where he leads the overall management of the Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, and Columbia Regional Sports Council.

He serves as vice chair of the South Carolina Travel & Tourism Coalition and board member of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce. He and his wife, Jackie reside in Columbia, have three children and are members of Shandon United Methodist Church.

 


 Mike Farmer

Regional Vice President

TD Bank

Mike Farmer has been in the banking industry since 1989, much of that time in South Carolina. In 2019 he joined TD Bank, a full-service commercial bank, where he serves a regional vice president, overseeing commercial banking in the Central South Carolina markets.

Farmer earned a B.S. degree in business administration from the University of South Carolina, with concentrations in finance and marketing. Active in the community, he serves on the boards of The Cooperative Ministry and Columbia Chamber, as well as being a member of Midlands Business Leadership Group.

 

Sara Fawcett

President and CEO

United Way of the Midlands

Sara Fawcett began her leadership role with United Way of the Midlands in 2017, and in 2020 the agency received a $10 million unrestricted gift from philanthropist McKenzie Scott. Under Fawcett’s leadership, United Way has undertaken a mission to leverage this gift to create affordable housing, improve workforce development and create community change to last for generations.

Before joining United Way’s team, Fawcett was vice president of human resources for EDENS Investment Trust, supporting 265 employees in 10 offices nationally.

 

 Read Folline

Managing Director

Merrill Lynch

For Read Folline, “every day is an opportunity for growth — be passionate, stay focused and be intentional with the personal relationships you develop along the way.” Folline says he feels fortunate to have called Merrill Lynch home for the past 22 years.

He has been able to build a cohesive team to support clients’ needs. Folline says his community commitment is an extension of his passions and desire to make a difference. He has served Hammond School, the USC Board of Visitors, and Trinity Cathedral in various posts.

 


 Mark Goddard 

Shareholder

Turner Padget Graham and Laney, P.A.

Mark Goddard and his team at Turner Padget help clients navigate the complexities of running and growing businesses in the Southeast. Serving on the firm’s executive committee, Goddard has an active litigation practice.

In 2017, Goddard launched Palmetto Propeller, designed to help South Carolina’s startup and new businesses by providing practical advice and strategies. Goddard is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. He has been an assistant coach for the Hammond Varsity boys’ basketball team for the past nine years.

 

 John C. Griggs III

Regional Executive

Synovus

John C. Griggs III began his career with Synovus Bank after earning his bachelor’s in business administration from the University of South Carolina. He is also a graduate of the S.C. Bankers School and the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University.

Griggs is chair-elect for Prisma Health Midlands Foundation Board and immediate past chair of the Columbia Chamber board. Previously, he served as chair for the City Center Partnership, the Prisma Health Children’s Hospital board and the S.C. Bankers School. He is a member of the LSU School of Banking board.

 

 Michael Gula

Executive Director

Columbia Metropolitan Airport

Mike Gula was executive director of Columbia Metropolitan Airport from 2018 to 2024. He previously served as Director of Operations, Planning & Facilities for the airport.

Gula is responsible for the overall business operations, administration, human resources, financing, marketing, community relations, and much more for the Richland-Lexington Airport District and the related airport facilities.

He previously was director of operations at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport.

A graduate of Bowling Green State University, Gula maintains an Accredited Airport Executive certification from the American Association of Airport Executives.

 

 Duke Hartman

CEO and Cofounder

Integer Technologies LLC

Duke Hartman leads Integer Technologies, an applied technology research and product development company whose mission is building a safer world by developing next-generation technology for national security customers. He is responsible for managing relationships with strategic partners and government officials, as well as for overall business strategy and results.

A professional engineer, Hartman has focused on leading R&D and engineering efforts for the maritime and defense industries. He began his career working on technologies such as underwater vehicles. Before launching Integer, he was head of strategic partnerships for a growth-stage defense company.

 

 Mark Hood

President and CEO

Hood Construction

With more than four decades in the commercial construction industry, Mark Hood has run his own company for much of that time.

He founded Hood Construction, a full-service construction management firm, in 1986. He focuses on strategic analysis of the methods and means of the construction and project management process.

In the community, he served in leadership roles for Camp Cole, Hammond School, SCISA Board of Directors, Oliver Gospel Mission, and Shandon Baptist Church. Professionally, he is an active member of Carolinas AGC construction trade association.

 

 Felicia Howard

Vice President, Economic Development Strategy

Dominion Energy (retired September 2024)

Felicia Howard spent 30 years in energy, with responsibilities ranging from process improvement to gas operations to electric demand-side management. Having retired in September 2024, she worked in her last role at Dominion Energy since 2021 to bolster economic development efforts across the company’s footprint.

In 2013, Howard was named Vice President-Gas Operations in South Carolina, becoming SCANA’s first Black female officer. She oversaw sales, project engineering and system planning, construction, operations, and maintenance functions. Howard has served on the boards of the S.C. Ports Authority and the University of South Carolina’s Educational Foundation.

 

 Robert Hughes III

President and CEO

Hughes Development Corporation

Robert Hughes III is president of Hughes Development Corporation, a real estate development firm based in Greenville.

Over his 12 years at HDC, Hughes has overseen the management of HDC’s portfolio and led the development of several key projects, including the redevelopment of the Bank of America Building in downtown Greenville. Currently, HDC is serving as master development of the 181-acre BullStreet District in Columbia.

Hughes serves on the Greenville Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Greenville’s Racial Equality and Economic Mobility Commission, and the Millennial Debt Commission.

 

Anthony Jackson

CEO

Prisma Health Baptist and Baptist Parkridge Hospitals

Anthony Jackson has more than three decades of health care experience, beginning after he earned his certification as a radiology technician.

Jackson came to Prisma in 2022 from Roper St. Francis Healthcare, where he worked in various roles, including six years as senior vice president and chief operating officer. He also served as CEO for HealthSouth in Rock Hill and Columbia.

Jackson holds a bachelor’s degree from Central Wesleyan University and a master’s degree in healthcare administration from University of Findlay in Ohio.

 

Ray E. Jones

Partner and Columbia Office Development Partner

Parker Poe

As Columbia Office Development Partner for Parker Poe, Ray E. Jones provides advice and counsel to a broad spectrum of clients in matters relating to public finance, local taxation, economic development and more.

His clients include hospitals, cities, counties, school districts, investment banks, financial institutions, public housing authorities, and large to midsize corporations. He has worked on billions of dollars’ worth of bond transactions and economic development transactions across the Southeast.

Jones serves on the boards of First Community Bank of South Carolina and South Carolina Baptist Foundation.

 

 Thornton Kirby

President and CEO

South Carolina Hospital Association

Thornton Kirby is in his 20th year as president and CEO of the South Carolina Hospital Association. Kirby leads SCHA as it advocates for sound health care policies and legislation, facilitates collaboration on problem solving, finds and shares innovations and best practices, and provides data, education and business solutions to members.

Before joining SCHA, Kirby practiced law as a health care attorney and worked as a hospital executive. He has extensive experience with governing boards and served as chairman of the board of Joint Commission International, the leading accrediting body for hospitals worldwide.

 

 Montague Laffitte

Division President, South Carolina Central Region

SouthState Bank

Montague Laffitte feels fortunate to have worked at SouthState Bank his entire career, working for and alongside many mentors and friends in Columbia.

At SouthState, Laffitte works with the commercial and Premiere Private Client Group teams across the central part of the state.

Giving back and striving to make a difference are important to him, he says. He is on the University of South Carolina Board of Visitors, is president of the Terrier Club at Wofford College, and is a youth Sunday school teacher at Shandon United Methodist.

 

 Harry M. Lightsey III

Secretary of Commerce

State of South Carolina

Under Harry M. Lightsey III’s leadership, S.C. Commerce has secured some of the largest economic development deals on record. The state achieved historic recruitment in 2022 and 2023.

Key announcements were the battery materials supply chain developer Redwood Materials’ $3.5 billion investment in Berkeley County, Scout Motors’ $2 billion in Richland County and BMW Manufacturing’s $1.7 billion expansion in Spartanburg County. Lightsey leads Commerce in its mission to create economic opportunities to increase choices for all South Carolinians. Earlier in his career, Lightsey served as President of BellSouth Telecommunications for South Carolina.

 

 Hazel Livingston

Mayor

Town of Lexington

The first female mayor of the Town of Lexington, Hazel Livingston served for 25 years on town council. Her passion for parks and green spaces led to the redevelopment of Lexington’s Virginia Hylton Park. Early in her council service, Livingston played a pivotal role in shaping the town’s sign ordinance, enhancing Lexington’s charm and appeal.

She founded the Youth Ambassador Program to cultivate young leaders. Livingston works in sales and customer relations with Green Earth Services Inc. She is a member of the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center Women’s Leadership Council.

 

David Lockwood

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

Colliers International South Carolina Inc.

David Lockwood has more than 40 years of experience in real estate, and he joined Colliers in 1986. Lockwood, who served as Colliers’ Columbia market president from 1992 to 2024, began his career running the residential multiple listing service in Columbia.

He served as 2024 president of the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors, and he spent 10 years on the executive committee of the National Association of Realtors.

Lockwood has received the Realtor of the Year Award from South Carolina Realtors and its 2023 Advocate Award.

 

 Curtis Loftis

State Treasurer

State of South Carolina

Curtis Loftis is serving his fourth term as South Carolina’s state treasurer, having first been elected in 2010. In this role, he manages and invests more than $75 billion in public funds and works to ensure that South Carolina retains its credit ratings.

Loftis also administers the state’s Unclaimed Property Program, which has returned more than $365 million in unclaimed funds to South Carolinians.

He serves on the South Carolina Financial Literacy Board of Trustees and the National Debt Crisis Task Force of the State Financial Officers Foundation.

 

 James T. McLawhorn Jr.

President and CEO

Columbia Urban League

James T. McLawhorn Jr. has long been known as a public policy advocate promoting social justice, diversity and civility. He has been president and CEO of the Columbia Urban League since 1979, leading the nonprofit agency in promoting financial stability and racial inclusion in the community.

A major Urban League initiative is its programs designed to provide economic empowerment and educational opportunities for those in need.

McLawhorn has been honored with the National Urban League’s Whitney M. Young Jr. Race Relations and Equity Award. He is chairperson of the S.C. Human Affairs Commission.

 

 Matthew Medley

Chief Operations Officer

MUSC Midlands Division

During Matthew Medley’s tenure as chief operations officer, MUSC Midlands has grown services to improve health and well-being, driven economic development through job creation, and uplifted vulnerable populations through community engagement efforts.

A University of Florida graduate, Medley returned to University of Florida Health as the Business Manager for the Department of Pharmacy. Medley spent almost the next decade of his career at Mayo Clinic in Florida in several leadership roles, including Operations Manager for Cancer Services and Operations Administrator for the Departments of Orthopedic Surgery, Gynecology, and Urology.

 

 Tem Miles

Mayor

City of West Columbia

Tem Miles advises others to “work hard, stay at it and everything will fall into place.” Miles began serving on West Columbia City Council in 2013. He was elected mayor in 2019 and re-elected in 2023. Miles began his career at Southeastern Freight Lines before studying law. He served as law clerk to the Honorable Paul E. Short Jr. at the S.C. Court of Appeals.

In 2010 he entered private practice with The McKay Firm in Columbia and in 2020 started The Miles Firm LLC, where he practices civil litigation throughout the state.

 

Michael Mizeur

President and Chief Executive Officer

BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina

As president and chief executive officer of BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, Michael Mizeur leads more than 20 companies with more than 15,000 employees.

Mizeur oversees programs involved in health insurance services, the U.S. Department of Defense health program, Medicare, Medicaid and a philanthropic foundation.

He began his career at BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina in 1998 after seven years with Ernst & Young. He served in a variety of senior leadership roles and was named president and CEO in 2022.

 

 Marcus Munse and Rita Patel

Owners

Hotel Trundle

Husband and wife Marcus Munse and Rita Patel had a dream of opening a boutique hotel in the middle of Columbia, and they realized that dream in 2018 when they launched Hotel Trundle.

They describe the hotel as a unicorn because “they believe that the unicorn is a fabulous beast conceived not out of human fear but as a beautiful creation of humankind’s creative, joyful, and ever-powerful imagination.”

Hotel Trundle has since expanded and now offers The Flutter Wing, a collection of rooms in a historic space, and The Dens, a boutique collection of cottages.

 

 Ted Nissen

President and CEO

First Community Bank

With more than 40 years in the banking industry, Ted Nissen is a founding member of First Community Bank’s Executive Leadership Team, working with the team in setting the strategic direction for the bank.

First Community is the largest community bank headquartered in the Midlands. Nissen has led the commercial and retail banking teams through several market expansions. He serves the industry as treasurer and board member of the South Carolina Bankers Association. In addition, Nissen is chair of the SSBCI and SBA 7a Loan Committee of the Business Development Corp. In the community, he has served as chair and a director of the Lexington Medical Center Foundation.

 

 Dolly Patton 

Executive Director

Arts Center of Kershaw County

With a lifelong passion for the arts and community service, Dolly Patton has dedicated over 30 years to prominent nonprofit organizations.

Currently serving as executive director of the Arts Center of Kershaw County, she has experience with several Midlands-area organizations, including the Saluda Shoals Foundation, Harvest Hope Food Bank, Keep America Beautiful of SC, and Sandlapper Magazine. Since joining the Arts Center, Dolly has successfully guided its recovery from the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, revitalizing operations and securing over $1 million in funding.

 

 Dr. Brent M. Powers

SVP and System Chief Medical Officer

Lexington Medical Center

Dr. Brent M. Powers, senior vice president and chief medical officer at Lexington Medical Center, is responsible for medical staff governance of more than 1,100 providers, organizational accreditations, clinical performance improvement, value-based contracting, medical education, and the organization’s culture of care.

He has provided care for patients at Lexington Medical Center since 2004 and has served as a member of its executive team since 2009.

Powers has served on the Lexington County School District One board, the Transitions Homeless Shelter board, and the SC Hospital Association board.

 

 Doug Quackenbush

President

Quackenbush Architects + Planners

Having completed more than 400 projects in his 40-year career, Doug Quackenbush is the founding principal of Quackenbush Architects + Planners. He focuses primarily on the design of educational environments, and his projects range from elementary school libraries to wellness centers.

Quackenbush and his firm have received over 50 design awards for their work, most recently the Association for Learning Environments Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023. Quackenbush is a member of the Society of College and University Planning and past president of the S.C. chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

 Daniel Rickenmann

Mayor

City of Columbia

Daniel Rickenmann moved from Spartanburg to Columbia to attend college, and he liked it so well he never left. In fact, he decided he wanted to be Columbia’s mayor, taking office in 2022.

Rickenmann works to expand housing options, strengthen public safety, increase community cleanliness and pride, and improve the city’s customer service operations. A strong advocate for parks and green spaces, he leads efforts to create new opportunities for outdoor recreation. Before being elected mayor, Rickenmann served more than 10 years on City Council. Rickenmann has co-founded Forbidden Bourbon, a Kentucky-based company.

 

 Jeff Ruble 

Director of Economic Development

Richland County

Jeff Ruble is director of economic development for Richland County in Columbia, South Carolina. He’s served at regional, statewide, and local economic development groups for over 30 years attracting businesses to the state.

He has served as president of the South Carolina Economic Developers Association, and serves on the executive committees of the I-77 Economic Development Alliance and the Columbia USC Incubator. He is nationally accredited in civic, professional and religious groups. He and his wife have resided in Columbia for 36 years.

 

Bob Ruff

Senior Vice President, Group Voluntary Benefits

Aflac

Bob Ruff, with more than 15 years of leadership experience in the employee benefits industry, joined Aflac in 2018 as Senior Vice President of Growth Solutions. He was responsible for development and execution of growth initiatives for Aflac U.S. He moved into his current position in 2022, responsible for strategic, operational and financial aspects of the business.

Ruff is a member of the Midlands Business Leadership Group and is on the boards of EdVenture, S.C. Chamber, Central Carolina Community Foundation, and Central SC Alliance.

 

 Jesse Smith

Executive Director

Jobs & Economic Development Authority

Jesse Smith leads the Jobs & Economic Development Authority as it promotes and develops the business and economic welfare of South Carolina by assisting in financing public and private projects.

With more than 21 years in the financial services industry, Smith began his career in banking. He worked as a commercial banker with First Citizens, expanding the commercial portfolio and providing long- and short-term financial solutions.

He enjoys being involved with community organizations such as Historic Columbia and Columbia Museum of Art. He is a board member of InvestSC and the Business Development Corp.

 

 Kim Stenson 

Director

South Carolina Emergency Management Division

Kim Stenson was named director of the South Carolina Emergency Management Division of the Adjutant General’s Office in June 2013. Prior to joining SCEMD in 1998, Stenson served as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army. While in the Army, he served in a variety of assignments around the world, including combat service during the first Gulf War.

He is chairman of the State Emergency Response Commission, chairman of the Public Health Emergency Plan Committee, vice chairman of the Firefighter Mobilization Committee, and is a member of the Homeland Security Advisory Committee.

 

 Ashely Teasdel

Deputy Secretary of Commerce

State of South Carolina

Ashely Teasdel has been South Carolina’s Deputy Secretary of Commerce since November 2021. Working with Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III, she has helped lead agency efforts resulting in record-setting capital investment in South Carolina in 2022 and 2023. Teasdel works on the agency’s strategic programmatic scope, private-public collaboration, and state diplomacy to strengthen research and trade relations.

She previously directed Commerce’s Business Services division, and she led the agency’s Covid-19 statewide response. She serves as a board member for SCBIO, S.C. Economic Developers Association, and Jobs & Economic Development Authority.

 

 William "B.J." Unthank 

Director of Economic Development

City of West Columbia

Since February 2016, William “B.J.” Unthank has served as the director of economic development for the city of West Columbia. A proud West Columbia native, Unthank previously represented District 6 on the West Columbia City Council for 11 years.

A graduate of the University of South Carolina, Unthank brought to his role over three decades of experience in sales with Standard Register and Image Resource Group, which he credits with honing the skills essential to driving growth and fostering partnerships in his hometown.

 

 Rohit Verma

Dean, Darla Moore School of Business

University of South Carolina

In 2023, Rohit Verma was named dean and USC Educational Foundation Distinguished Professor at the Darla Moore School of Business. Before coming to USC, Verma served as Founding Provost and Chief Academic Officer for VinUniversity in Hanoi, Vietnam, established in collaboration with Cornell University and the University of Pennsylvania.

Earlier, he held leadership roles at Cornell’s S.C. Johnson College of Business and the University of Utah, as well as teaching at DePaul University. His awards include Fellow of the Production and Operations Management Society and Decision Sciences Institute.

 

Bradley Wright

Managing Partner

Burr & Forman LLP

Bradley Wright is the managing partner for Burr & Forman’s Columbia office, and his law practice focuses on governmental and corporate matters. He advises clients on merger and acquisition issues, including asset purchase and stock purchase transactions.

Wright represents clients in legal proceedings in the South Carolina Supreme Court, S.C. Court of Appeals, and South Carolina Circuit Courts.

He previously served as general counsel and chief of staff to the Office of the Speaker of the House in the S.C. House of Representatives.