Liberty Fellowship announces the appointment of Dr. Christine Crawford as president and CEO beginning January 22. She brings to the position more than 15 years of business leadership, a passion for developing people, and a longstanding commitment to making South Carolina a better place for all citizens.

Dr. Crawford holds a doctor of science degree in Epidemiology from Harvard University and a bachelor of science degree from Spelman College. She returned to South Carolina in 2003 to lead D&G Management in North Augusta, becoming the second-generation female leader of a family-owned business. In this capacity, Dr. Crawford expanded the business to include over 300 employees and seven McDonald’s restaurants. She assumed leadership roles within McDonald’s worldwide network and as Diversity and Inclusion Chair for Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) Southern 7 Chapter. Dr. Crawford is a member of the Mayor’s Monument Committee in North Augusta and on the board of Cyberwoven, a digital agency in Columbia, S.C. specializing in web design and development. Dr. Crawford is also a Liberty Fellow.

“Dr. Crawford’s unique blend of scientific training, business acumen, community and corporate leadership brings to Liberty Fellowship a dynamic and adaptable leader,” said Liberty Fellowship Board Chair Julie Medich. “Her intellect and warmth are coupled with a true passion for effecting positive change in South Carolina. As a collaborative leader, Dr. Crawford will expand connections and conversations within, and ultimately solutions for, our State.”  

Liberty Fellowship is an incubator of exemplary leadership in South Carolina. Launched in 2003 as a collaboration of co-founders Anna Kate and Hayne Hipp, Wofford College and The Aspen Institute, Liberty Fellowship today is a vibrant network of over 310 Fellows across South Carolina. Members of the Aspen Global Leadership Network, Fellows reflect the rich diversity of South Carolinians, develop as values-based leaders open to collaboration and civil discourse, and make a lifelong commitment to use their creativity, network, and energy to move South Carolina forward.

“The opportunity to serve and grow this dynamic, impactful network of leaders in South Carolina is truly humbling,” said Crawford. “It was an honor to have been selected as a Liberty Fellow in 2015, life-changing to participate in the program, and now a privilege to lead the organization at this important moment in its history. My ultimate aim is to ensure our Fellows leading in such diverse fields as healthcare, education, law, business, public service and the arts are the best equipped and connected leaders for advancing South Carolina.” 

Liberty Fellowship co-founder Hayne Hipp commented, “Liberty Fellowship’s success depends upon a synergy of leadership involving the Fellows and the president. Christine follows two strong leaders in Jennie Johnson and Luanne Runge. As a broad-based, strategic thinker with tactical management skills and strong relationships across the State, Christine is an exciting and appropriate new president for the organization.” 

For more about Liberty Fellowship visit www.libertyfellowshipsc.org/about.