Skip to main content

Greenville Business Magazine

The 2019 Greenville Business Magazine 50 Most Influential and the Hall of Fame

Jan 02, 2020 03:37PM ● By Chris Haire

Greenville Business Magazine celebrates another year of honoring the region's most influential people. The selection of our 50 individuals is a result of staff research and community nominations.

We are also celebrating our sixth year of selecting entrants for our Hall of Fame. This year, we're adding our new members who have continued to make a lasting impact on the Upstate.

Hall of Fame

Debbie Bell

Executive Director

S.C. Children's Theatre

For over 30 years, Debbie Bell has been leading by example, employing her whatever-it-takes attitude to ensure the South Carolina Children's Theatre (SCCT) is the very best organization it can be.   

Driven by her passion for the arts, the crux of her dedication is providing accessible theatre experiences for all the children of South Carolina. During her tenure as executive director, Bell has grown SCCT from a small community theatre to one of the premiere children's theatres in the region, serving more than 50,000 children and their families annually.

Under her leadership, a significant capital campaign went public in 2018 and construction began on SCCT's new Theatre Arts and Education Center for Children and organization headquarters. The center will be an anchor and showpiece of Greenville's West End, bringing the city's vision of a dedicated arts district to fruition.

Henry C. Harrison

CEO

American Services Inc.

Henry C. Harrison is the founder and CEO of American Services, Inc. Since making a name for himself as a leader with the South Carolina Highway Patrol, Harrison worked diligently to build a company of which he can continue to be proud. Originally known as American Security of Greenville, American Services has grown into a full-service contract services provider providing security services, staffing services, commercial janitorial services and investigative services. From participating in local and state law enforcement associations, contributing to the success of our local colleges and universities, to supporting safety programs for our children, over the years Harrison's touch can be seen and felt in so many ways.

American Security, Action Staffing and ACI Janitorial are wholly owned subsidiaries of American Services, Inc. servicing South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Virginia with over 3,000 employees. We are all proud to have Henry C. Harrison as our founder, leader, chairman of the Board and CEO. It is leadership like his that makes us excel in our service to our clients!

David Lominack

South Carolina Market President

TD Bank

David Lominack is market president of South Carolina for TD Bank, where he is responsible for commercial banking throughout the state.

Lominack joined the former Carolina First Bank in May 1997 as a management associate. Upon completion of the Management Associate program, he served in a number of roles including branch manager, commercial loan officer, private banking, and regional retail banking executive. From 2006-2010, he served as market president for the Midlands region of South Carolina. 

In 2010 Carolina First was acquired by TD Bank, and Lominack returned home to take on the role of market president for the newly formed Upstate-Midlands region. He was appointed market president of South Carolina in 2015. 

He earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Presbyterian College. He also is a graduate of the Stonier National Graduate School of Banking, Leadership Greenville and the Diversity Leadership Initiative at Furman and is a Liberty Fellow.

A stalwart community supporter, Lominack serves on numerous community boards. He currently serves on the executive committee for the S.C. Chamber of Commerce, a board member of the Peace Center and a board member of Prisma Health–Upstate Affiliate. He is the immediate past chair for United Way of Greenville County, past chair of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, and past chair of the S.C. Bankers Association. 

David and his wife Courtney reside in Greenville with their three children, Henry, James and Lynne. 

Stephen P. Navarro

President & CEO

The Furman Co.

Stephen P. Navarro is president and CEO of The Furman Co., Inc. based in Greenville, South Carolina. He oversees Furman's three operating companies that specialize in development, investment advisory services and risk management.

Navarro represents and advises corporate, institutional, and high net-worth individuals. His advisory services has extended to over 23 states and four countries. Until 2014 Steve Navarro was also owner, president and broker-in-charge of CBRE | The Furman Co., the leading brokerage and management firm in the state of South Carolina. In 2014 CBRE, Inc. acquired CBRE | The Furman Co.

His passion is the sustainable development of land, and he is involved at the leadership level with the Urban Land Institute (ULI), both at the national and state levels. Navarro became a trustee in 2008 and a member of the Board of Directors in 2013 for the global organization, now counting over 40,000 members strong. He currently serves as a governor for the ULI Foundation, and as a juror for the UILI Global Awards for Excellence. In 2013 Steve was appointed to the Clemson University's Advancement Board for Real Estate Development. He is also past vice chair and co-founder of the Board of Directors of Ten At The Top and a past member of the Board of Directors for the Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce and Furman University's Board of Advisors. 

2019 Winners

Bill Bannister

John F. Wyatt

Founders

Bannister, Wyatt & Stalvey, LLC 



Oscar W. Bannister, Jr. (Bill) founded Bannister, Wyatt & Stalvey with John F. Wyatt in 2000. Upon graduating from The Citadel, Bannister served in the U.S. Army from 1962-1965. He attended law school at the University of South Carolina and was admitted to the South Carolina bar, the U.S. District Court and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in 1969.

With over 35 years of experience, Bannister provides counsel in Criminal Law and Family Law. He has successfully tried cases throughout South Carolina, earning a listing in Best Lawyers of America for the past few decades.

John F. Wyatt, founding partner of Bannister, Wyatt & Stalvey, has been practicing law at the firm for 20 years. Wyatt attended The Citadel and served in the U.S. Army from 1967-1975. He received his juris doctor from the University of South Carolina and was admitted to the S.C. Bar in 1970 and the U.S. Court of Appeals Fourth Circuit in 1974.

For nearly two decades, Wyatt has been listed in Best Lawyers in America, and has been named a "Super Lawyers"for the past 10 years. Wyatt focuses on Real Estate and Property Law, and he has been an integral part of working with the City of Greenville on The Big Dig project.

Meghan Barp

President & CEO

United Way of Greenville County

Meghan Barp is a mission-driven strategist, community builder and advocate. She joined United Way of Greenville County as the organization's president and CEO in February 2018, having previously served as senior vice president of community impact for the Greater Twin Cities United Way in Minneapolis, Minn.

In her role leading the largest poverty-fighting organization in the Upstate, Barp collaborates with civic, business and nonprofit leaders to better address the challenges faced by nearly 60,000 people living in poverty in Greenville County and accelerate the opportunities we have as a community to help more of our neighbors achieve prosperity.

She presents regularly on philanthropy and volunteerism, and has provided expert consultation to corporations, community leaders, and nonprofits. Barp was recognized as one of Minnesota Business Journal's "40 under 40"in 2014. She proudly serves on the board of directors for both the Peace Center and the Greenville Chamber of Commerce.

Mike Baur

Chairman & CEO

ScanSource, Inc.

Mike Baur has served as CEO of ScanSource, Inc., since January 2000. In February 2019, he was appointed chairman of the Board for the company. Baur was a founding member of the six-employee team that started ScanSource in December 1992. The company experienced rapid growth from the beginning, completed its IPO in 1994, and is a Fortune 1000 company with annual sales of more than $3.8 billion. ScanSource expanded internationally beginning in 2002, and now has thousands of employees across the globe. 

Mike has served as president of the company from its inception in 1992 until 2007. He has been a member of the Board of Directors since December 1995.

Kevin Bean 

President & CEO

O'Neal, Inc.

As O'Neal's president and CEO, Kevin Bean leads an employee-owned, integrated design and construction firm active across the U.S. He joined O'Neal in 1994 as a process engineer and became president and CEO in 2005. Bean led the full integration of design and construction operations at O'Neal, a transition that enabled O'Neal's EPC delivery of complex, high-profile industrial projects. In the Upstate, O'Neal is currently delivering the Teijin carbon fiber plant in Greenwood and has a long track record with marquee industrial clients across the region.  

Bean earned a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from the Swanson School of Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh and is a registered professional engineer and licensed general contractor. He is an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Greenville. He lives in Greenville with his wife Caroline and children Madison and Harrison.

Stacy Brandon

Upstate Market President

Bank of America

Stacy Brandon is Bank of America's Upstate South Carolina market president and a senior relationship manager in the Global Commercial Bank. As market president, Brandon is Bank of America's leader in the Upstate market. She helps to meet the financial needs of individuals, families and businesses by connecting them to the right resources within Bank of America. 

Brandon also leads Bank of America's local environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments. Through our ESG efforts, she connects the bank to the interests of key constituents and the broader community while ensuring corporate social responsibility and delivering philanthropy to promote healthy, vital communities. 

She currently serves as vice chairman of the Greenville Tech Foundation Board and serves on its finance and nominating committees. Brandon has also held leadership positions with the Upstate Chapter of the American Red Cross, Greenville County March of Dimes March for Babies and Pendleton Place Children's Shelter. She has served on the boards of the S.C. Chamber of Commerce, Emmanuel's Hammer and the Upcountry History Museum. 

Jody Bryson

President & CEO

S.C. Technology and Aviation Center

Jody Bryson is the president and CEO of the South Carolina Technology and Aviation Center (SCTAC) in Greenville. He also serves as executive director of the International Transportation Innovation Center, an automotive testbed located at SCTAC. Under Bryson's leadership over the last 13 years,  SCTAC has grown to include more than 100 companies, generating an annual economic impact in excess of $2 billion. 

A native of Greenville, Bryson earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Clemson University in 1987 and a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of South Carolina in 1992.  

Bryson is actively involved with numerous economic development organizations including the Greenville Area Development Corporation, Upstate SC Alliance, the S.C. Department of Commerce, NEXT, CU-ICAR and the S.C. Aviation Association. Bryson recently completed two terms on the Greenville Tech Charter High School (GTCHS) Board of Directors, having previously served on the GTCHS Endowment Board and in various other volunteer positions with the school. In 2019, Bryson received the Charter Champion award from the GTCHS Board of Directors, the school's highest honor.  

Matthew Caldwell

Market President

Bon Secours St. Francis Health System

Matthew Caldwell joined Bon Secours in Greenville on April 29, 2019 after serving as President of Mercy Health-Springfield in Ohio since December 2016. Caldwell joined Mercy Health from Tennova Healthcare Lebanon in Lebanon, Tenn., where he served as CEO for four years. He previously served as CEO of Dallas Regional Medical Center in Texas, and has healthcare leadership experience at other Texas hospitals in varied roles, including chief operating officer, chief nursing officer and vice president of Patient Care Support. 

Caldwell holds a master's degree in healthcare administration from the University of Texas at Arlington and a bachelor's degree in nursing from Bethel College in North Newton, Kan. He started his healthcare career in nursing and has experience in critical care, recovery room, orthopedic post-operative care and as a case manager.

James P. Clements

President

Clemson University

Dr. Jim Clements has served as president of Clemson University for six years, and the value of the Tiger Paw has never been higher. Under his leadership, Clemson has developed a national championship attitude across the university and has broken records in admissions, enrollment, research funding, retention and graduation rates, diversity, private fundraising and athletic success. 

Clemson is currently undergoing the largest construction boom in the history of the university, with nearly $1 billion in new construction. During his time at Clemson, Clements has helped to raise more than $900 million dollars in private funding for the university. 

He is also a nationally recognized leader and speaker in higher education and serves on the national board of directors for the American Council on Education, the Council on Competitiveness and the Business Higher Education Forum.

Elizabeth Davis

President

Furman University

Dr. Elizabeth Davis, Furman University's 12th president, is a member of the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges' Council of Presidents, as well as the Council of Independent Colleges Board of Directors. In 2018 she received the William M. Burke Presidential Award for Excellence in Experiential Education for implementing The Furman Advantage, a distinctive vision for higher education that has received national attention.

Before coming to Furman, Davis spent 22 years at Baylor University in Texas, where she rose to the position of executive vice president and provost. She received her bachelor of Business Administration degree from Baylor and earned her doctorate from Duke University.

Jessica Donan

Office Managing Partner and US-Central Region Mobility Sector Assurance Leader

Ernst & Young LLP

Jessica Donan is a coordinating partner for public, private and private-equity-backed companies in the automotive (mobility) and advanced manufacturing sector. Her clients have included Fortune 1000 and Russell 3000 companies. In addition to her existing clients, Jessica has served a vast array of companies in multiple industries, including health care, transportation, media and technology. 

Donan is engaged in the community through her work on the Peace Center Board of Trustees and Clemson University's Advisory Board for the School of Accountancy. Additionally, she serves on the advisory committee for the Carolinas Chapter of the National Association of Corporate Directors. She is the executive sponsor in South Carolina for both the EY Entrepreneur of the Year® and EY Entrepreneurial Winning WomenTM programs, which recognize the area's most innovative business leaders.

She earned her bachelor of business administration in finance from the University of Memphis and her master's in accountancy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee, and is a member of the S.C. Association of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. She also holds an International Financial Reporting Standards accreditation and is a Certified Futurist from The Futures School. 

Ed Driggers

City Administrator

City of Greer

The landscape of the City of Greer continued to change dramatically in 2019 and strategic planning will ensure steady economic and infrastructure growth over the next several years. The city's ongoing projects share the fingerprints of one man, Greer City Administrator Ed Driggers.

As chair of the committee that developed the Greer Community Master Plan in 2015, Driggers has worked to keep the plan's goals on track while also managing the Upstate's fastest-growing city—with Greer's population growth at 6.2% according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates.

At the top of the list in 2019 has been public and private investment in Greer's central business district. Tribe 513 and Grace Church redeveloped abandoned properties adjacent to Greer City Park. Site preparation is underway for a new downtown, Hilton-branded hotel and the city's first municipal parking garage adjacent to the new hotel. Driggers has worked with Greer City Council to commit funds to the redevelopment of the Greer Center for the Arts and an adjacent park with an amphitheater and play areas. That facility enjoyed a dedication and public opening in September. He also secured approval for a complete renovation of Kids Planet, one of the most-used children's recreational facilities in the Upstate.

Perhaps the most visible project he has led is the CenterG downtown streetscape project that launched last January. It is bringing an innovative shared street design to the city's primary commercial corridor, as well as new paving, landscaping and utilities to the entire downtown district. The project is scheduled for completion by June 30, 2020.

In late November Driggers announced he intends to retire as Greer City Administrator in July 2020 after more than two decades of service to the city. 

Stephen Edgerton

President & CEO

CB Caine

Stephen Edgerton is president and CEO of CB Caine, which includes Coldwell Banker Caine and the company's related real estate divisions. More than 10 years ago, Edgerton joined Caine as chief operating officer and began evolving the then 75-year-old firm. Today the organization is known for its innovative attitude, its hundreds of high-caliber associates and its deep commitment to community.

Chairman of the Coldwell Banker Large Office Group for five years and chairman of the Board of Directors for the Metro Greenville YMCA, Edgerton's professional influence reaches beyond the workplace. He is also a member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO).

Thanks to Edgerton's philanthropic leadership, the company's Caine Cares program impacts the Upstate through programs focused on human services, animal welfare, arts, and health and wellness. These values are evident in Edgerton's own life through his personal community service efforts, including delivering to the same Meals on Wheels route for more than 10 years.

Pamela S. Evette

Lieutenant Governor 

State of South Carolina

Pamela S. Evette is the 93rd Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina and the first female Republican lieutenant governor. 

An entrepreneur and businesswoman, Evette founded Quality Business Solutions, Inc, a payroll, human resources and benefits services firm headquartered in Travelers Rest. She has been the recipient of numerous business and professional accolades, including the ATHENA Leadership Award and the Enterprising Woman of the Year Award.

Evette earned a bachelors of business administration in accounting from Cleveland State University and serves on the boards of directors of the St Francis Foundation and the National Association of Professional Employer Organizations (NAPEO). 

She lives in Travelers Rest and enjoys spending time with her husband David and their family.

 Mark Farris

President & CEO

Greenville Area Development Corporation 

Mark Farris has more than 33 years of experience in economic development in South Carolina and has assisted in company location and expansion projects totaling more than $6.4 billion of capital investment and 38,000 jobs during that time. Farris was named president and CEO of the Greenville Area Development Corporation in October 2014, where he leads the industrial and business recruitment efforts of the largest county in South Carolina. 

Since becoming GADC's CEO, the organization has announced more than $2 billion in new and expanded capital investment and more than 9,000 new jobs. Recent initiatives include the expansion of available industrial sites and speculative buildings in Greenville County, implementation of an existing industry program, and development of new web-based labor resources recruitment. Farris currently serves on the board of the United Way of Greenville County and board of directors of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce.

Jonathan Good

CEO, Broker-in-Charge, Shareholder

NAI Earle Furman

Jonathan Good oversees all aspects of NAI Earle Furman and NAI Piedmont Triad and serves as president of NAI Columbia. He leads six offices in South and North Carolina where he is responsible for the execution of the firm's strategic plan, individual and division goal setting, and implementation, as well as managing shareholder accountability.

Good joined NAI Earle Furman in January of 2000, was elected to shareholder of the firm in 2005, and was named CEO in 2011. He received his bachelor of arts from Furman University in 1997. Currently, he serves on several boards including the Greenville Housing Authority, First Baptist Church and Community Foundation of Greenville. He has also been an active member of the Young Presidents' Organization since June 2012 and is a member of the Aspen Institute's Liberty Fellowship Class of 2020.

In his role, Good's unique ability to source deals and partner like-minded teams has led to the successful operation of a firm-controlled private equity fund which is currently in its second investment cycle. He has a proven record of increasing sales for the firm throughout the Carolinas and concentrates his efforts on continuing to grow the bottom line.

 A.C. "Bo" Gossett III

President & Owner

Gossett Concrete Pipe Co.

A.C. "Bo"Gossett III has led the company to be the largest for its industry in South Carolina. He continuously betters Greenville daily through his company's work on major highway projects and with his thoughtful actions.

Gossett has a strong history of contributing to the Upstate community, donating to numerous organizations like Miracle Hill Ministries, Piedmont Women's Clinic, American Heart Association, Cancer Survivors Park, Taylors Free Medical Clinic, Clemson University and the Southeast Soccer Association. He also recently organized a team to rebuild a new basketball court for the kids at Happy Hearts Community Center. 

Gossett served as chairman of the American Concrete Pipe Association in 2016, and he is a past president of the Carolinas Concrete Pipe and Products Association. 

He is currently serving on the advisory board of the Bank of Travelers Rest. 

 Anand K. Gramopadhye

Dean, College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Science

Clemson University

Anand K. Gramopadhye serves as dean of Clemson University's largest college, the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences. He oversees 12 academic departments with 300-plus faculty members, 250 staff and an enrollment of over 7,200 students. His leadership role was highlighted by the National Science Board in fostering partnerships with industry, technical colleges, state and federal organizations as a proven way to pursue world-class research, workforce development and education, specifically in STEM  fields, while furthering the core mission of the modern, public, research land-grant university.

His focus has been to develop a high-quality, diverse and inclusive talent pool supporting the pressing engineering and computing needs of the Upstate and beyond. In the last four years under his stewardship, the college has increased the number of female graduates by 48 percent and underrepresented minority graduates by 68 percent.

Gramopadhye's research is the intersection of human-machine systems and the future of work, and has generated more than $50 million in funding, resulting in more than 300 publications. He was recognized twice by the National Academy of Engineering through the Frontiers program as one of the Top 60 engineers in the country.

He and his wife Resh live in the Riverside area of Greer. They have two sons, Neil and Arjun.

 Terry Grayson-Caprio

Managing Partner

KPMG LLP

As managing partner of KPMG LLP in South Carolina, Terry Grayson-Caprio meets regularly with key executives of the state's largest companies, sharing perspectives and solutions in today's challenging business environment. 

After working in New York City with financial services clients, Grayson-Caprio returned to her home state of South Carolina and was promoted to office managing partner in 2010. Her leadership skills, deep understanding and experience with companies operating in global business markets, and commitment to professional development, have provided opportunities in audit, tax and advisory services that grew 33% in 2019. KPMG LLP is consistently among the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For.

Grayson-Caprio's knowledge and experience working with companies in industrial markets including automotive OEMs and their suppliers, as well as consumer markets companies and health-care service providers, in matters involving financial reporting, mergers and acquisitions, trade and customs, and information technology provide the basis for sharing insights in dynamic industries. 

In addition to her professional contributions, Grayson-Caprio's love for the arts and her community are exhibited through her board positions with the S.C. Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities Foundation, the Greenville County Museum of Art, and the Winthrop University Foundation. She is a member of the United Way Tocqueville Society, the Greenville Professional Women's Forum, and the S.C. Association of Certified Public Accountants. 

 Richard Hagins

CEO

US&S, Inc. 

After serving his country for 23 years as a U.S. Naval Officer and retiring with the rank of commander, Richard Hagins followed his entrepreneurial spirit and passion for service when founding US&S, Inc., previously Universal Supplies & Services, Inc., in 2003. US&S is a facility maintenance and support service provider specializing in operations and maintenance, repairs, renovation, janitorial, grounds maintenance and professional services. 


Hagins has been a participant in the St. Francis Forum and is the 2020 chairman of the Board of Directors for the Greenville Chamber of Commerce. Previously, Hagins was appointed by the governor as a state commissioner of minority affairs. In 2007, he served on the board of the S.C. State Port Authorities (SCSPA). He was heavily involved in developing the board's five-year strategic plan. Subsequently, he was elected treasurer of the SCSPA Board and became a member of the executive committee until 2011. Recently, Hagins was named Entrepreneur Of The Year 2019 Southeast by Ernst & Young.

Additionally, he has served as programs committee chair of the Greenville Metro YMCA Board, Board of Trustees for the Blood Connection, chairman of the board for the Blood Connection and chairman of the Hillcrest Hospital Advisory Board. He has served as a board member of the Mauldin and Simpsonville Area Chambers and chairman of the American and Red Cross Armed Forces Committee. He is a Charter Member of 100 Black Men of the Upstate and a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He is also a member of the Medical University of South Carolina Foundation Board.

 Sean P. Hartness 

CEO

Hartness Construction & Hartness Development

Sean P. Hartness is CEO of Hartness Construction and Hartness Development. His current projects include Hartness, an innovative mixed-use, new urban community, and Hotel Hartness, a boutique hotel, restaurant and spa. 

In keeping with his family's roots in the packaging industry, he also recently established Motus, a robotics, automation and packaging equipment solutions company that is currently developing machines to create biodegradable and compostable commercial goods. He is committed to sustainable development, the preservation of the natural landscape, and nurturing local entrepreneurs. 

Hartness believes strongly in the importance of service. He serves or has served on the boards of the Airplane Owners and Pilots Association, Community Foundation of Greenville, Furman University, Greenville County Museum of Art, Greenville Revitalization Corporation, the Peace Center and Triple Tree Aerodrome.

Justin Hawkins

Region Bank President, Western South Carolina

Wells Fargo & Company

Justin Hawkins is the region bank president leading Wells Fargo consumer banking operations in Western South Carolina. As region bank president, Hawkins leads a team of over 625 team members in 51 bank branches. Within the 14 counties he oversees, Wells Fargo Bank holds the number one market share position in deposits at $4.28 billion. 

A 16-year company veteran, Hawkins previously served as the area president of the Upstate market. Prior to that role, he held multiple leadership positions with Wells Fargo, including financial center manager, service leader, district manager and regional sales and marketing manager for South Carolina.

Hawkins graduated from Furman University's Riley Institute of Diversity in 2010 as a Diversity Fellow. An active community leader, Hawkins serves on the board of directors for Compass of Carolina, where he works to advocate and fundraise for many of the organization's community-based programs. Additionally, he serves on the SCBA Federal Legislative Committee, working to support banking issues on both a state and federal level. 

He is also responsible for representing Wells Fargo in all aspects of the community, including philanthropic giving. In 2018, Wells Fargo donated more than $5.3 million in South Carolina to 389 nonprofits and schools through corporate and foundation giving.

 Henry Horowitz

Managing Principal

Oxford Capital Partners

Founder and Chairman Emeritus

Artisphere

Henry Horowitz has over 49 years of extensive experience in the management of start-ups and established firms in the medical and retail real estate industry. He is currently principal and managing partner of Oxford Capital Partners, a firm he co-founded in 1998. He is also a managing principal of MedProperties Holdings, a private equity fund firm based in Dallas, Texas, specializing in the ownership of medical services and healthcare facilities in 16 states.

During 2000, Horowitz was president of RealtiCorp, a commercial land investment fund specializing in low-risk arbitrage, primarily in the Southeastern area of the U.S. From 1993 to 2000, he served in various executive management roles with Insignia Financial Group Inc., one of the largest real estate companies in the world.

He is chairman of the S.C. State Arts Commission Board and chairman emeritus and founder of Artisphere, ranked as one of the top visual arts festivals in the country. Founded in 2003, Artisphere has grown to nearly 90,0000 in annual attendance and more than $9 million in economic impact. 

He holds a bachelors of business administration degree from the Bernard Baruch School of Public and Business Administration and an MBA from NYU.

 Tim Hudson

Vice President & General Manager

ITW Hartness

Tim Hudson is the vice president and general manager for ITW Hartness, a division of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW) a global Fortune 200 company. He also serves as the managing director for Hartness International Europe GmbH and has full P&L responsibility for the division globally. 

Prior to joining ITW Hudson held general management, director and various leadership positions at General Electric and Rockwell Automation.

Hudson inspires a culture of servant leadership and is a firm believer in corporations and communities rising together. He serves on the Board of the Peace Center and is on the Strategic Planning Committee for the Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies.

Hudson holds a bachelor of science in industrial engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and an MBA from Villanova University. 

He and his wife Tami have three children, and in his spare time enjoys basketball, golf and serving the community.

Robert W. Humphreys

Chairman & CEO

Delta Apparel, Inc.

Robert W. Humphreys is the chairman and CEO of Delta Apparel, Inc. He has served as chairman of our Board since 2009. Mr. Humphreys previously served Delta Apparel, Inc. as president and CEO for more than 10 years. From April 1999 until December 1999, Humphreys served as president of the Delta Apparel division of Delta Woodside Industries, Inc. In 1998, he was named vice president of finance and assistant secretary of Delta Woodside Industries, Inc. and served in that capacity until November 1999. From 1987 to May 1998, he served as president of Stevcoknit Fabrics Company, the former knit fabrics division of a subsidiary of Delta Woodside Industries, Inc. 

Humphreys has over 29 years of experience in the textile and apparel industry, including senior leadership roles in operations and finance.

 Darrell Jackson

President & CEO

Jackson Marketing, Motorsports & Events

As president and CEO of Jackson Marketing, Motorsports & Events, Darrell Jackson leads the agency's overall operations, strategic direction, long-term planning and management, and maintains senior-level client relationships. 

He has nearly 30 years of marketing experience, and under his leadership, Jackson has grown to become the second-largest agency in South Carolina with more than 160 employees and offices in both Greenville and San Diego. The agency recently consolidated its Greenville operations and expanded its local footprint with a move to a new 120,000-square-foot facility in Bridgeway Station.

Jackson is also a driving force behind Jackson's commitment to community involvement. The agency provides support and volunteers to a variety of local organizations and events, including Habitat for Humanity, the Michelin Charity Golf Tournament, Artisphere, Miracle Hill Children's Home, Good News Clubs and the Senior League Baseball World Series. Most recently, Jackson partnered with the Premier Foundation to collect and transport more than $15,000 worth of donated supplies to survivors of Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas.

He currently is a board member for Life in Abundance, a nonprofit ministry focused on strengthening communities in the Upstate, and Motorsports Ministries, which is geared toward serving the spiritual and emotional needs of the professional and amateur racing community. He has also held board of director positions with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, A Child's Haven and B.R.A.K.E.S. Teen Pro-Active Driving School. 

Jackson and his wife Alicia are also active members of Brookwood Church and volunteer their time in support of numerous community outreach programs. 

 Marjorie Jenkins

Dean & Professor of Medicine

University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Greenville

Since joining the UofSC School of Medicine-Greenville as dean and Prisma Health as chief academic officer in the Upstate, Dr. Marjorie Jenkins is already delivering on her reputation as a transformational leader in medical education and health-care delivery. 

Prior to joining the UofSC School of Medicine Greenville, she served as professor and associate dean at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, where she founded the Laura Bush Institute, a research and health education institute spanning across six campuses. Dr. Jenkins served as director of scientific and research programs for the FDA Office of Women's Health. In addition to her medical degree, she holds a degree in chemical engineering and a master of education in the health professions.

Dr. Jenkins has been honored through numerous awards such as the American Medical Women's Association Elizabeth Blackwell Award and the Johns Hopkins MEdHP Distinguished Alumni Award. She has provided expert input to media such as Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, Today and 60 Minutes and is a sought-after speaker, sharing her story which begins in a coal mining town in Appalachia followed by a stint in Washington, D.C.

 Danny Joyner

President & CEO

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices-C. Dan Joyner Co. 

Danny Joyner has lived in Greenville all his life and has worked with the company from his youth, starting in property management. He worked his way through the company doing appraisals, insurance and residential sales, and he started in the commercial division in 1996 serving as president and general manager of the commercial division. 

In his years of brokerage, Joyner oversaw numerous acquisitions including the property being used for the Kroc Center, the Historic Chamber Building and Kent Court. He became president of the C. Dan Joyner Company in 2010 and led the company through the transition to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices C. Dan Joyner, REALTORS in 2013.

Under his leadership, C. Dan Joyner, with over 425 realtors, continues to be the Upstate's market leader in residential home sales and is poised for continued growth.

 Brendan B. Kelly

Chancellor

University of South CAROLINA Upstate

Optimism, energy and a bold new vision for the future are hallmarks of Dr. Brendan B. Kelly's leadership since he became chancellor of the University of South Carolina Upstate in March 2017. Chancellor Kelly and his executive team have continued to position USC Upstate as one of the top regional comprehensive universities in the Southeast—one that continues to create life-changing opportunities for students and the communities of the Palmetto State's Upstate region and beyond.

During Dr. Kelly's tenure, USC Upstate has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as the No. 1 Top Public Regional University in the South, as the ninth-best baccalaureate college in the nation by Washington Monthly magazine, and as a College of Distinction.

Prior to joining USC Upstate, Dr. Kelly was at the University of West Florida (UWF) where he led and managed the Division of University Advancement, which included the units of University Marketing and Communications, Alumni Relations, Development, Community Engagement, University of West Florida Historic Trust and WUWF Public Media. He also served as president of the UWF Foundation, Inc., where he was responsible for activities constituting effective and trustworthy stewardship of the UWF Foundation's assets. Additionally, Dr. Kelly served as chief executive officer of the UWF Historic Trust, which is dedicated to collecting, preserving, interpreting and sharing the history of Northwest Florida. From 2000-2004, he served as assistant director of forensics and lecturer at Eastern Michigan University.

Dr. Kelly earned a doctorate degree in rhetoric and political communication from Wayne State University and a bachelor's degree in public relations and a master's degree in communication from Eastern Michigan University.

John Lummus

President & CEO

Upstate SC Alliance

As leader of an economic development organization that spans the 10-county Upstate, John Lummus is at the forefront of marketing the area to business prospects and positioning the region for continued success. 

And strong relationships drive strong regional representation. The Alliance, which celebrates its 20-year anniversary in 2020, is supported by more than 190 private companies, 10 counties and nine cities. That means key decision makers and business resources are only one touch away.

Lummus, a Wake Forest University alumnus with a master's degree from the University of South Carolina, joined the alliance in 2014. He previously served as vice president of Economic and Institutional Advancement at Tri-County Technical College and as director of the Anderson County Office of Economic Development.

 Hank McCullough

Senior Manager, Government & Community Relations

Piedmont Natural Gas

Hank McCullough oversees legislative, policy and grassroots activities relating to Piedmont Natural Gas' operations in South Carolina. He is also responsible for local government interaction within Piedmont's Upstate and Western North Carolina service areas and for coordination of the company's economic development and philanthropic efforts.In his 25 years with Piedmont, Hank has also served in sales, marketing and technical support roles.  

McCullough serves on the following boards and committees: Ten at the Top, Upstate Forever, Upstate SC Alliance, the Greenville Metropolitan Arts Council, the S.C. Technology and Aviation Center and the Spartanburg Economic Futures Group.

He holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Clemson University. He is also a graduate of Leadership Greenville Class 33, Leadership South Carolina, and has completed the Diversity Leadership Program at Furman University. He is a registered professional engineer.

 John McDonough

City Manager

City of Greenville

John McDonough assumed his duties as Greenville City Manager on August 12.  As city manager he serves as the city's chief executive officer and is responsible for leading an outstanding team of professionals in providing a broad range of city services. 

Prior to being selected as Greenville's city manager, he served for more than 13 years as city manager of Sandy Springs, Ga., the second largest city in metro-Atlanta with a population of 108,000.  McDonough was hired as Sandy Springs first city manager in late 2005 and had the unique opportunity of starting a new city. During his tenure he led the efforts to start the police and fire departments, establish a four-city E-911 system, and establish a new multi-city radio system. He also led the efforts to establish a state-of-the-art traffic management center that utilizes the latest technology to assist in improving traffic flow.  

During his tenure, Sandy Springs was widely recognized as a leader in the utilization of public-private partnerships, and McDonough served as the city's lead on the recently completed $300+ million City Springs Development, which includes a performing arts center, black box theater, full-service bar, conference center, city hall, multi-family residences, retail shops and restaurants, underground parking and an urban park. Prior to serving in Sandy Springs, McDonough served as city manager of Beaufort. 

He is a retired colonel in the United States Marine Corps Reserve, and he holds a bachelor's degree from The Citadel and a master's degree from Indiana University. He is past president of the Georgia City County Managers Association, was a long-serving board member of the Sandy Springs Perimeter Chamber of Commerce, and a former board member of the Georgia Emergency Communications Authority. 

 E. Smyth McKissick III

Chairman

Alice Company

E. Smyth McKissick III serves as chairman of Alice Company, a diversified, family-owned enterprise. Alice Company traces its roots to the textile industry and has been led by five generations of the McKissick family over the past century.

He is a Life Trustee and chairman of the Board of Clemson University. Since joining the board in 1998, he has led or served on almost every board committee. McKissick chaired both the search committee that brought President James P. Clements to the university, as well as Clemson's $1 billion Will to Lead campaign, the largest fundraising initiative in university history. McKissick has been awarded both of Clemson's highest honors, the Distinguished Service Award and the Clemson Medallion.He is a S.C. Business Hall of Fame laureate.

McKissick and his wife Martha reside in Greenville. They have a son, Smyth, and two daughters, Holly and Caroline.

 Adela Mendoza

Executive Director

Hispanic Alliance of South Carolina 

Adela Mendoza's visionary leadership as executive director of Hispanic Alliance has solidified her position on this list for a third year. Her laser focus on fostering cross-cultural partnerships and grassroots initiatives has released a cascade of collective impact and abiding progress that elevates the trajectory of our entire community.

The Student DREAMers Alliance, her trailblazing leadership accelerator for Hispanic youth, was one of six initiatives around the globe to be awarded the McNulty Prize Catalyst Fund through the Aspen Institute. Her commitment to opening doors for the diverse leaders of the future won her the 2018 Diversity Leadership Award for Outstanding Contributions in International Diversity.

 Krista L. Newkirk

President

Converse College

Krista L. Newkirk spent her early years on a cattle ranch in Missouri, before attending the University of Missouri's Honor College on scholarship. After two years, Krista transferred to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she graduated one year later in 1993 in the top 5 percent of her class with an undergraduate degree in English and a minor in philosophy. Newkirk went on to earn her juris doctor degree from the Marshall-Wythe School of Law at the College of William & Mary in 1998. While in law school, she served as editor-in-chief of the William & Mary Journal of Women and the Law and as a teaching assistant. She also received the Marshall-Wythe Gambrell Professionalism Award and was selected the Outstanding Woman Law Graduate by the National Association of Women Lawyers. 

During her time in law school, Newkirk also served as an intern at the Newport News Commonwealth Attorney's Office, where she worked with victims and witnesses, negotiated outcomes for the domestic violence unit, and prosecuted cases, including felonies.

After working for several years as an attorney in both private practice and at a Fortune 300 company, in 2003 Newkirk joined the Office of Legal Affairs at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. 

She was selected by her peers as a Legal Elite in the corporate counsel category by Business North Carolina in 2010, and she is a graduate of Leadership North Carolina's Class XIX in 2012 and has served on a number of boards, including as chair of the Education Section of the N.C. Bar Association and on the Women+Girls Research Alliance.

In 2012, Newkirk became the chief of staff at UNC Charlotte, and on April 19, 2016, she was named Converse College's tenth president.

Krista and her husband W. Lewis Glenn III have two sons, Conrad and Holden.

 Nick Nicholson

Managing Director

Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A.

Nick Nicholson has served as the managing director of Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A. since 2013. Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd is one of the largest law firms in South Carolina with more than 115 attorneys and offices in Greenville, Charleston, Columbia, Florence and Myrtle Beach.

Nicholson practices in the areas of procurement and government contracts, local government law and construction law. His clients include municipal and county governments, state agencies, higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations, business owners and contractors.

In the community, Nicholson currently serves on the board of the Meyer Center for Special Children and has previously served on the boards of the S.C. Chamber of Commerce and Public Charter School Alliance of South Carolina.

 Mark O'Halla

President & CEO

Prisma Health

In July, Mark S. O'Halla came onboard as Prisma Health's first president and CEO. He spent his first 90 days at every level of the organization engaging team members, developing strategies with the executive leadership team and learning more about the communities Prisma Health serves.

With more than 30 years of experience in senior executive roles in the health-care industry, O'Halla brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge. Since he has been at the helm, a few themes emerged, including further integrating the health company, improving the team member experience, and relentlessly pursuing perfection for patients. 

O'Halla wants to emphasize that Prisma Health is South Carolina's largest health company and no longer the two separate organizations that it was founded by. He says although there are historic identities from each organization, Prisma Health now is poised to realize its goal of improving the health of South Carolinians.

 Beth Paul

General Manager

Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Greenville Arena District

Under Beth Paul's leadership, the Bon Secours Wellness Arena continues to positively impact the community through robust programming, strategic community outreach initiatives, and over $55 million economic impact from activities of the arena. The most recent roster of nationally touring artists who played or will play the Bon Secours Wellness Arena include Michael Buble, Zac Brown Band, Paul McCartney, Chris Stapleton, James Taylor, Eric Church, Thomas Rhett, Blake Shelton, New Kids on the Block and Luke Combs, making The Well one of the most active arenas in the country. 

In addition to securing events for the arena, Paul is equally as passionate about community outreach and using the The Well as a platform to serve the community. The arena supports numerous nonprofit organizations throughout the Upstate through ticket donations, financial support, volunteerism and use of the arena. Most recently, she led the efforts to create and introduce an inclusive sensory suite at the arena for guests with disabilities to enjoy live entertainment with their families and dedicated a Habitat for Humanity home that was partially constructed at the Arena.

Recent industry awards including 2019 VenuesNow Woman of Influence, and 2019 nominee for IEBA Venue Manager of the Year.

 Richard Pennell

President & CEO

Metromont Corporation

Richard "Rick"Pennell is president and CEO of Metromont Corporation, a third-generation Greenville company founded in 1925 and one of the largest precast, prestressed concrete manufacturing facilities in the U.S. 

Through Pennell's vision and leadership, Metromont has seen tremendous growth and success and continues to shine as a leader and innovator in the precast concrete industry. He is also a leader in his community and serves as a board member for a number of non-profit organizations across Upstate South Carolina.

Pennell is a current trustee of the University of Georgia Foundation, a trustee at Converse College and a founding member of Altus Group, a partnership of precast concrete manufacturers and industry suppliers dedicated to innovation where he previously served as president and board member.

He has served as capital campaign co-chair for the Peace Center, the YMCA and the S.C. Children's Theater. 

He attended the University of Georgia, where he received his bachelor's degree in accounting. He is married to Nancy Nicholson Pennell, and they have three children.

 Carlos Phillips

President & CEO

Greenville Chamber of Commerce

Carlos Phillips began serving as president and CEO of the Greenville Chamber on March 29, 2016. Phillips brings a collaborative spirit and fresh approach to his leadership of the largest business organization in the Upstate. Under his leadership, the Greenville Chamber leads, convenes and mobilizes the business community to drive regional economic growth. 

Phillips has especially championed such efforts as attracting talent and expanding the workforce, removing barriers to workforce participation, and increasing the chamber's impact in advocating for Upstate businesses. 

He serves on the executive committee for the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. He also serves on the boards for Community Foundation of Greenville, Peace Center, United Way of Greenville County and Urban League of the Upstate. Phillips is a member of the Rotary Club of Greenville and serves as chair of the United Negro College Fund's Upstate Leadership Council and the Masked Ball.

 Chad Prashad

President & CEO

World Acceptance Corporation

Entrepreneurship and business acumen run deep in Chad Prashad, who started his first company at age 19 curating and selling unique, historic and noteworthy guitars from his college dorm room, earning him the South Carolina Collegiate Entrepreneur of the Year award. Years later with that and many other endeavors achieved, Prashad today leads Greenville-based World Acceptance Corporation as president and CEO. 

World Acceptance Corp. is one of the largest small-loan consumer finance companies in the nation, with more than 1,200 community-based branches across 16 states serving over one million customers annually. Prashad has been with the company since 2014 and has been instrumental in developing a successful business strategy, enhancing the company culture and creating an optimal customer experience. 

As a Greenville-native, Prashad is active in the community as a foster parent and on the board of directors of local nonprofits Fostering Great Ideas and The Family Effect. In 2019, in partnership with Fostering Great Ideas and Presbyterian College, Prashad and his wife spearheaded a college-bound summer camp for South Carolina high schoolers in foster care to inspire and empower the students to pursue post-secondary education. This project was completed through the Prashad's charitable foundation, CHAM Innovation Fund, with plans to expand to four colleges in 2020.

Prashad holds a bachelor of arts in political science and dual-major bachelor of science in economics and business administration from Presbyterian College and a master of arts in economics from Clemson University.

 Dharmendra J. Rama

President & CEO

Auro Hotels

D.J. Rama currently serves as president and CEO of Auro Hotels, a privately held owner, developer and manager of upscale hotels. Prior to the formation of Auro Hotels in November 2017, he served as president of JHM Hotels, a predecessor company to Auro Hotels. From 1995 until he was promoted to president in 2011, he served as JHM's director of operations.  Prior to joining JHM, he held positions with Holiday Inn Worldwide, Interstate Hotels and Marriott Corporation.

Rama has served on the Board of the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) and as co-chairman of the Owners Council of the board. He is a member of the Owners Advisory Councils of both Marriott International and Hyatt Hotels and Resorts. He also serves as president of the Cornell Hotel Society of South Carolina and as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Peace Center. 

He holds an undergraduate degree from Johnson & Wales University, a masters of management in hospitality from Cornell University, and is a 2016 graduate of the Owner/President Management (OPM) Program at Harvard Business School.

 Graham W. Rich 

CEO 

Renewable Water Resources 

As CEO of Renewable Water Resources (ReWa), the non-profit entity responsible for providing regional wastewater treatment and collection services in the Upstate of South Carolina, Graham W. Rich plays a critical role in building the area's future and protecting its environmental purity.  

Working directly with ReWa's Board of Commissioners, governmental agencies and environmental and economic development groups, Rich leads the development of comprehensive plans for projected growth throughout the Upstate, working 10-20 years out in most cases, to create an atmosphere of progress and prosperity. He oversees more than 180 employees, a nearly $98 million operating budget, and a capital program in excess of $400 million over the next five years.

Rich has 30 years of experience in water and wastewater industries and environmental engineering and offers deep expertise in strategic planning, capital financing and public consensus building. 

He holds bachelor of science and master of science degrees in civil engineering from Clemson University and is a registered professional engineer. He is also a board-certified environmental engineer from the American Society of Environmental Engineers.

John Sarvis

Chairman, President & CEO

AVX Corporation

John Sarvis is the president and CEO of Fountain Inn-based AVX, a subsidiary of the Japanese ceramics and electronics firm Kyocera Corporation. He joined AVX in 1973, according to a 2019 Kyocera shareholder's report, and was named AVX's officer of the ceramics division in 2005 and president, CEO and director in 2015. In 2016, he was named chairman of the board.

Steve Spinks

CEO

The Spinx Company

Steve Spinks serves as the chief executive officer of The Spinx Company, and his main responsibilities include overseeing finance, wholesale and real estate activities, as well as directing the executive leadership team that manages operations, marketing, human resources and technology. Previously, Spinks served The Spinx Company as president, chief financial officer, controller, director of transportation, director of construction, price analyst, territory manager and store manager. 

He completed his undergraduate degree at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tenn., and received a master's degree from Duke University. In his free time, Spinks enjoys spending time with his family, reading and traveling.

Spinks was named chairman of the S.C. Chamber of Commerce on Oct. 1, 2019.  He also has supported the Children's Museum of the Upstate, Community Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, Spinks Family Foundation, and Meals on Wheels

Bob Stegner

Senior Vice President, Marketing, North America

SYNNEX Corporation

Bob Stegner leads North American marketing efforts for SYNNEX Corporation, a Fortune 200 company with its U.S. sales and marketing headquarters in Greenville. 

With more than 30 years of experience, Stegner is one of the most recognized marketing executives in the IT industry. Locally, he is an ambassador for Greenville as a convention location. He hosts several large events in Greenville each year, bringing thousands to the city.

Stegner is also involved in SYNNEX Share the Magic, which has raised more than $10 million for four Upstate children's charities since 2011. Stegner sits on the S.C. Charities, Inc. Board and manages SYNNEX's sponsorship of the annual BMW Charity Pro-Am. 

Betty Temple

Chair & CEO

Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP

Co-Chair

Womble Bond Dickinson (International) Ltd.

Betty Temple led the 2017 combination of the U.S. firm Womble Carlyle with U.K. firm Bond Dickinson to create the transatlantic law firm of Womble Bond Dickinson. The combined firm includes more than 1,000 attorneys and 27 offices in the U.S. and U.K., including here in Greenville. In addition, Betty spearheaded the firm's expansion into new markets, including Boston, Houston and southern California. 

Temple also championed Womble Bond Dickinson's participation in the Mansfield Rule Pilot Project, which is aimed at improving diversity within the legal profession. 

She joined Womble in 1989, right out of the University of North Carolina School of Law, and has spent her entire career with the firm. A practicing corporate and securities lawyer, Temple is a two-time winner of BTI Consulting Group's Client Service All Star Award, one of only a handful of lawyers ever to receive the award on multiple occasions. These awards speak to the trust placed in her by the middle market, Fortune 500 and global companies she has helped thrive and grow.

Claude Theisen

President & CEO

T&S Brass & Bronze Works 

Claude Theisen started at T&S working summer and part-time jobs at the company, which was co-founded by his father in 1947. In 1972, he joined the sales team full-time. Twenty years later, he took the reins as president of the still family-owned company.

Theisen has shepherded T&S' growth from a primarily domestic operation to a globally recognized plumbing manufacturer, one that has been named South Carolina Manufacturer of the Year and twice been recognized as one of the best plants in North America by IndustryWeek. 

Theisen says his vision is to continue T&S' worldwide growth. That vision includes the recent announcement of a $10 million expansion project, which will add capacity and jobs to the headquarters campus in Travelers Rest.

Theisen has also supported his community through participation in educational, philanthropic and industry organizations, including having served as chair of the Greenville Tech Foundation and the George I. Theisen North Greenville Family YMCA. 

William Timmons

Congressman

South Carolina's 4th Congressional District

William Timmons entered Congress with a commitment to clean up Washington and fight for the conservative values of South Carolina's 4th District. 

His experience as a small business owner dealing with overbearing government regulations and exploding health-care costs inspired him to run for public office. As a state senator, he worked to limit government and make it more accountable to taxpayers. Timmons plans to do the same in Washington.

During his four years as a prosecutor with South Carolina's 13th Circuit Solicitor's office, Timmons made serving victims of domestic violence a top priority and helped create a centralized court for domestic violence cases in Greenville County. 

He is a lifelong member of Christ Church in Greenville. He studied law and International Studies at the University of South Carolina and serves as a first lieutenant in the S.C. Air National Guard. He also holds degrees in international affairs and political science from George Washington University. 

William was chosen by his classmates to represent the House Republican Freshman Class on the Republican Steering Committee. 

Bruce White

CEO & Chairman

Bank of Travelers Rest

Bruce White, son of bank founder John White, began working for Bank of Travelers Rest in 1968. The White family has long seen the need to provide banking services to the northern Greenville region and the necessity to reinvest funds into the communities they call home.

In his 50 years at the bank, Bruce, a Clemson graduate, has worked in every area of the institution from the teller line to his current position as CEO and chairman to the Board of Directors. Under his leadership, the bank has experienced significant growth. The bank's footprint includes 10 branches and over $730 million in assets.

While leading the expansion of Bank of Travelers Rest, White remains committed to the people and communities that have contributed largely to the bank's success. 

A civic-minded businessman, White has served in leadership roles for Boy Scouts of America, Clemson University, Greenville Area Development Corporation, Prisma Health, Mental Health America of Greenville County, and Public Education Partners. In addition to furthering the growth and development of the community bank movement, White has served in leadership positions for banking organizations on the state level.  

Sharon Wilson

President & Broker-in-Charge

Wilson Associates

Sharon Wilson is a name that has been synonymous with outstanding performance in the Greenville real estate market. Throughout her decades-long career, Wilson has received top honors locally and regionally, and is a longtime member of Who's Who in Luxury Real Estate. Motivated to create a new synergy in the Greenville real estate market, she co-founded Wilson Associates in 2014, where she now serves as president and broker-in-charge to a team of 23 full-time agents. Now in its fifth year, Wilson Associates consistently ranks among the top 10 performing real estate companies in Greenville, is a partner in Who's Who in Luxury Real Estate, and is an affiliate of the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, a referral network serving clients nationwide and globally. 

Wilson Associates actively supports local causes and charities such as Hospice House, the Cancer Society of Greenville, Gateway, Rebuild Upstate and many more. Most recently, Wilson Associates received the 2018 Business of Integrity Award for Outstanding Community Service by the Better Business Bureau of the Upstate.

A seventh-generation Greenvillian, Wilson is led to serve her hometown through a strong sense of community. She is a benefactor to Artisphere and the Greenville County Museum of Art, and is a member of the Junior League of Greenville. She was a founding Board Member for the McCall Hospice House in Simpsonville and presently serves on the Nominating Committee of the Greenville Board of Realtors.

In Memoriam

 Chris Riley

In 2019 the Greenville business community lost one of its most notable members, Chris Riley.

At the time of his passing at 53, Riley was senior vice president of First Citizens Bank, where he oversaw the commercial banking teams in Greenville, Spartanburg and Columbia. Although Riley's banking career began in North Carolina with First Citizens, he was based in Greenville for nearly half of his time in the industry, including stints at Regions Financial Corporation as the South Carolina market president and Wachovia as market president, according to his obituary. 

Riley was a long-time member of the Greenville Metropolitan Arts Council Board of Directors, and a past member of both the Greenville Chamber of Commerce and Greenville Area Development Corporation, where he served as chairman. He was also a graduate of Leadership Greenville and the Riley Institute of Diversity Leaders Initiative.