SC AEROSPACE - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Director of Aerospace Initiatives
- Director of Strategy and Communications
As Director of Strategy and Communications, Adrianne assists in the long term strategic planning for the Council and manages communications and marketing for the Council and each of its statewide clusters, programs and initiatives.
Adrianne joined the SC Council on Competitiveness in March 2017 as Director of Aerospace Initiatives. Prior to coming to the Council, Adrianne was Program Manager for the University of South Carolina McNAIR Center for Aerospace Innovation and Research. She was an integral part of the strategic design and build out of the McNAIR Center, which focuses on key areas in advanced composite materials and manufacturing to support the aerospace cluster.
Adrianne is a graduate of the University of South Carolina Moore School of Business. She is certified by the University of South Carolina in Research Administration. Adrianne currently serves on the Challenger Learning Center Foundation Advisory Board, the University of South Carolina Darla Moore School of Business Alumni Board, and the South Carolina District Export Council.
Job Titles:
- Communications Coordinator
- Communications Coordinator for SC Competes
Alex Albrecht is the Communications Coordinator for SC Competes. Alex's background includes international business & marketing initiatives, including roles in branding, outbound marketing, communications, and public relations. His role at SC Competes involves social media management, copywriting, web editing, and strategic communication.
Alex has a bachelor of science degree in Integrated Marketing Communication from Winthrop University in 2013 and was born and raised in the Midlands. He currently resides in Greenville with his wife, Morgan, and cat, Inky, and dog, Otter.
Job Titles:
- Creative Communications Specialist
- SC Competes As the Creative Communications Specialist
Amanda was born in New Bern, North Carolina, and later moved to the Columbia area at a young age. She attended Spring Valley High School and continued her education at the University of South Carolina where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communications with a minor in Spanish in 2019.
Amanda Campbell serves SC Competes as the Creative Communications Specialist after having served as the Communications Intern from November 2017 - . Specializing in visual communications, she focuses her passion on graphic design, videography, photography, motion design and other forms of creative media.
In her free time, she enjoys taking road trips to new places and connecting with people through food and live music. Amanda also loves exploring new hiking trails in the mountains of North Carolina and finding creative inspiration within nature.
Amy earned her BS of Industrial Engineering from Clemson University while participating in the Cooperative Education program with companies like AFL Telecommunications and Milliken. For the first several years of her career Amy was an Industrial Engineering Project Manager designing eCommerce fulfilment centers for Walmart.com and traveled the country to start up 5 new locations. As a change of pace, Amy joined the 120 year old Manufacturing company, Crayola. As part of the Continuous Improvement team, Amy worked with teams in Manufacturing, Logistics, and Supply Chain departments to implement Lean Six Sigma best practices. For the past 5 years, Amy has worked for Sunland Logistics Solutions. Sunland is headquartered in Simpsonville, SC and was recently recognized as the 6th fastest growing company in South Carolina. As a part of that role, Amy worked with 100+ clients to design warehouse solutions. This year she is very honored to be included in the SC Port Ambassador Program.
Amy is also passionate about community involvement serving on the Clemson Women's Alumni Council and volunteering with the Junior League of Greenville. She looks forward to bringing a blend of her career experiences and passions to serve South Carolina in her new role as Director of Logistics with the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness.
Job Titles:
- Director of State and Local Government Operations, Boeing South Carolina
Job Titles:
- Industrial Development Manager, Norfolk Southern
Brian is currently responsible for managing all economic development efforts for Norfolk Southern in the state of South Carolina. He assists the state and many regional and county level economic development teams to assist in the location of rail served industries along Norfolk Southern's lines. To this end, he is involved in developing greenfield locations for sites and industrial parks and in the active recruitment and management of projects from their inception through construction and activation.
He joined NS in 1998 after graduating from Clemson University. He has 19 years of experience at Norfolk Southern working in the automotive group managing inbound and outbound logistics projects with the large automotive manufacturers. He also spent time as a supply chain management consultant for Modalgistics, Norfolk Southern's supply chain management and optimization consultancy. While working at NS Brian obtained an MBA in 2005 from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA. Brian is a 2009 graduate of Leadership South Carolina, former board member of the South Carolina Economic Developers Association and current board member of Southeastern Devel. He currently resides in Columbia, SC
Job Titles:
- Senior Program Manager
- SC Competes As Senior Program Manager
Callie serves SC Competes as Senior Program Manager. She was born and raised in Anderson, South Carolina. She graduated with honors from Presbyterian College in 2009, earning a B.A. in Political Science, and attended law school at the Charleston School of Law.
After graduating and being admitted to the South Carolina Bar in November 2012, Callie worked as law clerk to The Honorable John C. Hayes, III in York, South Carolina, and The Honorable R. Lawton McIntosh in Anderson, South Carolina. She then went into private practice with the Shannon Jones Law Firm in Charleston, South Carolina. She has worked as a Business Development Manager for Allstate for the last four years.
Callie lives in Columbia, South Carolina and in her spare time, enjoys seeing live music, baking, and spending time with friends and her Springer Spaniel George.
Job Titles:
- Member of the SC Aerospace Advisory Board
- Senior Advisor to Coordinating Council for Workforce Development ( CCWD ), SC Dep'T of Employment & Workforce
Job Titles:
- Chairman & CEO, Fusion Cyber
Job Titles:
- Director of Business Development at SEKISUI Aerospace Corporation
Darren Friberg is currently the Director of Business Development at SEKISUI Aerospace Corporation in Atlanta, GA. Though based in Georgia, he and SEKISUI support the Boeing 787 program with environmental control ducting as well as parts for the Boeing Interiors Responsibility Center, making him an integral part of the South Carolina aerospace supply chain.
Mr. Friberg has over 25 years of industry experience including engineering, logistics and distribution, new product development, and business development. Prior to joining SEKISUI, Mr. Friberg was the Director of Business Development, Smart Tooling with Spintech and has served as the Director of Business Development at TIGHITCO, South Carolina as well.
Mr. Friberg started his career as an aerospace engineer at McDonnell Douglas holding positions of increasing responsibility from engineering to business development at The Boeing Company and gained wide experience in all areas of aircraft, systems, structures, composites, propulsion, and production methods. Subsequently,
Mr. Friberg used his engineering background to help develop innovative and cost-effective solutions for his customers, and has lead sales and business development teams at companies including: TRW Lucas Aerospace cargo systems division; AmSafe Bridport, a leading cargo restraint and engineering textiles company; and, The Gill Corporation, a leading supplier of composites panels and honeycomb core.
Mr. Friberg holds a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering and mechanics from the University of Minnesota and a master's degree in business administration from Pepperdine University.
Job Titles:
- President / CEO, GSP International Airport
David N. Edwards, Jr., has over twenty-five years' experience in airport management with strong credentials in the areas of business development, properties, governmental affairs, operations, and international marketing. Mr. Edwards has served as the President/CEO of the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District since July 2009. He is responsible for the overall administration and development of the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP). Under his leadership, the airport was successful in securing air service with Southwest Airlines. He has also been responsible for establishing and implementing a Terminal Renovation/Modernization Program for GSP which will result in the investment of $125 million in the terminal between 2012 and 2017.
Immediately prior to relocating to Greenville-Spartanburg, Mr. Edwards served as the Airport Director of the Asheville Regional Airport Authority for almost six years. Under his leadership, the Airport Authority successfully implemented and/or completed over $60 million in capital improvements and improved air service, including securing the airport's first low fare carrier. Mr. Edwards also served as the Executive Director of the Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority. He spent twelve years with the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority and started his aviation career with the Dade County Aviation Department. Mr. Edwards is a Past Chairman of the Board for Airports Council InternationalNorth America (ACI-NA), is a past Board of Director for ACI World, and is past Chairman of the Small Airports Committee for ACI-NA. He has served as President of the North Carolina Airports Association and is a past President of the Southeast Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives. He also serves on Boards of the Greer Development Corporation, Gibbs Cancer Center, Upstate SC Alliance, Greenville Chamber, VisitGreenvilleSC, and Spartanburg CVB. He is an Accredited Airport Executive by the American Association of Airport Executives. Mr. Edwards holds a bachelor's degree in Aviation Management from the Florida Institute of Technology.
Job Titles:
- President / CEO, Alliance Consulting
Deepal S. Eliatamby, P.E., SCCED, F.ASCE, a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and President of Alliance Consulting Engineers in Columbia, South Carolina, was recently elevated to the membership level of "Fellow" within the Society. The Fellow designation is considered one of the most esteemed honors that Civil Engineers can receive from their peers. Fewer than 6% of ASCE members hold the title of Fellow.
Mr. Eliatamby is recognized for his genuine dedication to the profession, his community, and engineering students of the future. Mr. Eliatamby, who graduated with Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Civil Engineering from the University of South Carolina (USC), has over 17 years of engineering practice and experience. His projects span a wide spectrum of expertise including land planning and site design; industrial park master planning and development; industrial and commercial site development; stormwater management; solid waste management; and municipal water and wastewater system improvements. Mr. Eliatamby is currently the President of the South Carolina Economic Developers Association in addition to serving on many local, state and national committees of ASCE and other professional organizations including NSPE, APWA and others. For his tireless dedication to his profession and to the community, Mr. Eliatamby has come to be regarded as "one of the hardest working professionals in the Midlands."
Many awards have recognized Mr. Eliatamby's contributions to the field, including being listed as one of the "Top 20 Under 40 Business Leaders", by the State newspaper; and being awarded the prestigious Edmund Friedman Young Civil Engineer of the Year Award from ASCE in 1999. Mr. Eliatamby remains a very active alumnus of USC through alumni committees, as well as directly mentoring engineering students, funding scholarships and serving on advisory boards.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of Board of Directors, South Carolina Research Authority ( SCRA )
Job Titles:
- Founder & Attorney, Kim & Lahey Law Firm
Dr. Arunachalam Lakshminarayanan comes with 15 years of experience in the alternative energy space from both - industry and academia. With a firm belief in sustainable energy, he strives to strike a balance between technology, business and economics.
With a wide range of experience in leading teams, business strategy, project management, he is keen to help reshape the aviation industry towards sustainability & electrification with UAM, AAM and eVTOLs by engaging the industry, academia and local communities.
Job Titles:
- Associate Dean
- Associate Dean for Research in the College of Engineering and Computing at the University of South Carolina
Dr. Paul Ziehl is the Associate Dean for Research in the College of Engineering and Computing at the University of South Carolina, where he serves to understand and align capabilities of the faculty and the research enterprise of the College. He is a professor of structural engineering in the Departments of Mechanical and Civil and Environmental Engineering.
Dr. Ziehl has experience in the management of and interest in joint venture projects involving multiple universities and industrial collaborators. He has served as the Principal Investigator at the University of South Carolina for a four-year NIST-sponsored joint venture project for edge analytics and development of a commercially deployed wireless structural prognosis system.
Dr. Ziehl conducts research in aerospace composites and related structural systems. In this capacity, he has conducted multiple investigations for the Department of Defense in collaboration with Texas Research International for a real-time in flight evaluation system, contributed to the development of a flight ready monitoring system for thermoplastic aircraft control surfaces, and developed evaluation procedures for progressive damage caused by Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) defects through the NASA sponsored Advanced Composites Consortium. Dr. Ziehl contributes to the development of high-pressure composite overwrapped hydrogen vessels through his work on the ASME BPV Code, where he serves as a voting member. His research lies at the intersection of data driven experimental approaches informed with machine learning and physics-based numerical simulations.
Dr. Peggy Torrey has served as Director of TransformSC since 2014. Peggy began her career in education as a middle school counselor in Richland School District One before obtaining her Ph.D. in Educational Research and Psychology from the University of South Carolina. She then joined the SC Department of Education where she co-managed the development and implementation of a new statewide teacher evaluation system.
When her family relocated to Georgia, Peggy served as the chief executive and operating officer of the Georgia Standards Commission - the cabinet agency responsible for state accreditation of all GA educator preparation programs and educator licensing. When Dr. Torrey's family returned to South Carolina, she was tapped by the SC Chamber of Commerce to serve as Associate Vice President of Education Policy.
Most recently, Peggy served as the Executive Director of Carolina Children's Home. She joined the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness as the Director of TransformSC in March and recently became the Director of Education and Workforce Initiatives in June. Her husband, David, is a Presbyterian minister. They have one daughter, Beth, who is a law professor at the University of Georgia.
Job Titles:
- Executive VP, Customer Solutions, Sunland Logistics
Elijah Ray has over 25 years dedicated to the field of Logistics and Supply Chain Management with a focus on operations excellence, quality, and customer relationship development. Elijah served as CSCMP President from 2003-2004 and has worked with numerous companies such as Bausch & Lomb Distribution, Walmart, and Standard Corporation/ UTi. He deployed quality strategies and led the sales efforts that ultimately grew an organization from a fifty million dollar company to a three hundred million dollar company from 1992 to 2010.
He has achieved a Six Sigma Master Black Belt, completed ASQ Certified Quality Manager training, and earned a B.S. Degree in Political Science from Presbyterian College and a Master of Divinity from Erskine Theological Seminary. He has been recognized in the industry as a leader in quality and for his ability to develop a culture of continuous improvement within organizations. In 2013 Elijah joined Sunland Logistics Solutions, Inc. As Chief Customer Officer, he is focused on growing Sunland from a regional 3PL to a national provider.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Sales for the Advanced Materials Group of Re
- Vice President of Sales, Advanced Materials Re
Eric Smith is the Vice President of Sales for the Advanced Materials Group of Re:Build Manufacturing in Rock Hill, SC. He has 15+ years experience in sales and marketing in the advanced materials sector and has held sales leadership roles with PPG Industries, Saertex USA, and Hexcel Corporation. He has served in multiple leadership roles with the Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering. Eric holds a Bachelor of Arts from Allegheny College.
Job Titles:
- Partner, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Member of the SC Aerospace Advisory Board
- Chairman / General Counsel, a & P Technology
- Director of Aerospace Sales
Don Myers is the Director of Aerospace Sales & Marketing at Toray Composite Materials America, Inc. Don has been with Toray since 2010 and is responsible for leading the management of their commercial aerospace unit. His primary roles include the integration of new aerospace programs, program management, long range business planning and marketing strategies in the aerospace sector, as well as global customer support strategy. During his time at Toray, Don has led the team responsible for developing the architecture to support Toray's global prepreg demand in the Boeing Commercial Aircraft programs.
Prior to joining Toray Composites (America) Inc., he worked in the corporate and general aviation industry as a source consultant and in rotary and fixed wing acquisitions. Don is a prior military aviator and has extensive experience with commercial, military, and corporate aircraft operations, sales and finance, supply chain management, and Federal Aviation Regulations.
Don is originally from Columbia, South Carolina, but his military and professional career have moved him across the U.S. a number of times. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Professional Aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and in 2012 completed Advanced Certifications for Senior Executives at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Don lives in the Puget Sound area of Washington State and enjoys flying, hiking, mountain biking, snowboarding, and college football.
Nancy Rogers has over 27 years in various areas of logistics and supply chain. She has worked in the electronics industry, tire industry, as well as education. She has been with Michelin North America for over a year, and was indirect through a subsidiary for just under 13 years. Nancy holds a current role with Michelin as their Logistics Strategy Manager. In her role she leads continuous improvement projects which focus on service to the customer, asset utilization, and network optimization.
After growing up all over the United States (OH, OR, MN, TN), SC has been home for her adult life. She is C.P.M. Lifetime certified, and holds a Masters in Operations Management from the University of Arkansas. She and her husband, who also works for Michelin, have two adult children.
Job Titles:
- Director of Technology
- Director - SC Tech
Jamie DeMent is the Director of Technology Initiatives/SC Tech at the SC Council on Competitiveness. Jamie works to connect, and strengthen South Carolina's technology sector and cyber ecosystem (collectively, "Tech-Cyber") to accelerate growth and innovation in the state's Tech-Cyber cluster, both within its stand-alone sector and its engagement with other signature SC Competes industry clusters.
Throughout her diverse background ranging from e-commerce to event coordinator and now communication strategist and business developer, two things have always been prevalent: storytelling and relationships. A tenure in marketing Jamie has launched new websites, grown digital footprints, and connected hundreds of people and businesses building lasting relationships that have helped cultivate strong competitiveness strategies.
Jamie is an Honorary Commander with Joint Base Charleston and sits on the Board for Palmetto Goodwill. She also is a 2022 Riley Fellow - Diversity Leaders Initiative Graduate and a 2019 Forty Under 40 Award winner, recognized for her success and community involvement in the Charleston region.
A native of West Virginia, Jamie began to fall in love with South Carolina when attending Clemson University where she earned a B.A. in Communication Studies. She currently lives in Mount Pleasant with her husband, son and two dogs. Jamie loves camping, the Clemson Tigers, Steelers, and photographing Charleston's natural beauty.
Job Titles:
- President, Champion Aerospace
With 15 years of experience in the aerospace industry, Jason Marlin brings extensive first hand aerospace manufacturing experience to the SC Aerospace Advisory Board. Jason is the President of Champion Aerospace, which is located in Liberty, SC, and has held Director level positions at aerospace companies located in the New York, Chicago and Philadelphia areas. He has a passion for aviation, technology and personnel development.
Like many children, I was always amazed with the power of flight and had a desire to be part of it. The aerospace industry is a growth industry that embraces new technologies, which made it a great opportunity for professional growth.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, CapGemini
Job Titles:
- Senior Executive Adviser, Cogdell Spencer ERDMAN Former CEO, Edens
Job Titles:
- SCPA in 2017 As Senior Vice President of External Affairs
- Senior Vice President, Community Engagement and Secretary to the Board, SC Ports Authority
As Senior Vice President of Community Engagement and Secretary to the Board. Ms. Yarborough leads the organization's local government relations efforts, oversees the Port Ambassadors business leadership program, manages relationships with SCPA's community partners, oversees the Community Giving Program and represents the Port on multiple boards. She also serves as Secretary to the SCPA Board, acting as the agency's liaison and coordinating Board matters.
Ms. Yarborough joined SCPA in 2017 as Senior Vice President of External Affairs, overseeing government, public and community relations.
Ms. Yarborough has more than 20 years of experience in the government relations field, lobbying and managing lobbyists on both the state and multi-state levels. Prior to joining SCPA, she directed government affairs efforts in the Southeast region on behalf of Check Into Cash Inc. She was a partner with The Yarborough Group from 2005 until 2011. From 1998 until 2005, she served as Director of Government Relations for Roper St. Francis Healthcare, where she managed legislative and regulatory communications for the healthcare system.
Ms. Yarborough currently serves on the South Carolina Automotive Council Board, the SC International Trade Conference Board, the Propeller Club Board, the South Carolina Logistics Council, and the MUSC Storm Eye Institute Advisory Board. She is also a Riley Institute Diversity Leadership graduate.
Ms. Yarborough holds a bachelor's degree in Human Ecology from the University of Tennessee.
Job Titles:
- General Manager of Material & Transport Control
- Manager Material Control & Supply Assurance, BMW Manufacturing
As General Manager of Material & Transport Control, Delivery Assurance at BMW Manufacturing Co. in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Julia Fuchs overseas the supply chain for BMW Manufacturing Co. and the supply chain from the supplier network in US and Mexico to the BMW network in Asia and Africa.
Born in Cologne, Germany, Julia Fuchs moved to South Carolina in 2006. Mrs. Fuchs joined BMW in 2007 and held several management roles in supply chain management and project management at BMW Manufacturing Co. in Spartanburg and at BMW Group in Munich, Germany.
Job Titles:
- Deputy Director, SC Department of Commerce
Julie joined the SC Department of Commerce Office of Innovation in February of 2020 primarily for the purpose of running the Relentless Challenge grant program. Originally from New York, Julie started her career in advertising with Gannett Newspapers. Seeing the future was not in print, but rather in the young, new world of the internet, Julie took the leap to work for AOL. Starting back in AOL's CD days and rising through the ranks was thrilling as the entrepreneurial spirit at AOL was everywhere! Each day there were so many new people joining the company and so many new product innovations. From kick-starting the first paid online advertising program at AOL to working in strategy, account service and project management, Julie has worked with an incredible mix of clients including Dell, Johnson & Johnson, Pepsi, Verizon and even the group Metallica. In addition to AOL, Julie worked with marketing companies developing high-impact advertising and promotional programs that often exceeded customer engagement and acquisition goals. Julie brings her experience to the Department of Commerce to help support South Carolina's efforts in its relentless pursuit of transformational ideas.
The idea that Julie can be a part of the Office of Innovation's efforts to mobilizes the dynamic flow of resources and information among people, industries and institutions for the prosperity of South Carolina citizens is what drew her to the position of Grants Administrator. She very much looks forward to starting each day with the prospect of being able to help innovators, and the organizations that support them, move closer to achieving their goals. Julie's goal is to uncover new opportunities and collaborations that continue to grow South Carolina's innovation ecosystem.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of National Sales & Logistics, Southeastern Freight Lines
Keith Huggins has been employed by Southeastern Freight Lines, Inc. in Columbia, SC for over 30 years. As Vice President of National Sales & Logistics, he not only supports a team of 16 National Account Managers and Business Development Managers, but personally manages several of the company's largest client relationships. Keith earned a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Business Administration from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina. He has recently served on the Boards of Directors for Harvest Hope Food Bank, The Transportation Marketing and Sales Association, and the Southeastern Warehouse Association. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for SC Logistics for the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness. Keith also serves as an Adjunct Professor at The University of South Carolina's Darla Moore School of Business where he teaches a course on Selling Strategies and Negotiating to senior Business and International Business majors. The Darla Moore School offers the #1 undergraduate and MBA in International Business in the country. Away from his professional obligations, he is married to Laura and together they have 3 girls, the eldest attending the Clemson University and the middle daughter attending the University of Georgia. Their youngest attends high school in their hometown of Chapin, SC where Laura also owns a successful law practice.
Job Titles:
- President & Chief Executive Officer, TIGHITCO
Mr. Rusterholz as President & CEO has overall responsibility and accountability for the execution performance of TIGHITCO across all elements of its business model. This is inclusive of the three divisions: AeroStructures, Insulation Products, and Overhaul Support Services. Mr. Rusterholz has joined TIGHITCO in early 2019 with over 35 years of experience across a wide range of industries and disciplines having demonstrated transformational leadership skills with a proven track record of developing and implementing strategies that bring rapid and sustained value. Prior to joining TIGHITCO, Mr. Rusterholz has served in executive leadership positions with such organizations as Unitech Aerospace, B/E Aerospace and Allied Signal. Mr. Rusterholz holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marine/Mechanical Engineering from the United States Merchant Marine Academy, a Master of Business Administration from the University of New Haven, and multiple Professional Development Programs from the Kellogg School of Management, Harvard Business School, Chicago Business School and other institutions.Man's desire to fly fascinates me and I want to work in a field where we are making this desire a reality with cutting edge technology.
Job Titles:
- Director - Workforce & Education Initiatives
- Director of Workforce Innovation at the SC Council
Kim Christ is the Director of Workforce Innovation at the SC Council on Competitiveness. With the mission to build SC's workforce pipeline to meet the ever changing needs of industry through workforce trend analysis and promotion of expanded pathways, Kim works to connect partners across industry, education, and government to prepare our state with world class talent with the goal of making SC's industry competitive on the world stage.
Kim previously served as the Director of Technology and Cybersecurity (SC Tech) at SC Competes and during that time led statewide programs to include career pathway mapping in high demand STEM fields, the STEM Educator of the Year program, SC Women in Tech, SC Decoded Emerging Technology Conferences, and most recently, industry-led AI curriculum development for K12 students. Kim is a frequent speaker and facilitator, bringing her message of transformational technology and workforce of the future to inspired audiences in both industry and education.
Prior to SC Tech, she was Director for SC Codes, where she helped create and implement the nation's first statewide program that provides workforce training and mentorship in computer programming to residents free of charge. Kim went on to develop a statewide network of community partners, volunteer mentors, and apprenticeship opportunities that have exposed thousands of SC residents to technology careers and skills. Kim was also previously Projects Manager at the South Carolina Department of Commerce Office of Innovation. Here, Kim helped launch and direct innovative programs such as the Relentless grant challenge, Scribble, and 3Phase. She also worked to connect the state's innovators through facilitation of collaborative networking and ideation sessions that spurred ideas and new program creation.
A computer science engineer by trade and an education ambassador at heart, Kim worked for over a decade as a Networking Manager in SC, and served in numerous roles at public charter schools in SC including East Point Academy and Green Charter Schools, acting as an education ambassador in China on two occasions. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and an EMBA in Strategic Leadership.
Leslie Farmer is the F-16 Program Integrator for Lockheed Martin's Greenville, S.C. site and Field Team Operations organization. In this capacity, she is responsible for executive communications, community and media relations, and employee communications. Both the Greenville and Field Team Operations organizations provide comprehensive aircraft sustainment and modification services and consist of a total team of approximately 2,000 people. Ms. Farmer graduated with honors from Clemson University with a bachelor's degree in Communications and currently serves on the South Carolina Aerospace Advisory Council. In 2018, she received the Charter Champions Award from Greenville Technical Charter High School. She is also a member of the company's Diversity & Inclusion Council, Women's Impact Network and the Lockheed Martin Leadership Association. Prior to joining Lockheed Martin, she served as the Director of Marketing at Meals on Wheels of Greenville.
Job Titles:
- BlueCross As President and Chief Operating Officer
- Retired Chairman and CEO of BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina
- Retired Chairman and CEO of BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, Now Chairman Emeritus
M. Edward Sellers is Retired Chairman and CEO of BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, now Chairman Emeritus. The Corporation's businesses include health insurance, administrative services contracting, Medicare intermediary functions, Department of Defense TRICARE intermediary functions, a life insurance company, a property and casualty insurance company, computer technology businesses, and an HMO.
Mr. Sellers joined BlueCross as President and Chief Operating Officer in September 1987. He was elected to the board of directors in 1989, became Chief Executive Officer in 1992, and was named Chairman in 2001. Today, BlueCross and BlueShield of South Carolina has over $2.9 billion in annual revenue and 13,000 employees located in sixteen states.
In prior assignments, Mr. Sellers worked for Westinghouse Electric Corporation (Pittsburgh), the Boston Consulting Group (Boston), and the BlueCross and BlueShield Association (Chicago).
A native of Kentucky, Mr. Sellers is a graduate of Vanderbilt University with a B.A. in Physics, and he has an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.
Job Titles:
- Member of the SC Competes Executive Committee
- Counsel, Burr & Forman
Job Titles:
- South Carolina Site Director, GKN Aerospace
Mark Harris has over 30 years of aerospace experience and is currently the South Carolina Site Director for GKN Aerospace. In this role, he oversees the assembly of advanced composite and alloy structures as well as state-of-the-art manufacturing of inlet lip skins for the Boeing 737 MAX and 777X.GKN's South Carolina operations are comprised of two facilities in Orangeburg that encompass more than 275,000square feet.Prior to joining GKN,Mark worked as an executive in aerospace manufacturing and completed a 25-year career in the US Air Force, retiring as a Colonel.In his last role in the Air Force, he commanded the 437th Maintenance Group at Joint Base Charleston.In that capacity, he led 1,600 people and managed the world's largest fleet of C-17 aircraft supporting worldwide operations.He has an in-depth background in all aspects of aircraft production, logistics and sustainment having directed flight line, heavy maintenance and manufacturing operations on more than 20airframes.Mark holds Master's Degrees in Organizational Management from The George Washington University, Human Resource Management from Webster University and Military Operational Arts and Sciences from Air University.
Michael E. Carter is a South Carolina native and 1992 graduate of the Citadel.
With close to thirty years in the public/private Information Technology sector, Carter founded and has successfully run his own IT consulting services company, eGroup, garnering the highest customer satisfaction ratings and repeat, multi-year industry-excellence awards.
Listed as one of the fastest growing businesses at the state, regional, and national level, appearing on the Inc. 5000 list multiple times, and an Inc. Best Places to Work, eGroup delivers speed and certainty with cloud and data center initiatives for the most sophisticated clients across the nation.
Carter is known for being financially responsible and socially progressive - regularly investing in socially responsible causes and civic-minded initiatives that drive South Carolina forward.
Job Titles:
- Member of the SC Competes Executive Committee
- President & CEO, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina
Job Titles:
- Owner / President, Leatherwood Manufacturing
My Aerospace career started out when I joined the US Air Force back in 1960. It was not a tough choice to become involved in manufacturing of tooling and parts for various aircraft and support equipment for both military and commercial aviation. With my enjoyment of building things, I founded Leatherwood Manufacturing in 1986. It has been most enjoyable in working with the US Military in building aviation products such as US Navy Aircraft component parts and Launch and Recovery Equipment for Navy Aircraft Carriers.
In 2005, Leatherwood got the opportunity to enter into a new field of manufacturing and assembly of Commerical Aircraft Components and Assemblies and we continue to build on these programs today. My experience in the Aerospace Business has been very enjoyable and rewarding.
Job Titles:
- General Manager Southeast, DartPoints
Job Titles:
- Retired President, at & T South Carolina
Job Titles:
- VP of Mobile Services, Constant Aviation
Job Titles:
- CEO & Chair of the Board, J M Smith Corporation
Job Titles:
- Principal of Government Relations, Blackbaud
Job Titles:
- Director of Engagement & Aerospace Initiatives
Born and raised in Michigan, Steve moved to the Carolinas in 2005 after graduating with an Economics degree from Albion College. He worked at Aerotek for over 10 years in a Sales Management role with a strong focus in the Industrial and Distribution space. The past few years Steve has been working at Unique Loom, which is a Global Manufacturing and Distribution company of Area Rugs. Unique Loom is Headquartered in Fort Mill, SC and has five facilities throughout South Carolina, along with a facility in Fresno, CA.
Job Titles:
- President, Solar Atmospheres
Steve Prout joined Solar Atmospheres in the Fall of 2013 to establish Solar's newest vacuum heat treating facility in Greenville, South Carolina. This facility gained Nadcap (National Aerospace and Defense Accreditation Program) accreditation within 90 days of start-up in September, 2015 and AS9100 approval shortly thereafter. Solar specializes in vacuum heat treatments and is capable of supporting research and development activity through large scale production. Solar also operates a 24 foot long vacuum furnace in the Greenville facility, the largest vacuum furnace in the US Southeast.
Steve started his career in commercial heat treating and brazing in 1996 and has held a variety of positions in the heat treating world before coming to Solar. These roles include Production Manager, Plant Manager, Business Development Manager, and General Manager for organizations such as Paulo Products Company, Bluewater Thermal Solutions and Bodycote. Steve is a member of the ASM International, the Metal Treating Institute and serves on the Business Advisory Board for his alma mater Bryan College in Dayton, TN as well as serving on the Board for Coldstream Christian Camp in Adams, TN.
Job Titles:
- President and CEO, Ranger Aerospace
Steve Townes, a well-known entrepreneur in the aerospace services arena, is President, CEO and a Director of Ranger Aerospace, the company that he founded in early 1997. He is also President & CEO of ACL Airshop, an air cargo logistics services and equipment leasing company with operations at over half of the world's largest cargo hub airports. Steve was the inaugural Chairman of SC Aerospace for two years when these initiatives first began in South Carolina, and was a member of the SC Aerospace Task Force prior to the formation of SC Aerospace.
Townes' diverse background spans four decades in the commercial, corporate, and military aviation industry. Before going independent with Ranger Aerospace in 1997, he was previously Vice Chairman, and earlier President, of Sabreliner Corporation's heavy aircraft services divisions. Townes was Executive Vice President of Stevens Aviation, a $115 million multi-city aviation services chain which more than doubled in size and made two acquisitions while Townes was its chief operations, marketing and technical services officer.
Townes has also been Vice President of Major Programs and Marketing of the Dee Howard Aerospace Corporation, as well as a Program Leader and Marketing Leader in LTV Aerospace and Defense. Townes is an engineering graduate of West Point. Steve earned the coveted Eisenhower Award upon graduation there. He also holds an MBA from Long Island University and completed the PMD program at Harvard Business School. Steve named his company in honor of special operations forces, where he also has personal heritage. He served in the 1st/75th Ranger Battalion as a young airborne infantry officer, and graduated #1 from the Army's Ranger School.
Job Titles:
- CEO
- President
- Ex Officio Member
- President & CEO of the South Carolina Council
- Role of President & CEO of the Council
Susie is a graduate of Riley Institute Diversity Leaders Initiative and Nonprofit Leadership Institute of Francis Marion University and is a member of Liberty Fellowship (Aspen Global Leadership Network).
Sue-Ann ("Susie") Gerald Shannon serves as the President & CEO of the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness, a nonpartisan, business-led, nonprofit organization that drives South Carolina's long-term economic growth through managing select industry clusters and providing the research, network, and resources that clusters require to thrive. Industry clusters are concentrations of interdependent firms related through their industrial activities and includes both competitors and collaborators. The resulting inter-cluster business environment fosters innovation. Innovation, in turn, spurs new business ventures.
Job Titles:
- Director - South Carolina Fraunhofer USA Alliance
Suzanne joined the SC Council on Competitiveness in 2016 after serving for 8 years as the Director for International Business Development at Clemson University's International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR). Suzanne's experience includes 20 years in the automotive industry: 12 years within BMW working in the fields of corporate sustainability, innovation management, and long-term strategic and structural planning.
She began her career with BMW in Munich Germany at corporate headquarters upon completion of the Robert Bosch Foundation Fellowship Program. Suzanne speaks fluent German and is also a Fellow of the BMW Foundation Responsible Leaders Forum. Suzanne serves as a Founding Board Member of the multi-state Southern Automotive Women's Forum and is a Board Member of the South Carolina Automotive Council. In her local community of the Upstate of South Carolina, Suzanne is a Fellow of the Furman University Riley Institute Diversity Leadership Program and co-chairs a Task Force for the Upstate Mobility Alliance. Suzanne serves on the Board of the South Carolina International Trade Conference, the South Carolina Manufacturers Extension Partnership Board, and Palmetto Green's Advisory Board.
In 2013, the South Carolina Research Authority awarded Suzanne with the Knowledge Economist Award and in 2015, Suzanne was the recipient of the Clemson Women in Leadership Award. Most recently, Suzanne was awarded the 2020 Charleston Woman of the Year Award from the Charleston Women in Trade organization.
Job Titles:
- Head of Tire Logistics - the Americas, Continental
Tobias Hacker joined the Continental team in Ft.Mill, SC, as Head of Tire Logistics The Americas in January 2022. In his role he is responsible for overseeing all Finished Goods Tires warehousing and transportation operations, and the logistics quality and system teams for North and South America. The German native began his professional career after completing his engineering studies and serving in the military. In 2008 he began his journey with Continental Tire as trainee of Global Tire Logistics Department in the Corporate Headquarter Hanover, Germany. He turned the opportunity into a burgeoning career. Tobias has since served in significant roles throughout the company including Global Logistics Quality Manager, Logistics IT Project Manager, and Head of Plant Operations and IT in a Truck Tire Retread facility. Prior to his move to Ft. Mill, SC, he worked for four years as Operations Manager for the new truck tire plant in Clinton, MS, and successfully led a team of Supply Chain, Logistics and Purchasing experts for Continental's third U.S. tire plant.