Leadership South Carolina

10/05/2026

Session Two is finally here, and for many Leadership South Carolina alumni, it remains one of the most memorable sessions of the entire program.

The Class of 2027 has seen the schedule, alumni know what's coming, and for everyone else, some traditions are best discovered firsthand.

Also, this week, Alumni Association members will enjoy exclusive opportunities to step back into the Leadership South Carolina experience through special invitations available only to members. These moments are a reminder that graduation isn't the end of the journey. The relationships, access, and experiences continue long after the closing session for those who choose to stay connected through the Alumni Association.

And the weather appears ready to cooperate:
☀️ Wednesday: Partly sunny, high near 77°
☀️ Thursday: Mostly sunny, high near 79°
⛅ Friday: Partly sunny, high near 78° with only a slight chance of showers

Here's to another unforgettable week of learning, leadership, connection, and a few traditions that are best experienced rather than explained.

10/01/2026

The Leadership South Carolina Alumni Challenge Has Come to a Close!

Thanks to the enthusiasm and commitment of our alumni, nearly 100 new members joined the Leadership South Carolina Alumni Association during this challenge.

Congratulations to our winning class and to every alumnus who invested in the future of our program through membership.

Final Standings

🥇 Class of 2026 – 59% (30 of 51)
🥈 Class of 2024 – 38% (17 of 45)
🥉 Class of 2018 – 32% (18 of 57)
4️⃣ Class of 2025 – 28% (15 of 53)
5️⃣ Class of 2021 – 16% (6 of 38)

The real winner is Leadership South Carolina. Your membership strengthens our alumni network, expands opportunities for engagement, and helps ensure the program continues developing leaders who move South Carolina forward.

Thank you to everyone who joined, renewed, encouraged classmates, and helped make this challenge such a success. Stay tuned. We'll be unveiling the new Alumni Association calendar soon, packed with opportunities to reconnect, learn, and lead together.

Haven't joined yet? Join today and reconnect with your network and invest in the future of Leadership South Carolina.

This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

09/29/2026

🔥 37 Hours Left. One Last Push.

The Leadership South Carolina Alumni Challenge ends tomorrow at midnight, and every membership still has the power to change the standings.

Current Leaderboard:
🥇 Class of 2026 • 59%
🥈 Class of 2024 • 29%
🥉 Class of 2025 • 28%
4️⃣ Class of 2018 • 21%
5️⃣ Class of 2021 • 16%

The race for second place is separated by just one member, and every class still has an opportunity to improve its standing before the clock runs out.

Alumni complete the program.
Alumni Association members invest in its future.

Join or renew today and help your class finish strong 👉

This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

09/28/2026

⏳ 2 Days Left: Who Will Finish on Top?

The Leadership South Carolina Alumni Challenge ends September 30, and now is the time to be counted.

✅ An alum is someone who completed the program.
✅ An Alumni Association member is an alum who is actively investing in the future of Leadership South Carolina.

If you have not joined or renewed yet, there is still time. Help your class move up the leaderboard, strengthen our alumni network, and support the next generation of leaders across South Carolina.

🥇 Class of 2026 • 59%
🥈 Class of 2025 • 28%
🥉 Class of 2024 • 24%
4️⃣ Class of 2018 • 21%
5️⃣ Class of 2021 • 16%

Be part of the future of Leadership South Carolina.
Join today 👉

This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

09/18/2026

🌴 Alumni vs. Alumni Association Member

Not the same thing.

An alumni is anyone who completed the LSC Core Program.
An Alumni Association member is an alumni who said, "I'm still all in."

That commitment unlocks:
✅ Alumni-only events (schedule coming soon!)
✅ Complimentary class reception attendance
✅ Future access to member-exclusive online resources including a searchable alumni directory & access to exclusive LSC Alumni merchandise

With the Alumni Challenge ending on September 30, there's still time to help your class climb the leaderboard.

The question isn't whether you're alumni.
The question is: Are you a current Alumni Association member?

If not, now is the perfect time to join, support the network that has connected leaders across South Carolina for more than four decades, and help your class move up the standings before the challenge ends.

👉 Register:
https://lnkd.in/eMPvPJsR

09/17/2026

Leadership is strengthened when diverse sectors come together to solve challenges, serve communities, and prepare for the future.

Day 3 of Leadership South Carolina's CO27 Session One focused on the partnerships and systems that help South Carolina thrive. Participants heard presentations from the four outstanding organizations selected as finalists for this year's class project, learning about innovative approaches to addressing needs and creating impact across our state.

A highlight of the day was a collaborative leadership panel facilitated by Trustee, Pamela Benjamin, featuring representatives from the City of Columbia Government (Teresa Wilson), Richland County Government (Leonardo Brown, CPM) and the University of South Carolina (Ambra Hiott, Ed.D. & Rebecca Best.) The discussion provided valuable insight into how local governments and higher education institutions work together to advance shared goals, strengthen communities, and create opportunities for future growth.

We were also grateful to hear from Sara Hazzard with South Carolina Manufacturers and Commerce, who shared perspectives on South Carolina's economic growth and opportunity throughout the state.

The day continued with an engaging demonstration from AT&T and FirstNet, Built with AT&T, offering participants a closer look at the technology and communications infrastructure that support first responders during critical situations. We also thank the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, Director Kim Stenson and Steven Batson for providing an inside look at the planning, coordination, and leadership required to prepare for and respond to emergencies across South Carolina.

Thank you to all of our speakers and partners for investing in the Leadership South Carolina Class of 2027. These conversations deepen our understanding of the collaboration, innovation, and leadership that continue to move South Carolina forward.

Next stop, Charleston and Seabrook Island!

09/16/2026

Leadership begins with understanding the people and organizations who serve and protect our state every day.

Day 2 of Leadership South Carolina's CO27 Session One took participants to Camp McCrady for an immersive look at military readiness, public service, and public safety. We are grateful to our longtime partners at the South Carolina National Guard, Army National Guard, and Air National Guard for providing a firsthand look at their mission and the critical role they play in supporting communities across South Carolina and beyond.

A highlight of the day was hearing from Major General Jones, whose remarks provided valuable insight into leadership, service, and the responsibility of preparing for the challenges of tomorrow. Participants also had the opportunity to explore military equipment and skills trainers, providing a hands-on experience.

We are also thankful to Irick (T.J.) Geary for an outstanding law enforcement panel that offered candid perspectives on the opportunities and challenges facing public safety agencies across our state. The discussion provided participants with a greater appreciation for the collaboration, dedication, and leadership required to keep South Carolina's communities safe.

A special thank you to Black Rock Branding, our class shirt sponsor, for helping outfit the Class of 2027 and contributing to an exceptional week of learning and connection.

Thank you to everyone who shared their time, expertise, and experiences with the class. Experiences like these strengthen our understanding of the people, partnerships, and institutions that make South Carolina stronger.

09/15/2026

Great leadership begins with understanding the story of the place we call home.

Day 1 of Leadership South Carolina's CO27 Session One, participants explored the history, culture, and economic forces that continue to shape our great state. We are grateful to the
South Carolina State Museum for hosting us and to our outstanding speakers and presenters who shared their expertise on topics ranging from South Carolina history with Tracy Power and economics with Joseph Von Nessen to the exciting developments surrounding Scout Motors Inc., presented by Jamie Lovegrove.

A special thank you to Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann for welcoming the class and helping set the stage for a great week. We're also grateful to MiraSol Health for sponsoring lunch and providing an opportunity for participants to connect and continue the conversation.

We also extend our appreciation to the alumni and trustees who joined us and continue to strengthen the Leadership South Carolina network through their engagement and support.

The day concluded with an inspiring personal leadership story from Danny Nicholson, reminding us that leadership is ultimately about service, purpose, and changing lives.

And let's be honest... the SWAG is pretty cool too!

Thank you to everyone who contributed to an exceptional start to this year's journey.

09/14/2026

As we welcomed the Leadership South Carolina Class of 2027, we were reminded that leadership is ultimately about people.

Our opening reception was filled with familiar faces and new connections, with alumni, trustees, and friends coming together to celebrate the beginning of a new class journey. We are grateful to AT&T and Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP for their sponsorship and continued support of Leadership South Carolina.

It was also an honor to recognize Neil Jones, CPA for the courageous leadership he provided during a pivotal time for our organization. His commitment and stewardship helped lead us through transition with confidence and purpose.

And this is just the beginning. This is just the first Session One post! Stay tuned for more highlights from an incredible week of learning, connection, and discovery across South Carolina.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating the start of what promises to be an extraordinary year for the Class of 2027.

09/11/2026

As we conclude Session One of Leadership South Carolina's Class of 2027, we do so on a day that carries deep meaning for our nation.

Today, we pause to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, honor the courage of those who responded, and reflect on the resilience and unity that emerged in the face of tragedy.

Leadership is often revealed during moments of challenge. As our newest class begins its leadership journey, may we carry forward the spirit of service, compassion, and commitment to one another that defined our nation in the days that followed 9/11.

We remember. We honor. We will never forget.