COLUMBIA - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Crory Construction Company, LLC
Job Titles:
- Development Manager
- Partner
Although she is not a South Carolina native, Amy Alimohamed has come to call the Palmetto State home, living in Anderson, Spartanburg and Florence before moving to Columbia. Prior to joining the Chamber, Amy worked in the hotel & tourism industry for 31 years as a Sales Manager and Regional Sales Director with Marriott Hotels.
As the Partner Development Manager, Amy is passionate about educating businesses on the benefits and resources that come with a Chamber Partnership. Amy strives to build and strengthen relationships with current and prospective Partners to help them understand the value of a strong Partnership.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Northeast Connection Chair
Job Titles:
- Director of Communications
Anna Peterson currently serves as the Director of Communications at the Columbia Chamber. She earned her public relations degree with a minor in tourism from the University of South Carolina and began her journey with the Chamber as an intern in 2017. Anna's exceptional communication skills and strategic mindset have led to her success in shaping the Chamber's image and narrative. Additionally, Anna is the resident social media expert ensuring the Chamber's message is shared across all platforms. Anna is multi-talented and serves as chief photographer and lends her support to all members of the Chamber team. A native of Columbia, she is in tune with the city and the Midlands business climate.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Development
Ashleigh Pair Conner brings to the Chamber a deep knowledge of events management in all areas from planning, budgeting, setup, marketing and fundraising. She previously worked for the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center where she was part of the grand opening of the new facility and was part of its subsequent growth and success for fifteen years.
Ashleigh is a graduate of the University of South Carolina with a degree in Hospitality, Restaurant and Tourism Management. Additionally, she has earned her CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) designation and is on-track to earn her CVP (Certified Venue Professional) designation. Ashleigh leads the Chamber's events department in developing and providing strategic opportunities to serve all Partners' networking and marketing needs, and works with Partners to maximize their sponsorship opportunities.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Public Policy Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Midlands Minority Business Accelerator Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Boyer Construction
Job Titles:
- Miller Valentine Construction
- Valentine Construction
Job Titles:
- Member of the Public Policy Committee
Job Titles:
- Richland County Government
In his role as President and CEO of the Columbia Chamber, Carl is focused on creating a business environment where businesses prosper. His experience working with small and large businesses, as well as professional trade associations on local, state and federal levels enable him to look long-term at how today's actions impact businesses in the decades ahead.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Midlands Minority Business Accelerator Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Columbia Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Public Policy Committee
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Executive Committee
- Chairman of the Finance Committee
- Member of the Public Policy Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Columbia Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Columbia Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Member of the Leadership Columbia Advisory Board
- Member of the Public Policy Committee
- Leadership Columbia Advisory Board Chair
Job Titles:
- Member of the Midlands Minority Business Accelerator Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Midlands Minority Business Accelerator Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Columbia Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Columbia Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Leadership Columbia Alumni Association Advisory Board Chair
- Stewart Engineering
Job Titles:
- Member of the Public Policy Committee
Henri Baskins, a Charleston native, completed her undergraduate degree at Liberty University after attending College of Charleston and went on to the Georgia Institute of Technology for her MBA and MS degrees.
Henri's experience in leadership positions ranges from corporate settings to non-profits. She has been honored with several awards and distinctions, including Girls Scouts' Women of Distinction Award and Columbia College's Circle of Influence Award. For her work in telecommunications, she was inducted into the South Carolina Telecommunications Hall of Fame. Her passion for business and strategic planning guides her role here at the Chamber where she provides managerial and public policy direction.
Although not originally from the Midlands, Hilary Bell proudly calls Columbia home after establishing roots in 2014. Hilary brings a diverse background to the Columbia Chamber with her experience in event management and community engagement, along with a genuine enthusiasm for creating memorable experiences.
As the Director of Events, Hilary oversees the Chamber's flagship events, including the Annual Gala, Golf Tournament, Sporting Clay Tournament, Power in Heels, and monthly Partner Engagements, while supporting program-specific events within the Chamber. Through her role, Hilary contributes to the success and growth of the Columbia business community by delivering exceptional experiences that align seamlessly with the Chamber's mission and vision.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Member of the Public Policy Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Midlands Minority Business Accelerator Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Columbia Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Public Policy Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Public Policy Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Member of the Midlands Minority Business Accelerator Advisory Board
- Member of the Public Policy Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Executive Committee
- Member of the Midlands Minority Business Accelerator Advisory Board
- Chairman - Elect / KRJ Consulting, LLC
- KRJ Consulting
Job Titles:
- Member of the Public Policy Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Public Policy Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- First Community Bank
Job Titles:
- Senior Director of Program Development
Leah is a Columbia Native and a University of South Carolina graduate. She brings experience in program development and management, building and community management, marketing, and events. Leah has worked with various small businesses around the midlands in areas including retail, hospitality, and local media.
Her love for Columbia has sparked a desire to work towards growth and the city's betterment. Leah's role as Senior Director of Program Development oversees the management, enhancement, and consistency of programs offered by the Chamber, including Leadership Columbia, Midlands Minority Business Accelerator, and Small Business.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- LIH Consulting
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Public Policy Committee
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Public Policy Committee Chair / Trinity Partners
Job Titles:
- Kahn Construction, Co., Inc
Job Titles:
- Member of the Public Policy Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- City Center Partnership
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Marketing & Communications
A graduate of the University of South Carolina, Meg joined the Columbia Chamber with over 15 years of experience in marketing, communications, event planning, and community development. Most notably, she helped to create and execute the Columbia Food and Wine Festival.
Meg is a graduate of the Leadership Columbia Class of 2019. Her enthusiasm for the success of the Columbia region will guide her in her duties at the Columbia Chamber.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Midlands Minority Business Accelerator Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- South State Bank
Job Titles:
- Director of Small & Minority Business
Naomi Walton was born in Neunkirchen Germany; but calls the capital city of Columbia, South Carolina her home. Before joining the Chamber, Naomi garnered extensive logistical and project management experience. With a passion for aiding the underserved and underrepresented, Naomi finds herself aligned to facilitate the small and minority business initiatives for the Columbia Chamber. As the Director of Small and Minority Business, Walton is responsible for providing leadership and oversight for the Columbia Chamber's Small Business Initiatives including overseeing the newly launched Midlands Minority Business Accelerator program. Naomi strives to ensure everyone has equitable opportunities by educating, empowering, and actively engaging all participants in the programs to serve as a catalyst for our community's advancement.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Member of the Public Policy Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Encompass Health
Job Titles:
- Member of the Public Policy Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Partner Relations Committee Chair / Trinity Partners
A transplant from Wisconsin, Rachel Pedde relocated to Columbia in 2010. She loves the Midlands and is happy to call Columbia home.
Rachel brings with her a diverse background which will serve her well in her position as Executive Assistant. She received a degree in Business Administration with a focus on Journalism and Mass Communication from University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. Rachel also has over 10 years of experience in the financial industry having worked at both a Fortune 500 Insurance Company and a Premier Retirement Planning firm.
Job Titles:
- Development Coordinator
- Partner
Rebecca Spence is a Lexington native and an alumna of the University of South Carolina with a degree in Mass Communications. Prior to joining the Chamber, Rebecca worked in marketing and events at Marriott Vacation Club Oceana Palms and the marketing department at Nephron Pharmaceuticals. As the Chamber's Partner Relations Coordinator, Rebecca is passionate about building and maintaining positive relationships with the Chamber's Partners. Rebecca also works with the Diplomats program and supports ribbon cuttings and partner engagement events.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Member of the Midlands Minority Business Accelerator Advisory Board
- Global Core Strategies & Consulting
Job Titles:
- Member of the Public Policy Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Public Policy Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Midlands Minority Business Accelerator Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Member of the Public Policy Committee
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Public Policy & Military Affairs
A native of Columbia and graduate of the University of South Carolina, Susan joined the Columbia Chamber after working in community relations/government affairs for International Paper for 28 years. She previously served on the Chamber Board of Directors, chaired the Issues Committee, and is a graduate of Leadership Columbia and Leadership Sumter.
On a day-to-day basis you'll find Susan working to tie into the mission of connecting the community of Columbia to its businesses and military community. These entities, Fort Jackson, SC National Guard, McEntire Joint National Guard Base, local and state government, United Service Organization, and Association of the United States Army, all benefit through the connections made via the Chamber.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Public Policy Committee
- Department of Transportation
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Public Leadership Institute ( PLI ) Chair