Our Team

 

 
 
Liz Michael began her work with the Center of Executive Education Leadership (CEEL) in October of 2015 and was named Director and Executive Coach in January of 2017. She earned a BA in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina in…

Liz Michael began her work with the Center of Executive Education Leadership (CEEL) in October of 2015 and was named Director and Executive Coach in January of 2017. She earned a BA in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina in 1986 and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She also holds an MSW with a concentration in social services management from USC.

Prior to her current role, Liz managed SCANA U, the corporate university/employee and leadership development department for SCANA Corporation, where she was employed for 10 years. Other roles include five years as Director of S.C. Business Week, the residential youth leadership development program of the S.C. Chamber of Commerce. She served a dual role for the Chamber during that time, also supporting the education and workforce development lobbyists as Education Policy Analyst. She completed four year of research on drug abuse issues following her undergraduate degree and is published in psychopharmacology journals for this work. Immediately following graduate school, Liz served as Associate Director of the Mental Health Association of S.C. and then spent eight years as Director of Training for National Mentor, Inc., providing continuing education for staff serving children and adolescents in 23 states. She is nationally certified in human resources, earning her Professional in Human Resources (PHR) designation in 2007. She is also certified in administration of various behavioral assessments and executive coaching.

In her spare time, Liz enjoys music, college football, and traveling to her beloved Edisto Island. She is a member of Gateway Baptist Church and is the proud Aunt of Drew and Patrick.

 

Liz Michael 

Melissa (Missy) Campbell serves as the Chief Financial Officer in Spartanburg School District Seven. Ms. Campbell provides leadership and management for all financial, business, and operational activities within the school district. She previously served as Executive Director of Financial Services for the School District of Pickens County for over eight years. In addition, she served over 13 years in a variety of financial positions within the Greenville County School District.

Melissa (Missy) Campbell serves as the Chief Financial Officer in Spartanburg School District Seven. Ms. Campbell provides leadership and management for all financial, business, and operational activities within the school district. She previously served as Executive Director of Financial Services for the School District of Pickens County for over eight years. In addition, she served over 13 years in a variety of financial positions within the Greenville County School District.

Missy Campbell

Dr. Yvonne Commodore brings 29 years of distinguished experience in education, beginning her career as a school mental health counselor, where she spent her first seven years supporting students' academic, behavioral, and emotional well-being. Throughout her career, she has served in a variety of leadership roles, including School Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Therapist, Educational Consultant, Special Education Teacher, Executive Director, Assistant Principal, Principal, Director of Social-Emotional Learning and Mental Health Services, Adjunct Instructor, Published Author, Faith Leader, and Community Leader. Her diverse professional experiences have provided her with a comprehensive understanding of educational systems, instructional leadership, student support services, mental health, higher education, organizational development, and community engagement.

Dr. Yvonne Commodore brings 29 years of distinguished experience in education, beginning her career as a school mental health counselor, where she spent her first seven years supporting students' academic, behavioral, and emotional well-being. Throughout her career, she has served in a variety of leadership roles, including School Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Therapist, Educational Consultant, Special Education Teacher, Executive Director, Assistant Principal, Principal, Director of Social-Emotional Learning and Mental Health Services, Adjunct Instructor, Published Author, Faith Leader, and Community Leader. Her diverse professional experiences have provided her with a comprehensive understanding of educational systems, instructional leadership, student support services, mental health, higher education, organizational development, and community engagement.

Yvonne Commodore

Dr. Marty Conner, Sr. currently serves as Assistant Superintendent of Student Innovation and Student Development in Rock Hill Schools. During his career Dr. Conner has served as an assistant superintendent, executive director of schools, middle and high school principal, director of alternative schools, teacher, and football coach. Dr. Conner received his Bachelor of Science degree from Norfolk State University in Sports Medicine, Master of Arts degree in Education Administration and Human Development from George Washington University, Washington, DC and his Education Specialist and Doctorate of Education degrees in Education Leadership and Administration from South Carolina State University. Dr. Conner comes from a generation of passionate educators and has proven to be a leader in the field of education. He has received numerous awards and accolades for his commitment to education. With is dedication to provide a quality education for all children, he will continue to impact the lives of children through educational excellence. Dr. Conner says he is extremely excited about being a CEEL faculty member and look forward to working with school leaders to provide the highest quality education to all student each day for a better tomorrow!

Dr. Marty Conner, Sr. currently serves as Assistant Superintendent of Student Innovation and Student Development in Rock Hill Schools. During his career Dr. Conner has served as an assistant superintendent, executive director of schools, middle and high school principal, director of alternative schools, teacher, and football coach. Dr. Conner received his Bachelor of Science degree from Norfolk State University in Sports Medicine, Master of Arts degree in Education Administration and Human Development from George Washington University, Washington, DC and his Education Specialist and Doctorate of Education degrees in Education Leadership and Administration from South Carolina State University. Dr. Conner comes from a generation of passionate educators and has proven to be a leader in the field of education. He has received numerous awards and accolades for his commitment to education. With is dedication to provide a quality education for all children, he will continue to impact the lives of children through educational excellence. Dr. Conner says he is extremely excited about being a CEEL faculty member and look forward to working with school leaders to provide the highest quality education to all student each day for a better tomorrow!

Marty Connor

Mrs. Beth Elliott graduated from Columbia College in 1977 majoring in Elementary Education with a minor in Sociology. She obtained her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education and her Administration Certification from the University of South Carolina in 1990. Her career began in Richland School District Two at Joseph Keels Elementary in 1977, where she taught 5th and 3rd grades for 12 years. In 1990, she helped to open Pontiac Elementary as the Assistant Principal. In 1999, she was named the Principal of Pontiac Elementary and served the Pontiac Community until 2013. Before her retirement in 2018, she served as the Principal of Windsor Elementary. Mrs. Elliott played an active role in helping new teachers by collaborating with Colleges and Universities by hosting and facilitating student teachers, as well as practicum students. Pontiac Elementary was one of the first Professional Development Schools as they partnered with the University of South Carolina. She recently received the Wil Lou Gray Outstanding Educator Award from the Columbia College Alumnae Association, on the basis of character and of service to Columbia College, recognizing her 40 years of service to education. Mrs. Elliott has a strong commitment to the success of teaching and learning environments. She believes that a positive environment built on relationships will enhance student achievement. She and her teammates were very honored to receive the first Teamwork Award in Richland District 2. She believes in focusing on the strengths of an organization and individuals. She believes that a collaborative environment among teachers, parents and community is the key to creating a successful teaching and learning community for all students.

Mrs. Beth Elliott graduated from Columbia College in 1977 majoring in Elementary Education with a minor in Sociology. She obtained her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education and her Administration Certification from the University of South Carolina in 1990. Her career began in Richland School District Two at Joseph Keels Elementary in 1977, where she taught 5th and 3rd grades for 12 years. In 1990, she helped to open Pontiac Elementary as the Assistant Principal. In 1999, she was named the Principal of Pontiac Elementary and served the Pontiac Community until 2013. Before her retirement in 2018, she served as the Principal of Windsor Elementary. Mrs. Elliott played an active role in helping new teachers by collaborating with Colleges and Universities by hosting and facilitating student teachers, as well as practicum students. Pontiac Elementary was one of the first Professional Development Schools as they partnered with the University of South Carolina. She recently received the Wil Lou Gray Outstanding Educator Award from the Columbia College Alumnae Association, on the basis of character and of service to Columbia College, recognizing her 40 years of service to education. Mrs. Elliott has a strong commitment to the success of teaching and learning environments. She believes that a positive environment built on relationships will enhance student achievement. She and her teammates were very honored to receive the first Teamwork Award in Richland District 2. She believes in focusing on the strengths of an organization and individuals. She believes that a collaborative environment among teachers, parents and community is the key to creating a successful teaching and learning community for all students.

Beth Elliot

Dr. Gerald Gary currently serves as the Superintendent of Sumter School District. Previously, he was the Chief Operations Officer in Lexington/Richland School District 5. Prior to working at the district level, he served as elementary, middle and high school principal. In 2017, he was named South Carolina Middle School Principal of the Year by the South Carolina Association of School Administrators, and Dutch Fork Middle was named a Palmetto’s Finest School. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Francis Marion University, a Master’s in Educational Administration from the University of South Carolina and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. In his spare time, he enjoys reading and spending time with his wife Melissa and sons Gerald II and Cameron.

Dr. Gerald Gary currently serves as the Superintendent of Sumter School District. Previously, he was the Chief Operations Officer in Lexington/Richland School District 5. Prior to working at the district level, he served as elementary, middle and high school principal. In 2017, he was named South Carolina Middle School Principal of the Year by the South Carolina Association of School Administrators, and Dutch Fork Middle was named a Palmetto’s Finest School. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Francis Marion University, a Master’s in Educational Administration from the University of South Carolina and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. In his spare time, he enjoys reading and spending time with his wife Melissa and sons Gerald II and Cameron.

Gerald Gary

Grant Gibson was born November 1, 1969 in Chester, South Carolina. He Graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1992 Magna Cum Laude and a member of Phi Beta Kappa with a degree in Business Economics. He later received a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of South Carolina in 2001. He began his career working for the Budget and Control Board in November of 1993 as a Statistician for the Office of Research and Statistics Health and Demographic Statistics Section. After four years in that section, he moved to a position with the Office of Economic Research/Board of Economic Advisors. His main duties were providing analysis and fiscal impacts for legislation related to local government and State tax issues for both the legislative and executive branches of government. In September 2011, Grant moved to the Senate Finance Committee where he currently serves as the Assistant Director for Tax Policy, where he is responsible for staffing the Senate K–12 Budget Subcommittee and overseeing legislation that comes before the Senate Finance Committee. In his spare time Grant enjoys watching and playing sports. An avid Gamecock fan, he loves to attend football, basketball, and baseball games. Grant still tries to play organized basketball, but he sticks to softball and golf to still be any good. He is also active in many of the activities at Ashland United Methodist. Grant has been married for 21 years to Dalene Carroll Gibson, and they have one child, Jalin. She is 10 years old and an avid gymnast.

Grant Gibson was born November 1, 1969 in Chester, South Carolina. He Graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1992 Magna Cum Laude and a member of Phi Beta Kappa with a degree in Business Economics. He later received a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of South Carolina in 2001. He began his career working for the Budget and Control Board in November of 1993 as a Statistician for the Office of Research and Statistics Health and Demographic Statistics Section. After four years in that section, he moved to a position with the Office of Economic Research/Board of Economic Advisors. His main duties were providing analysis and fiscal impacts for legislation related to local government and State tax issues for both the legislative and executive branches of government. In September 2011, Grant moved to the Senate Finance Committee where he currently serves as the Assistant Director for Tax Policy, where he is responsible for staffing the Senate K–12 Budget Subcommittee and overseeing legislation that comes before the Senate Finance Committee. In his spare time Grant enjoys watching and playing sports. An avid Gamecock fan, he loves to attend football, basketball, and baseball games. Grant still tries to play organized basketball, but he sticks to softball and golf to still be any good. He is also active in many of the activities at Ashland United Methodist. Grant has been married for 21 years to Dalene Carroll Gibson, and they have one child, Jalin. She is 10 years old and an avid gymnast.

Grant Gibson

Harrison Goodwin is originally from Camden, SC in Kershaw County and returned to his home district in 2022 as superintendent. Prior to serving as superintendent of Kershaw County her served as superintendent of Chesterfield County School District from 2012-2022. During his tenure in Chesterfield County, the district and its schools received many accolades. Under his leadership, the district received their first ever Excellent on the South Carolina State Report Card. Prior to being appointed superintendent of Chesterfield County Schools, Dr. Goodwin was an assistant superintendent and principal in Spartanburg One as well as an assistant principal and teacher in Greenwood 52. In 2019 Dr. Goodwin was named South Carolina Superintendent of the Year. In 2016 he was honored by the South Carolina Athletic Administrator Association as Superintendent of the Year as well as Outstanding Superintendent by the Career and Technology Administrators Association. Prior to that in 2012 he was named the South Carolina Music Educators Association’s “Honor Administrator of the Year.

Harrison Goodwin is originally from Camden, SC in Kershaw County and returned to his home district in 2022 as superintendent. Prior to serving as superintendent of Kershaw County her served as superintendent of Chesterfield County School District from 2012-2022. During his tenure in Chesterfield County, the district and its schools received many accolades. Under his leadership, the district received their first ever Excellent on the South Carolina State Report Card. Prior to being appointed superintendent of Chesterfield County Schools, Dr. Goodwin was an assistant superintendent and principal in Spartanburg One as well as an assistant principal and teacher in Greenwood 52. In 2019 Dr. Goodwin was named South Carolina Superintendent of the Year. In 2016 he was honored by the South Carolina Athletic Administrator Association as Superintendent of the Year as well as Outstanding Superintendent by the Career and Technology Administrators Association. Prior to that in 2012 he was named the South Carolina Music Educators Association’s “Honor Administrator of the Year." Dr. Goodwin serves on numerous boards and has held many offices in education related organizations including the South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA), South Carolina School Boards Insurance Trust, South Carolina Association of Governmental Organizations, Northeastern Technical College Board of Commissioners, and Chesterfield County First Steps. He served as the president of the Superintendent’s Division SCASA during the 2019-20 school year and as the president of SCASA in 2020-2021. Dr. Goodwin holds both a bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Clemson University and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Harrison Goodwin

Rodney Graves is currently serving in Lancaster County as the Director of Employee & Community Relations. Graves graduated from Winthrop University in 1987, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics with certification in secondary math. He has also earned a masters in sports management from The United States Sports Academy and secondary principal certification from Clemson University.Graves has also worked as principal at Broome High School for nine years and at Crest High School in Shelby, NC. Prior experiences include Spartanburg District Seven as the director of secondary education and principal of Spartanburg High School. He also served as principal, assistant principal, and athletic director at Pendleton High School, taught math at Rock Hill High and York Comprehensive High Schools, and coached football, boys and girls basketball, and baseball. Some of Mr. Graves' awards include the 2018 SC AAA Principal of the Year, a finalist nod for Cleveland County Principal of the Year, and nominations for South Carolina Principal of the Year and South Carolina Assistant Principal of the Year. He has been chosen as the Educator of the Year by the Electric City and Anderson Rotary Clubs. In 1993 and 1995, he was named Outstanding Teacher of Math, Science, and Computer Science by Tandy Technology Scholars. Graves has also received the South Carolina Literacy Leader Award in 2009. Mr. Graves wants to give back to the profession by sharing information with other administrators. He has presented at numerous conferences, including the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Conference, the International Literacy Conference, the SC Administrators Conference, and the SC Literacy Conference. Mr. Graves has also served as a mentor to aspiring principals. Mr. Graves' article about his summer reading program at Spartanburg High School was published in the Palmetto Administrator and in NASSP's magazine. Active in the educational community, Mr. Graves has served as a Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence evaluator, on SACS Evaluation teams, on the Cleveland Community College Board of Visitors, on the SCASA Executive Committee, on the South Carolina High School League's Executive Committee, as president of SCASA Secondary Division, and as president of Leadership Pendleton. Always an active member in the community, Mr. Graves has served on the Upstate Workforce Investment Board, worked with the Upstate Youth Council and Youth Alliance, and served on the Boards of the Pendleton YMCA and Foothills YMCA. Rodney and his wife, Dawn, have three children (Clark, Luke & Lanie) and four grandchildren.

Rodney Graves is currently serving in Lancaster County as the Director of Employee & Community Relations. Graves graduated from Winthrop University in 1987, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics with certification in secondary math. He has also earned a masters in sports management from The United States Sports Academy and secondary principal certification from Clemson University.Graves has also worked as principal at Broome High School for nine years and at Crest High School in Shelby, NC. Prior experiences include Spartanburg District Seven as the director of secondary education and principal of Spartanburg High School. He also served as principal, assistant principal, and athletic director at Pendleton High School, taught math at Rock Hill High and York Comprehensive High Schools, and coached football, boys and girls basketball, and baseball. Some of Mr. Graves' awards include the 2018 SC AAA Principal of the Year, a finalist nod for Cleveland County Principal of the Year, and nominations for South Carolina Principal of the Year and South Carolina Assistant Principal of the Year. He has been chosen as the Educator of the Year by the Electric City and Anderson Rotary Clubs. In 1993 and 1995, he was named Outstanding Teacher of Math, Science, and Computer Science by Tandy Technology Scholars. Graves has also received the South Carolina Literacy Leader Award in 2009. Mr. Graves wants to give back to the profession by sharing information with other administrators. He has presented at numerous conferences, including the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Conference, the International Literacy Conference, the SC Administrators Conference, and the SC Literacy Conference. Mr. Graves has also served as a mentor to aspiring principals. Mr. Graves' article about his summer reading program at Spartanburg High School was published in the Palmetto Administrator and in NASSP's magazine. Active in the educational community, Mr. Graves has served as a Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence evaluator, on SACS Evaluation teams, on the Cleveland Community College Board of Visitors, on the SCASA Executive Committee, on the South Carolina High School League's Executive Committee, as president of SCASA Secondary Division, and as president of Leadership Pendleton. Always an active member in the community, Mr. Graves has served on the Upstate Workforce Investment Board, worked with the Upstate Youth Council and Youth Alliance, and served on the Boards of the Pendleton YMCA and Foothills YMCA. Rodney and his wife, Dawn, have three children (Clark, Luke & Lanie) and four grandchildren.

Rodney Graves

Dr. Debbie Hamm earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Her career in public education began after moving to South Carolina, where she taught at Eastern Elementary School in rural Sumter County — the district where she later concluded her full-time work as Interim Superintendent. Dr. Hamm went on to earn a master's degree and PhD in Educational Research, as well as an Education Specialist degree, from the University of South Carolina. She held roles at the South Carolina Department of Education and Richland School District Two, including curriculum coordinator, Director of Research, Chief Academic Officer, and Chief Information Officer. Known as an innovator, she led the world's first districtwide 1:1 Chromebook rollout and the state's first computer-adaptive MAP testing, and established R2Innovates, a

Dr. Debbie Hamm earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Her career in public education began after moving to South Carolina, where she taught at Eastern Elementary School in rural Sumter County — the district where she later concluded her full-time work as Interim Superintendent. Dr. Hamm went on to earn a master's degree and PhD in Educational Research, as well as an Education Specialist degree, from the University of South Carolina. She held roles at the South Carolina Department of Education and Richland School District Two, including curriculum coordinator, Director of Research, Chief Academic Officer, and Chief Information Officer. Known as an innovator, she led the world's first districtwide 1:1 Chromebook rollout and the state's first computer-adaptive MAP testing, and established R2Innovates, a "Shark Tank style" educator-innovation initiative. In 2013, Dr. Hamm became Interim, then permanent, Superintendent of Richland School District Two. She founded the SCASA Testing and Accountability Roundtable and South Carolina Educators for the Practical Use of Research, advocating for improved testing, accountability, and tax code reform. Her honors include SCASA's Lifetime Achievement Award, the Urban League Tower Award, and the NAACP President's Award.

Debbie Hamm

Dr. Tony L. Hemingway currently serves as Executive Director of the Olde English Consortium (OEC) and is a board member of the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, & Advancement (CERRA). A retired Superintendent with experience across rural, urban, and suburban districts, Dr. Hemingway has held roles from teacher to principal to Chief Human Resources and Strategic Planning Officer. In 2024, he was named Personnel Administrator of the Year by the South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA). Dr. Hemingway is the author of Resilience by Design and CEO of EdVantage, the HemingWAY, a consulting firm focused on continuous improvement and redefining excellence in organizational effectiveness. He is a proud graduate of Claflin University, Cambridge College, and South Carolina State University and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Dr. Tony L. Hemingway currently serves as Executive Director of the Olde English Consortium (OEC) and is a board member of the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, & Advancement (CERRA). A retired Superintendent with experience across rural, urban, and suburban districts, Dr. Hemingway has held roles from teacher to principal to Chief Human Resources and Strategic Planning Officer. In 2024, he was named Personnel Administrator of the Year by the South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA). Dr. Hemingway is the author of Resilience by Design and CEO of EdVantage, the HemingWAY, a consulting firm focused on continuous improvement and redefining excellence in organizational effectiveness. He is a proud graduate of Claflin University, Cambridge College, and South Carolina State University and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Tony Hemingway

Mrs. Kathy Hipp, an educator of 37 years, is the superintendent of Anderson County School District 3. She has served the district as a biology teacher, coach, guidance counselor, director, and administrator at Crescent High School and at the district level before becoming superintendent in 2016. Ms. Hipp is a 1984 graduate of Crescent High School. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Erskine College in 1988 and a Master of Education from Clemson University in 1993. Kathy was a multisport athlete at Crescent High School and Erskine College. She was inducted into the Crescent High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2019. During her tenure as superintendent, the district passed a penny sales tax to build and open the Anderson Institute of Technology, constructed athletic facilities, a FFA arena and completed the district’s 1:1 technology initiative. In addition, the district is one of fifteen districts to pilot the state’s eLearning initiative, developed an integrated STEM program in K5-8th grade, and expanded the fine arts program to include strings. On July 1, 2021, Kathy was named the 2022 South Carolina State Superintendent of the Year. Kathy served as the President of the SCASA Superintendents Affiliate for the 2023-24 school year. Kathy has been married to Tim Hipp for thirty-seven years. They are blessed with three children, their spouses, and grandchildren. Kathy’s mantra is, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for man.” (Colossians 3:23) Kathy considers it an honor to serve the parents, children, and teachers of her home district. She is dedicated to the district mission of “Pride, Purpose, Passion” and has the vision for Anderson 3 to be a “Premier” school district in South Carolina. It is with this mission in mind she focuses her daily efforts and reminds every employee in the district that, “On your worst day, you are someone’s best hope.”

Mrs. Kathy Hipp, an educator of 37 years, is the superintendent of Anderson County School District 3. She has served the district as a biology teacher, coach, guidance counselor, director, and administrator at Crescent High School and at the district level before becoming superintendent in 2016. Ms. Hipp is a 1984 graduate of Crescent High School. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Erskine College in 1988 and a Master of Education from Clemson University in 1993. Kathy was a multisport athlete at Crescent High School and Erskine College. She was inducted into the Crescent High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2019. During her tenure as superintendent, the district passed a penny sales tax to build and open the Anderson Institute of Technology, constructed athletic facilities, a FFA arena and completed the district’s 1:1 technology initiative. In addition, the district is one of fifteen districts to pilot the state’s eLearning initiative, developed an integrated STEM program in K5-8th grade, and expanded the fine arts program to include strings. On July 1, 2021, Kathy was named the 2022 South Carolina State Superintendent of the Year. Kathy served as the President of the SCASA Superintendents Affiliate for the 2023-24 school year. Kathy has been married to Tim Hipp for thirty-seven years. They are blessed with three children, their spouses, and grandchildren. Kathy’s mantra is, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for man.” (Colossians 3:23) Kathy considers it an honor to serve the parents, children, and teachers of her home district. She is dedicated to the district mission of “Pride, Purpose, Passion” and has the vision for Anderson 3 to be a “Premier” school district in South Carolina. It is with this mission in mind she focuses her daily efforts and reminds every employee in the district that, “On your worst day, you are someone’s best hope.”

Kathy Hipp

Dr. Darrell Johnson is interim superintendent of Orangeburg County School District. He previously was superintendent of Greenwood School District 50 for 13 years. The son of Mary Johnson was born in Washington, D.C. and raised in the small town of Clover, SC by his grandmother. For nearly 30 years now, Dr. Johnson has pursued his passion to make a difference in the lives of children. While obtaining his teaching credentials in the mid-1980s, he worked as a school custodian and substitute teacher. After teaching language arts at the secondary level, Dr. Johnson served as an elementary school principal, then as an assistant superintendent. In 2004, he earned his doctorate in education at South Carolina State University. During this time, he still found time to officiate NCAA Division I college basketball games for more than twenty-five years. What stands out most about Dr. Johnson is his energy, hard work, and dedication to the children, families, and wider community he serves. He is passionate about creating the conditions for every child to develop the core academic and social-emotional competencies they need for success at school and for what lies beyond. He became an author this year with the publication of “It Ain’t In The Book.”

Dr. Darrell Johnson is interim superintendent of Orangeburg County School District. He previously was superintendent of Greenwood School District 50 for 13 years. The son of Mary Johnson was born in Washington, D.C. and raised in the small town of Clover, SC by his grandmother. For nearly 30 years now, Dr. Johnson has pursued his passion to make a difference in the lives of children. While obtaining his teaching credentials in the mid-1980s, he worked as a school custodian and substitute teacher. After teaching language arts at the secondary level, Dr. Johnson served as an elementary school principal, then as an assistant superintendent. In 2004, he earned his doctorate in education at South Carolina State University. During this time, he still found time to officiate NCAA Division I college basketball games for more than twenty-five years. What stands out most about Dr. Johnson is his energy, hard work, and dedication to the children, families, and wider community he serves. He is passionate about creating the conditions for every child to develop the core academic and social-emotional competencies they need for success at school and for what lies beyond. He became an author this year with the publication of “It Ain’t In The Book.”

Darrell Johnson

Dr. Glenda Gibson Levine is a native of Salters. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Education from Benedict College and earned a master’s degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Charleston Southern University. She earned her doctorate degree in Educational Leadership and Supervision from Nova Southeastern University and her education specialist degree from The Citadel in Educational Leadership - Superintendency. Dr. Levine started her career in education as a teacher at Kingstree High School in Williamsburg County School District and then went on to teach at Goose Creek High School and Stratford High School in Berkeley County School District. She continued her career in Berkeley County School District, serving as an assistant principal at Stratford High School, principal of both Hanahan and Cane Bay high schools, district level teacher evaluator, Director of Secondary Education, Chief Human Resources Officer, and Chief Diversity Officer. Glenda currently works as an adjunct professor in Charleston Southern University’s educational doctorate program and as a facilitator within the Center for Executive Education Leadership. Dr. Levine’s recent honors include two awards from The Citadel - the 2021 Colonel Charles E. Hirshey Award for Excellence in Graduate Studies and the 2021 Zucker Family School of Education Award for Outstanding Contributions to Education in the Lowcountry. Dr. Levine presently resides in Goose Creek, SC. She has a son, Frederick, Jr., who lives in Charlotte, NC.

Dr. Glenda Gibson Levine is a native of Salters. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Education from Benedict College and earned a master’s degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Charleston Southern University. She earned her doctorate degree in Educational Leadership and Supervision from Nova Southeastern University and her education specialist degree from The Citadel in Educational Leadership - Superintendency. Dr. Levine started her career in education as a teacher at Kingstree High School in Williamsburg County School District and then went on to teach at Goose Creek High School and Stratford High School in Berkeley County School District. She continued her career in Berkeley County School District, serving as an assistant principal at Stratford High School, principal of both Hanahan and Cane Bay high schools, district level teacher evaluator, Director of Secondary Education, Chief Human Resources Officer, and Chief Diversity Officer. Glenda currently works as an adjunct professor in Charleston Southern University’s educational doctorate program and as a facilitator within the Center for Executive Education Leadership. Dr. Levine’s recent honors include two awards from The Citadel - the 2021 Colonel Charles E. Hirshey Award for Excellence in Graduate Studies and the 2021 Zucker Family School of Education Award for Outstanding Contributions to Education in the Lowcountry. Dr. Levine presently resides in Goose Creek, SC. She has a son, Frederick, Jr., who lives in Charlotte, NC.

Glenda Levine

Dr. Sandra Lindsay retired as Distinguished Clinical Professor Emeritus from the Educational Leadership and Policies Department of the College of Education at the University of South Carolina. Previously, she served as Deputy State Superintendent at the South Carolina Department of Education. She has assumed numerous statewide leadership roles including the presidency of both the South Carolina Association of School Superintendents and the South Carolina Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Dr Lindsay has received numerous awards and honors for her work with public schools and has served at the national level as President of the Deputies Leadership Commission of the Council of Chief State School Officers. Dr. Lindsay is a partner in Lindsay Consulting, LLC. The firm helps clients in the private, public, and non-profit sectors with building organizational trust; assessing, recruiting and retaining high quality staff; strategic planning; and building effective internal and external communication systems. She also serves as an adjunct faculty member in Executive Education at The Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina where she is a key instructor for highly successful program offerings such as High Performance Coaching, Leadership through People Skills and Supervisory Development for New Managers. Since its inception Dr. Lindsay has been involved with the development and delivery of leadership modules for the Center for Executive Education Leadership (CEEL). CEEL’s purpose is to insure the ongoing professional growth of leaders of the highest quality for South Carolina’s schools and districts, a purpose that mirrors Dr. Lindsay’s life-long commitment and professional body of work.

Dr. Sandra Lindsay retired as Distinguished Clinical Professor Emeritus from the Educational Leadership and Policies Department of the College of Education at the University of South Carolina. Previously, she served as Deputy State Superintendent at the South Carolina Department of Education. She has assumed numerous statewide leadership roles including the presidency of both the South Carolina Association of School Superintendents and the South Carolina Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Dr Lindsay has received numerous awards and honors for her work with public schools and has served at the national level as President of the Deputies Leadership Commission of the Council of Chief State School Officers. Dr. Lindsay is a partner in Lindsay Consulting, LLC. The firm helps clients in the private, public, and non-profit sectors with building organizational trust; assessing, recruiting and retaining high quality staff; strategic planning; and building effective internal and external communication systems. She also serves as an adjunct faculty member in Executive Education at The Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina where she is a key instructor for highly successful program offerings such as High Performance Coaching, Leadership through People Skills and Supervisory Development for New Managers. Since its inception Dr. Lindsay has been involved with the development and delivery of leadership modules for the Center for Executive Education Leadership (CEEL). CEEL’s purpose is to insure the ongoing professional growth of leaders of the highest quality for South Carolina’s schools and districts, a purpose that mirrors Dr. Lindsay’s life-long commitment and professional body of work.

Sandy Lindsay

Dr. Percy A. Mack is the CEO of Navigational Leadership Systems, LLC., a leadership consulting firm. He is also the Director of the Educational Leadership Program at South Carolina State University. Dr. Mack was the superintendent of Richland County School District One in Columbia, SC until his retirement in 2014. Prior to coming to Richland One in July of 2008, Dr. Mack served as superintendent of the Dayton Public School System in Dayton, Ohio. Before his service in Dayton, OH. He also served as the assistant superintendent, coordinator of human resources, a high school principal and assistant principal, a teacher and a coach in DeKalb County, GA. He began his teaching career in the Savannah-Chatham School System. Dr. Mack holds a B.S. in Social Science Education from Savannah State College, an M.Ed. in Social Science Education from the University of Georgia, and both the Ed.S. and Ph.D. in Administration and Supervision from Georgia State University. In addition, Dr. Mack has done further study in Reform Educational Governance and Leadership, he has attended the Harvard Institute of School Leadership and is a fellow of the Riley Institute on Diversity. His numerous honors and awards include having been named the Superintendent of the Year by the National Association of Black School Educators (NASBE); U.S. Congressional Technology Education Champion Leadership Award; and Southern Christian Leadership Conference Image Award in Education.

Dr. Percy A. Mack is the CEO of Navigational Leadership Systems, LLC., a leadership consulting firm. He is also the Director of the Educational Leadership Program at South Carolina State University. Dr. Mack was the superintendent of Richland County School District One in Columbia, SC until his retirement in 2014. Prior to coming to Richland One in July of 2008, Dr. Mack served as superintendent of the Dayton Public School System in Dayton, Ohio. Before his service in Dayton, OH. He also served as the assistant superintendent, coordinator of human resources, a high school principal and assistant principal, a teacher and a coach in DeKalb County, GA. He began his teaching career in the Savannah-Chatham School System. Dr. Mack holds a B.S. in Social Science Education from Savannah State College, an M.Ed. in Social Science Education from the University of Georgia, and both the Ed.S. and Ph.D. in Administration and Supervision from Georgia State University. In addition, Dr. Mack has done further study in Reform Educational Governance and Leadership, he has attended the Harvard Institute of School Leadership and is a fellow of the Riley Institute on Diversity. His numerous honors and awards include having been named the Superintendent of the Year by the National Association of Black School Educators (NASBE); U.S. Congressional Technology Education Champion Leadership Award; and Southern Christian Leadership Conference Image Award in Education.

Percy Mack

Angie Mishoe is currently the Director of Special Services for Lexington County School District Three. Previously, Angie served as an Assistant Principal for Batesburg-Leesville Elementary School. She has been part of the Lexington School District Three family for ten years now, serving as a special education teacher at Batesburg-Leesville Elementary for four years, then as the Instructional Coordinator for Batesburg-Leesville Primary School for two years before returning to the elementary school to serve as the Assistant Principal. Prior to coming to Lexington School District Three, Angie worked in Lexington School District One and Sumter School District 17 as a special education teacher. Angie earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Winthrop University in Special Education in 1992, a Master of Sports Science from the United States Sports Academy in Sports Management in 1994, and a Master of Education from the University of South Carolina in Educational Administration in 2016. Angie and her husband Tommy live in Lexington and have two children, Marshall and Jordan.

Angie Mishoe is currently the Director of Special Services for Lexington County School District Three. Previously, Angie served as an Assistant Principal for Batesburg-Leesville Elementary School. She has been part of the Lexington School District Three family for ten years now, serving as a special education teacher at Batesburg-Leesville Elementary for four years, then as the Instructional Coordinator for Batesburg-Leesville Primary School for two years before returning to the elementary school to serve as the Assistant Principal. Prior to coming to Lexington School District Three, Angie worked in Lexington School District One and Sumter School District 17 as a special education teacher. Angie earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Winthrop University in Special Education in 1992, a Master of Sports Science from the United States Sports Academy in Sports Management in 1994, and a Master of Education from the University of South Carolina in Educational Administration in 2016. Angie and her husband Tommy live in Lexington and have two children, Marshall and Jordan.

Angie Mishoe

Kelly Pew began her career as a high school English teacher prior to moving into administration. Dr. Pew has served as an Assistant Principal and Principal at the middle and high school levels, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Instruction, and Superintendent in Pickens County and Rock Hill. Dr. Pew is a two-time graduate of Clemson University where she received her Bachelor's and Doctorate Degrees. She received her Masters in Administration and Supervision from Furman University. She is currently a visiting instructor in the doctoral programs at Southern Wesleyan University and Clemson University. Dr. Pew is married to her husband Paul of 34 years, and they live in West Union, SC. They have two grown children, Paige and Harrison, four grandchildren and a Labrador Retriever (Bella).

Kelly Pew began her career as a high school English teacher prior to moving into administration. Dr. Pew has served as an Assistant Principal and Principal at the middle and high school levels, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Instruction, and Superintendent in Pickens County and Rock Hill. Dr. Pew is a two-time graduate of Clemson University where she received her Bachelor's and Doctorate Degrees. She received her Masters in Administration and Supervision from Furman University. She is currently a visiting instructor in the doctoral programs at Southern Wesleyan University and Clemson University. Dr. Pew is married to her husband Paul of 34 years, and they live in West Union, SC. They have two grown children, Paige and Harrison, four grandchildren and a Labrador Retriever (Bella).

Kelly Pew

Dr. Ashley Jones Philp serves as the Director of Special Services in Kershaw County School District. She began her career in education twenty years ago as a school psychologist, specializing in working with children with emotional disabilities and behavioral disorders, and has fifteen years of experience as a district special services administrator. Dr. Philp has worked as an adjunct university professor and an educational consultant, has contributed to professional research and publications, and has extensive experience with special education compliance, program development, and educator training of trauma-informed behavioral and crisis interventions. Throughout her training and career, Dr. Philp has been committed to serving in and growing through leadership roles within her profession and community. She is a member of the Professional Advisory Council for the Developmental Therapy Institute, is a past president of the South Carolina Association of School Psychologists, is a previous Director of the SC Junior Civitan Leadership Conference, and has been a Guardian Ad Litem for the Richland County CASA, where she was a finalist for Volunteer of the Year. She is a graduate of Leadership Columbia, the SC Department of Education's Institute for District Administrators, the National Association of School Psychologists Public Policy Institute, the Richland School District Two Leading Up Academy, and the SCASA Center for Executive Educational Leadership's Platinum District Leaders Program. Dr. Philp holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in School Psychology from the University of South Carolina. She earned her B.A. in psychology from University of South Carolina in 1999, where she graduated with Honors from the South Carolina Honors College and with the distinctions of Magna Cume Laude, Phi Beta Kappa, and Outstanding Senior. She resides in Columbia with her three accomplished school-age children who attend Midlands area public schools.

Dr. Ashley Jones Philp serves as the Director of Special Services in Kershaw County School District. She began her career in education twenty years ago as a school psychologist, specializing in working with children with emotional disabilities and behavioral disorders, and has fifteen years of experience as a district special services administrator. Dr. Philp has worked as an adjunct university professor and an educational consultant, has contributed to professional research and publications, and has extensive experience with special education compliance, program development, and educator training of trauma-informed behavioral and crisis interventions. Throughout her training and career, Dr. Philp has been committed to serving in and growing through leadership roles within her profession and community. She is a member of the Professional Advisory Council for the Developmental Therapy Institute, is a past president of the South Carolina Association of School Psychologists, is a previous Director of the SC Junior Civitan Leadership Conference, and has been a Guardian Ad Litem for the Richland County CASA, where she was a finalist for Volunteer of the Year. She is a graduate of Leadership Columbia, the SC Department of Education's Institute for District Administrators, the National Association of School Psychologists Public Policy Institute, the Richland School District Two Leading Up Academy, and the SCASA Center for Executive Educational Leadership's Platinum District Leaders Program. Dr. Philp holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in School Psychology from the University of South Carolina. She earned her B.A. in psychology from University of South Carolina in 1999, where she graduated with Honors from the South Carolina Honors College and with the distinctions of Magna Cume Laude, Phi Beta Kappa, and Outstanding Senior. She resides in Columbia with her three accomplished school-age children who attend Midlands area public schools.

Ashley Philip

Dr. Keith Price officially began serving as superintendent of Lexington County School District One in July 2025 after joining the district as superintendent-elect in July 2024. A Camden, South Carolina native, Dr. Price began his educational career in 1996 as a secondary mathematics teacher in Greenville County Schools following his graduation from Clemson University with a degree in secondary mathematics education. He later returned to the Midlands and joined Richland School District Two, where he served in multiple leadership roles over 24 years—including teacher, assistant principal, principal, and assistant superintendent. In 2020, Dr. Price was named superintendent of Georgetown County School District. During his tenure, he earned a reputation for visionary leadership and a deep commitment to student and staff success. He holds a master’s degree in educational administration, an education specialist degree, and a Doctor of Education in Education Systems Improvement—all from the University of South Carolina.

Dr. Keith Price officially began serving as superintendent of Lexington County School District One in July 2025 after joining the district as superintendent-elect in July 2024. A Camden, South Carolina native, Dr. Price began his educational career in 1996 as a secondary mathematics teacher in Greenville County Schools following his graduation from Clemson University with a degree in secondary mathematics education. He later returned to the Midlands and joined Richland School District Two, where he served in multiple leadership roles over 24 years—including teacher, assistant principal, principal, and assistant superintendent. In 2020, Dr. Price was named superintendent of Georgetown County School District. During his tenure, he earned a reputation for visionary leadership and a deep commitment to student and staff success. He holds a master’s degree in educational administration, an education specialist degree, and a Doctor of Education in Education Systems Improvement—all from the University of South Carolina.

Keith Price

Pamela Davis Rhodes currently serves as Director of Federal Programs for Sumter School District. Previously, she served as Principal at Cherryvale Elementary School. During her years in public education, she has served as an elementary and middle school teacher, literacy coach, curriculum coordinator and assistant principal. Pamela received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Clemson University, her master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of South Carolina – Columbia, and her education specialist degree in literacy leadership from Converse College. In 2020, she completed SCASA’s CEEL program platinum level for Aspiring Principals. Pamela has presented at the state and national levels at various professional conferences on the topics of increasing student achievement, moving schools to the next level of excellence and student equity. Pamela and her husband, Ronnie, have two children, Lawrence and Sydney.

Pamela Davis Rhodes currently serves as Director of Federal Programs for Sumter School District. Previously, she served as Principal at Cherryvale Elementary School. During her years in public education, she has served as an elementary and middle school teacher, literacy coach, curriculum coordinator and assistant principal. Pamela received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Clemson University, her master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of South Carolina – Columbia, and her education specialist degree in literacy leadership from Converse College. In 2020, she completed SCASA’s CEEL program platinum level for Aspiring Principals. Pamela has presented at the state and national levels at various professional conferences on the topics of increasing student achievement, moving schools to the next level of excellence and student equity. Pamela and her husband, Ronnie, have two children, Lawrence and Sydney.

Pam Rhodes

Melissa Robinette is the Director of Public Relations for Spartanburg District Five Schools, and has served in school communications for over a decade. Before joining School PR in 2013, Melissa was a television news reporter and anchor in markets in South Carolina and Florida. The daughter of a proud public school educator and retired elementary school Principal, she loves getting the chance to tell the stories of students, teachers and schools every day! Melissa attended the University of Georgia's Henry W. Grady School of Journalism, where she earned a Bachelors in Broadcast News, with a minor in Speech Communications. She is active in the South Carolina chapter of the National School Public Relations Association, where she has served as President and on the Executive Board. Outside of work, Melissa loves to volunteer in her church and community, and enjoys traveling with her husband, John, and two children, Sadie (9) and Cole (5). She is also an avid Georgia football fan, so Gamecock and Tiger fans beware! (GO DAWGS!)

Melissa Robinette is the Director of Public Relations for Spartanburg District Five Schools, and has served in school communications for over a decade. Before joining School PR in 2013, Melissa was a television news reporter and anchor in markets in South Carolina and Florida. The daughter of a proud public school educator and retired elementary school Principal, she loves getting the chance to tell the stories of students, teachers and schools every day! Melissa attended the University of Georgia's Henry W. Grady School of Journalism, where she earned a Bachelors in Broadcast News, with a minor in Speech Communications. She is active in the South Carolina chapter of the National School Public Relations Association, where she has served as President and on the Executive Board. Outside of work, Melissa loves to volunteer in her church and community, and enjoys traveling with her husband, John, and two children, Sadie (9) and Cole (5). She is also an avid Georgia football fan, so Gamecock and Tiger fans beware! (GO DAWGS!)

Melissa Robinette

Angie Rye recently retired from her role as Chief Academic Officer in Lexington School District Three. She also served as principal, assistant principal, Director of Pupil Services, and teacher across her career in public education in South Carolina. Angie holds a bachelor’s degree from Winthrop University and master’s degree from the University of South Carolina. She is a graduate of the SC Institute for Educational Leadership, the Center for Creative Leadership, Learning Forward Academy, and the Midlands Educator Leadership Experience. Angie is an active member of SCASA where she has served as President of SCASA, chairperson of the Instructional Leaders Roundtable, and was selected as the 2020 District Administrator of the Year. Currently she serves as president of the SC Learning Forward Board, and has previously served in a variety of roles for the SC Middle School Association, the Batesburg Leesville Rotary Club, the Batesburg Leesville Midlands Tech Advisory Board, and the Lexington County First Steps Board. Angie and her husband Kenny live in Gilbert, SC and have two children, Jacob and Savannah. Angie enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Angie Rye recently retired from her role as Chief Academic Officer in Lexington School District Three. She also served as principal, assistant principal, Director of Pupil Services, and teacher across her career in public education in South Carolina. Angie holds a bachelor’s degree from Winthrop University and master’s degree from the University of South Carolina. She is a graduate of the SC Institute for Educational Leadership, the Center for Creative Leadership, Learning Forward Academy, and the Midlands Educator Leadership Experience. Angie is an active member of SCASA where she has served as President of SCASA, chairperson of the Instructional Leaders Roundtable, and was selected as the 2020 District Administrator of the Year. Currently she serves as president of the SC Learning Forward Board, and has previously served in a variety of roles for the SC Middle School Association, the Batesburg Leesville Rotary Club, the Batesburg Leesville Midlands Tech Advisory Board, and the Lexington County First Steps Board. Angie and her husband Kenny live in Gilbert, SC and have two children, Jacob and Savannah. Angie enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Angie Rye

Dr. Marcella Shaw is a native of Yemassee, SC. Marcella is a proud 1989 honor graduate of Wade Hampton High School in Hampton, SC. After high school, she attended The University of South Carolina, Columbia where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies. She furthered her education at Cambridge College in Boston, Massachusetts where she received a Masters degree in Education. The Board of Trustees at South Carolina State University awarded Marcella Education Specialist and Doctoral degrees in 2001 and 2003, respectively. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Marcella has been a classroom teacher, served as a Teacher Specialist for the State Department of Education, worked as an Assistant Principal, Principal, Director of Elementary Education, Chief Instructional Officer, and Superintendent in Williston School District 29 in Barnwell County. During her career, Marcella has garnered a number of prestigious awards and has served on a number of Boards to include United Way of the Midlands Education Board, Communities in Schools Board member, and Healthy Partners Board member. She feels that her greatest reward in life is being child of God, a wife to Retired Chief Warrant Officer 4 Warren Shaw, and mother to MaKayla M'Lynn and Madison McKenna, who are the apples of her eye. As a family, they worship at First Nazareth Baptist Church in Columbia.

Dr. Marcella Shaw is a native of Yemassee, SC. Marcella is a proud 1989 honor graduate of Wade Hampton High School in Hampton, SC. After high school, she attended The University of South Carolina, Columbia where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies. She furthered her education at Cambridge College in Boston, Massachusetts where she received a Masters degree in Education. The Board of Trustees at South Carolina State University awarded Marcella Education Specialist and Doctoral degrees in 2001 and 2003, respectively. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Marcella has been a classroom teacher, served as a Teacher Specialist for the State Department of Education, worked as an Assistant Principal, Principal, Director of Elementary Education, Chief Instructional Officer, and Superintendent in Williston School District 29 in Barnwell County. During her career, Marcella has garnered a number of prestigious awards and has served on a number of Boards to include United Way of the Midlands Education Board, Communities in Schools Board member, and Healthy Partners Board member. She feels that her greatest reward in life is being child of God, a wife to Retired Chief Warrant Officer 4 Warren Shaw, and mother to MaKayla M'Lynn and Madison McKenna, who are the apples of her eye. As a family, they worship at First Nazareth Baptist Church in Columbia.

Marcella Shaw

Mike is the budget director for the South Carolina Senate Finance Committee, a position where he has served since 2001. The Finance Committee is tasked with developing the state’s annual budget as well as tax policy. Prior to moving to the State Senate, Mike was Director of the Division of Regional Development for the State Budget and Control Board. In addition, his list of experience includes the State Budget Office and the Board of Economic Advisors. Mike received his bachelor’s degree, cum laude, in economics and political science from Clemson University and his master’s degree in public administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In addition, Mike participated in the Fund for American Studies program at Georgetown University. Mike has previously served as a member of the Board of Visitors for the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary and the Clemson University Board of Visitors.

Mike is the budget director for the South Carolina Senate Finance Committee, a position where he has served since 2001. The Finance Committee is tasked with developing the state’s annual budget as well as tax policy. Prior to moving to the State Senate, Mike was Director of the Division of Regional Development for the State Budget and Control Board. In addition, his list of experience includes the State Budget Office and the Board of Economic Advisors. Mike received his bachelor’s degree, cum laude, in economics and political science from Clemson University and his master’s degree in public administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In addition, Mike participated in the Fund for American Studies program at Georgetown University. Mike has previously served as a member of the Board of Visitors for the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary and the Clemson University Board of Visitors.

Mike Shealy

Dr. James Ann Lynch Sheley retired as Assistant Superintendent in Richland Two School District. Previous experience includes serving as Director of Elementary Schools in Lexington District One, and Principal of Lugoff Elementary, North Springs Elementary and founding principal at Lake Carolina Elementary Schools. Dr. Sheley holds a bachelor’s degree from Newberry College, master’s degree and master’s plus 30 from Winthrop University, and an Ed. D. from Nova –Southeastern University. She is a graduate of the Executive Leadership Academy, the Center for Creative Leadership, and the Midlands Educator Leadership Experience, Dr. Sheley has received numerous awards and honors including the National Milken Educator Award, South Carolina National Principal of the Year, and Alpha Delta Kappa Excellence in Education Award. She is an active member of SCASA where she has served as President of the Elementary Principals Association and has been a member of the Palmetto’s Finest Selection Committee since the early 90’s. Currently she serves on the SC-ASCD Board, the Board of Managers of Newberry College, past Chairperson of the Speers Creek School Campaign Committee, and is a member of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church.

Dr. James Ann Lynch Sheley retired as Assistant Superintendent in Richland Two School District. Previous experience includes serving as Director of Elementary Schools in Lexington District One, and Principal of Lugoff Elementary, North Springs Elementary and founding principal at Lake Carolina Elementary Schools. Dr. Sheley holds a bachelor’s degree from Newberry College, master’s degree and master’s plus 30 from Winthrop University, and an Ed. D. from Nova –Southeastern University. She is a graduate of the Executive Leadership Academy, the Center for Creative Leadership, and the Midlands Educator Leadership Experience, Dr. Sheley has received numerous awards and honors including the National Milken Educator Award, South Carolina National Principal of the Year, and Alpha Delta Kappa Excellence in Education Award. She is an active member of SCASA where she has served as President of the Elementary Principals Association and has been a member of the Palmetto’s Finest Selection Committee since the early 90’s. Currently she serves on the SC-ASCD Board, the Board of Managers of Newberry College, past Chairperson of the Speers Creek School Campaign Committee, and is a member of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church.

James Ann Sheley

Troy serves as the VP of Member Services for Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative in Lexington, South Carolina leading the areas of Media & Public Relations, Corporate Communications, Governmental Relations, Energy Services, Wellness, Customer Service Centers and Billing. He loves to serve alongside his neighbors in the community - and loves even more to cast vision and provide leadership for taking the next level. Troy has and currently serves on a number of boards including Mission Lexington(formerly known as LICS) Board, Immediate Past Chair; Lexington Chamber of Commerce Board, Immediate Past Chair; 2017 Recipient of the Lexington Chamber Mike Till Community Service Award; Lexington District One Educational Foundation Board member, Dancing With The Stars, 2017; Lexington-Richland School District Five Business Advisory Council; Celebrate Freedom Foundation; Mentor, Rocky Creek Elementary; Central Carolina Community Foundation – On the Table Forum Committee; La Vie Pregnancy Center Advisory Board; Saluda Economic Development Board; Leadership South Carolina, Leadership Lexington, Founding board member, Past President, Neema Children’s Charities. He is an avid supporter of his alma mater, Furman University and has served as the Past President of Furman Young Alumni Board and most recently as Homecoming Reunion, Chair 2018. After receiving his undergraduate degree in Political Science from Furman University and MSW from USC, Troy served with NCNB/Bank of America in Corporate Personnel in Charlotte, NC and then in Columbia, SC. After meeting his wife, Dell, they served for over 20 years in ministry together. They have three children - Mary Hannah, freshly graduated from nursing school and John Robert, a senior at Clemson University and Grace Ann, a freshman at Furman. He and his family love to camp, travel, and generally do anything outside. Collecting sunrises and sunsets are a personal favorite - and stand as a family challenge to slow down to admire and experience the beauty of creation.

Troy serves as the VP of Member Services for Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative in Lexington, South Carolina leading the areas of Media & Public Relations, Corporate Communications, Governmental Relations, Energy Services, Wellness, Customer Service Centers and Billing. He loves to serve alongside his neighbors in the community - and loves even more to cast vision and provide leadership for taking the next level. Troy has and currently serves on a number of boards including Mission Lexington(formerly known as LICS) Board, Immediate Past Chair; Lexington Chamber of Commerce Board, Immediate Past Chair; 2017 Recipient of the Lexington Chamber Mike Till Community Service Award; Lexington District One Educational Foundation Board member, Dancing With The Stars, 2017; Lexington-Richland School District Five Business Advisory Council; Celebrate Freedom Foundation; Mentor, Rocky Creek Elementary; Central Carolina Community Foundation – On the Table Forum Committee; La Vie Pregnancy Center Advisory Board; Saluda Economic Development Board; Leadership South Carolina, Leadership Lexington, Founding board member, Past President, Neema Children’s Charities. He is an avid supporter of his alma mater, Furman University and has served as the Past President of Furman Young Alumni Board and most recently as Homecoming Reunion, Chair 2018. After receiving his undergraduate degree in Political Science from Furman University and MSW from USC, Troy served with NCNB/Bank of America in Corporate Personnel in Charlotte, NC and then in Columbia, SC. After meeting his wife, Dell, they served for over 20 years in ministry together. They have three children - Mary Hannah, freshly graduated from nursing school and John Robert, a senior at Clemson University and Grace Ann, a freshman at Furman. He and his family love to camp, travel, and generally do anything outside. Collecting sunrises and sunsets are a personal favorite - and stand as a family challenge to slow down to admire and experience the beauty of creation.

Troy Simpson

Dr. Tracie Anderson Swilley was named Assistant Superintendent for Instruction after having over a decade of success as the principal of Fairfield Central High School during which time she was name National Principal of the Year in 2025. She is a Transformational Leader who has positively shifted the lives of her faculty and staff and, ultimately, the educational system in Fairfield County Schools and beyond. As a transformational leader, Dr. Swilley understands the Law of Replication and has many assistant principals who were promoted to principal under her guidance. Additionally, she has promoted teachers within her building to the role of assistant principal and has mentored principals throughout the state. She embodies leading by example to ensure that leaders beget leaders. Dr. Swilley has received many accolades for her astounding leadership, including 2024 South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA) Secondary Principal of the Year, Proclamations from Fairfield County & the Town of Winnsboro, the SCAAA 2A Principal of the Year in 2023, Unity in the Community School Administrator Award in 2023, Fairfield County Coroner Outstanding Service Award in 2021, and Believers and Achievers Award in 2015. She is committed to advancing educational and social outcomes for those around her and is a longtime member of several professional organizations such as NASSP, SCEA, SCASA, SCAAA and ASCD. She currently serves as SCAAA 2A President, SCASA Secondary Principal Executive Committee District 2 Representative, and is a member of the Midlands Regional Educational Center Advisory Board. She is also an active member of the Richland County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Dr. Swilley knows that everyone can achieve given the proper assistance and support and uses data to guide her faculty and staff in best practices to improve student outcomes. She upholds the Fairfield Central motto of Griffins Soaring for Greatness: Griffins Believe, Griffins Achieve, and Griffins Succeed. The mission that she carries out is modeling how to provide every student with quality teaching and learning experiences every day. Dr. Swilley is the proud mother of Jalen and Peyton who she adores dearly.

Dr. Tracie Anderson Swilley was named Assistant Superintendent for Instruction after having over a decade of success as the principal of Fairfield Central High School during which time she was name National Principal of the Year in 2025. She is a Transformational Leader who has positively shifted the lives of her faculty and staff and, ultimately, the educational system in Fairfield County Schools and beyond. As a transformational leader, Dr. Swilley understands the Law of Replication and has many assistant principals who were promoted to principal under her guidance. Additionally, she has promoted teachers within her building to the role of assistant principal and has mentored principals throughout the state. She embodies leading by example to ensure that leaders beget leaders. Dr. Swilley has received many accolades for her astounding leadership, including 2024 South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA) Secondary Principal of the Year, Proclamations from Fairfield County & the Town of Winnsboro, the SCAAA 2A Principal of the Year in 2023, Unity in the Community School Administrator Award in 2023, Fairfield County Coroner Outstanding Service Award in 2021, and Believers and Achievers Award in 2015. She is committed to advancing educational and social outcomes for those around her and is a longtime member of several professional organizations such as NASSP, SCEA, SCASA, SCAAA and ASCD. She currently serves as SCAAA 2A President, SCASA Secondary Principal Executive Committee District 2 Representative, and is a member of the Midlands Regional Educational Center Advisory Board. She is also an active member of the Richland County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Dr. Swilley knows that everyone can achieve given the proper assistance and support and uses data to guide her faculty and staff in best practices to improve student outcomes. She upholds the Fairfield Central motto of Griffins Soaring for Greatness: Griffins Believe, Griffins Achieve, and Griffins Succeed. The mission that she carries out is modeling how to provide every student with quality teaching and learning experiences every day. Dr. Swilley is the proud mother of Jalen and Peyton who she adores dearly.

Tracie Anderson Swilley

Barry Taylor has forty-four years of Human Resources experience serving in all roles in HR from the HR Generalist level to the Vice President of Human Resources and Safety/Heath/Environmental for an international Fortune 500 Company. Barry is a graduate of the University of North Carolina with a B.S. Degree in Industrial Relations. He spent much of his career with Hoechst Celanese serving in large manufacturing facilities with 1000-2000 employees and in the Corporate Office of the company. Following Hoechst Celanese, he served in the Vice President role for Wellman Inc, a leading PET resin and Fiber producer and a recycler of PET. Following Wellman, Barry was the Director of Human Resources Operations for SCANA where the company’s Human Resources Managers and Generalists reported to him. Barry has volunteered on numerous boards during his career to include chairing a county wide United Way Drive, two terms as VP of Education for a Chamber of Commerce, the Sharonview Federal Credit Union Board, Red Cross Board, Life Enrichment Board, among others and was named Volunteer of The Year for his service to the Chamber of Commerce. He currently is a Board member on the Darlington County Economic Development Partnership and serves on the Education Committee of this Board. Following his retirement from SCANA, he taught pre-employment classes for ReadySC and assisted with the restart of a former Wellman site along with HR consulting for small to medium size businesses. He is a member of Central Baptist Church in Darlington where he lives with his wife Vicki.

Barry Taylor has forty-four years of Human Resources experience serving in all roles in HR from the HR Generalist level to the Vice President of Human Resources and Safety/Heath/Environmental for an international Fortune 500 Company. Barry is a graduate of the University of North Carolina with a B.S. Degree in Industrial Relations. He spent much of his career with Hoechst Celanese serving in large manufacturing facilities with 1000-2000 employees and in the Corporate Office of the company. Following Hoechst Celanese, he served in the Vice President role for Wellman Inc, a leading PET resin and Fiber producer and a recycler of PET. Following Wellman, Barry was the Director of Human Resources Operations for SCANA where the company’s Human Resources Managers and Generalists reported to him. Barry has volunteered on numerous boards during his career to include chairing a county wide United Way Drive, two terms as VP of Education for a Chamber of Commerce, the Sharonview Federal Credit Union Board, Red Cross Board, Life Enrichment Board, among others and was named Volunteer of The Year for his service to the Chamber of Commerce. He currently is a Board member on the Darlington County Economic Development Partnership and serves on the Education Committee of this Board. Following his retirement from SCANA, he taught pre-employment classes for ReadySC and assisted with the restart of a former Wellman site along with HR consulting for small to medium size businesses. He is a member of Central Baptist Church in Darlington where he lives with his wife Vicki.

Barry Taylor

Dr. Adams is currently serving as the Chief Human Resources Officer in the School District of Newberry County. She is a distinguished educational leader who has dedicated her career to helping students and educators reach their full potential. With extensive expertise in talent acquisition, employee engagement, curriculum development, and rural educational leadership, she has a proven track record of cultivating high-performing teams and driving organizational growth. Her diverse administrative career includes serving as the Executive Director of Human Resources for Richland School District Two, and HR Director for both Dorchester School District Four and Williston School District 29—where she successfully assisted with the consolidation into Barnwell County School District 45. Dr. Adams’ versatile leadership spans roles as Director of Early Childhood and Elementary, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Elementary Principal Coach, Assistant Principal, and Principal. Deeply committed to community service, Dr. Adams has actively lent her expertise to numerous boards. She is the former Board Chair for First Steps and has served on the boards of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lowcountry, Allendale Education Foundation, Head Start, the Juvenile Detention Committee, and the Richland County-SC Education Association Legislation Committee. She also serves as Treasurer for her community's HOA.

Dr. Adams is currently serving as the Chief Human Resources Officer in the School District of Newberry County. She is a distinguished educational leader who has dedicated her career to helping students and educators reach their full potential. With extensive expertise in talent acquisition, employee engagement, curriculum development, and rural educational leadership, she has a proven track record of cultivating high-performing teams and driving organizational growth. Her diverse administrative career includes serving as the Executive Director of Human Resources for Richland School District Two, and HR Director for both Dorchester School District Four and Williston School District 29—where she successfully assisted with the consolidation into Barnwell County School District 45. Dr. Adams’ versatile leadership spans roles as Director of Early Childhood and Elementary, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Elementary Principal Coach, Assistant Principal, and Principal. Deeply committed to community service, Dr. Adams has actively lent her expertise to numerous boards. She is the former Board Chair for First Steps and has served on the boards of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lowcountry, Allendale Education Foundation, Head Start, the Juvenile Detention Committee, and the Richland County-SC Education Association Legislation Committee. She also serves as Treasurer for her community's HOA.

LaToya Thomas-Adams

Claire Thompson currently serves as the District After School Manager for Lexington/Richland School District 5. She has 30 years of experience as a school administrator, retiring as principal from Lake Murray Elementary School where she had served for 21 years. Prior to opening Lake Murray Elementary, Mrs. Thompson served as principal of Chapin Elementary School for three years. Mrs. Thompson’s other administrative experience includes assistant principalships at Nursery Road Elementary in School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties and Red Bank Elementary in Lexington School District One. Mrs. Thompson is currently working part-time with the Human Resources Office in School District Five. Mrs. Thompson was recognized in 2015 as the South Carolina Elementary Principal of the Year and as a National Distinguished Principal from the National Association of Elementary School Principals. Mrs. Thompson was awarded the Order of the Silver Crescent, the state’s highest honor for community service, in May 2018. During her years as principal at Lake Murray Elementary, Mrs. Thompson was awarded the District Superintendent’s Award for School Culture as well as the Superintendent’s Award for Leadership. Mrs. Thompson has presented at various conferences including the SCASA i3, Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, and State Reading Conference. Mrs. Thompson’s undergraduate and graduate degrees are from the University of South Carolina.

Claire Thompson currently serves as the District After School Manager for Lexington/Richland School District 5. She has 30 years of experience as a school administrator, retiring as principal from Lake Murray Elementary School where she had served for 21 years. Prior to opening Lake Murray Elementary, Mrs. Thompson served as principal of Chapin Elementary School for three years. Mrs. Thompson’s other administrative experience includes assistant principalships at Nursery Road Elementary in School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties and Red Bank Elementary in Lexington School District One. Mrs. Thompson is currently working part-time with the Human Resources Office in School District Five. Mrs. Thompson was recognized in 2015 as the South Carolina Elementary Principal of the Year and as a National Distinguished Principal from the National Association of Elementary School Principals. Mrs. Thompson was awarded the Order of the Silver Crescent, the state’s highest honor for community service, in May 2018. During her years as principal at Lake Murray Elementary, Mrs. Thompson was awarded the District Superintendent’s Award for School Culture as well as the Superintendent’s Award for Leadership. Mrs. Thompson has presented at various conferences including the SCASA i3, Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, and State Reading Conference. Mrs. Thompson’s undergraduate and graduate degrees are from the University of South Carolina.

Claire Thompson

Dr. Scott Turner currently serves as Deputy Superintendent for Greenville County Schools after a brief stint in the Human Resources Department. He has served in various leadership roles throughout his 37 years of experience in education. He earned his bachelor’s in biology from Wofford College, a Master’s and Education Specialist Degrees from Converse College, and his doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from South Carolina State University. His career began as a chemistry and A.P. Biology teacher at Boiling Springs High School. He then served as an assistant principal at Dutch Fork Middle School and Chapin High School. He was the principal at Chesnee High School and then James F. Byrnes High School before being named Superintendent of Spartanburg District Five in 2004, which he led with distinction until 2019. While leading District Five as superintendent, Scott held numerous leadership roles at SCASA as a member of the executive board, President of the Superintendent’s Division, and the President of SCASA. He has also served on Palmetto’s Finest Teams, Education Oversight Committee, and numerous community boards and commissions. Scott received the SCASA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022 for his commitment to public education, his community, and SCASA. After Serving as superintendent for fifteen years, Dr. Turner became the Deputy Superintendent of Greenville County Schools in 2019 until 2022. His next experience was as a full-time faculty member in the Graduate Education Department of Anderson University’s Doctoral program.

Dr. Scott Turner currently serves as Deputy Superintendent for Greenville County Schools after a brief stint in the Human Resources Department. He has served in various leadership roles throughout his 37 years of experience in education. He earned his bachelor’s in biology from Wofford College, a Master’s and Education Specialist Degrees from Converse College, and his doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from South Carolina State University. His career began as a chemistry and A.P. Biology teacher at Boiling Springs High School. He then served as an assistant principal at Dutch Fork Middle School and Chapin High School. He was the principal at Chesnee High School and then James F. Byrnes High School before being named Superintendent of Spartanburg District Five in 2004, which he led with distinction until 2019. While leading District Five as superintendent, Scott held numerous leadership roles at SCASA as a member of the executive board, President of the Superintendent’s Division, and the President of SCASA. He has also served on Palmetto’s Finest Teams, Education Oversight Committee, and numerous community boards and commissions. Scott received the SCASA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022 for his commitment to public education, his community, and SCASA. After Serving as superintendent for fifteen years, Dr. Turner became the Deputy Superintendent of Greenville County Schools in 2019 until 2022. His next experience was as a full-time faculty member in the Graduate Education Department of Anderson University’s Doctoral program.

Scott Turner

Seth Young currently serves as the Superintendent in Anderson School District One. Previously, he served as the Principal at Wren High School. During his career he has served in a variety of roles at the high school and middle school level including Principal, Freshman Academy Director, Assistant Principal, math teacher, and basketball coach. Seth received his Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and his Master’s in Educational Supervision and Administration from Clemson University. In 2018, he completed his PhD from Clemson with an emphasis on school leaders’ engagement with policies that impact their roles as school leaders. Dr. Young has presented on his experience as a school administrator at state and national conferences. His school has been recognized for excellence in academic achievement by several organizations at both the state and national level. He has also taught courses to aspiring school leaders at Clemson University. Seth and his wife, Ashley, have two children, Grant and Lydia.

Seth Young currently serves as the Superintendent in Anderson School District One. Previously, he served as the Principal at Wren High School. During his career he has served in a variety of roles at the high school and middle school level including Principal, Freshman Academy Director, Assistant Principal, math teacher, and basketball coach. Seth received his Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and his Master’s in Educational Supervision and Administration from Clemson University. In 2018, he completed his PhD from Clemson with an emphasis on school leaders’ engagement with policies that impact their roles as school leaders. Dr. Young has presented on his experience as a school administrator at state and national conferences. His school has been recognized for excellence in academic achievement by several organizations at both the state and national level. He has also taught courses to aspiring school leaders at Clemson University. Seth and his wife, Ashley, have two children, Grant and Lydia.

Seth Young

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