Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Tag: pin

Robert Wilson Awarded the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award

Robert Wilson with his family, Amanda, Merritt, and Creighton, upon being presented with the award.

Robert Wilson, Senior Leadership Advisor & Community Advocate for Spero Financial, is awarded The Lifetime Achievement Award by the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation. The Lifetime Achievement Award honors an individual who has made a significant and lasting impact in the credit union industry. Robert was recognized at the Foundation’s Awards Gala in Charlotte, North Carolina on February 7, 2024.

Brian McKay, President and CEO of Spero Financial, shared, “This is a tremendous honor, and one that Robert has earned through his years of work in the credit union industry and the Upstate community. Robert was one of the first leaders I met in my credit union career 20 years ago, and I’ve been blessed to work beside him, and even more so, blessed to call him a friend.”

As he accepted the award, Robert stated, “If I could summarize my career in one word, it would be serving. Serving is my ‘why’.”

It’s exactly this drive to serve that sets Robert apart and has marked not only his career but his entire life — in service to his family, to his credit union members, and to his community.

Robert’s career within the credit union industry spans over 30 years with much of that time spent as the President and CEO of Anderson Federal Credit Union (AFCU) — a position he held until 2021 with the merger of AFCU and SC Telco Federal Credit Union becoming Spero Financial. In his role as CEO, he led AFCU in expanding the Credit Union’s charter to underserved communities in South Carolina and Georgia and grew assets from $49 million to over $107 million. At Spero Financial, Robert has served as the Senior Vice President, Lending and Sales before transitioning to the Senior Leadership Advisor and Community Advocate.

Beyond these accomplishments, Robert spearheaded countless initiatives directly impacting the betterment of the community. Many of these efforts still live on today, such as Spero Financial’s joint efforts with AnMed Health in powering the Mobile Mammograph Bus – a first-of-a-kind in the nation that Robert, alongside AnMed, pioneered many years ago to ensure affordable and accessible breast image screenings to individuals across the Upstate of South Carolina.

Within his community, Robert has volunteered with Anderson Interfaith Ministries, March of Dimes, Susan G. Komen Foundation, Upstate Homeless Coalition, Meals on Wheels, Foothills Alliance, Haven of Rest Ministries, American Cancer Society, Alzheimer’s Association, Children’s Miracle Network, and more. He has also been devoted to coaching high school basketball— a role he held for over 35 years.

In his tenure, he also has served in volunteer advisory roles for numerous organizations including the Hospice of the Upstate (Board Chairman), Anderson University Board of Visitors, Anderson University Athletic Advisor Board, Innovate Anderson (Executive Committee), South Carolina Credit Union League (Board), South Carolina Credit Union Management Associate (Treasurer), First Carolina Corporate Credit Union (Board), Piedmont Chapter Credit Union (Board).

Robert’s impact on the credit union industry and the Upstate of South Carolina is immeasurable. For those that have had the great pleasure of knowing him throughout his career, it is evident that he embodies the “people helping people” philosophy that defines the cooperative spirit. His genuine spirit is contagious, and his passion to serve is an inspiration to us all.

On behalf of Team Spero, we congratulate Robert Wilson on being recognized with this distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award.

About Spero Financial
Spero Financial Federal Credit Union was chartered in 1935 as a not-for-profit financial cooperative with one mission: to improve financial lives. As one of the Palmetto State’s largest credit unions, today, it has more than 50,000 members and $705 million in assets. Headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, the credit union’s footprint spans the Upstate and Midlands with branches in Anderson, Easley, Greenville, Simpsonville, Spartanburg, Taylors, and Columbia. Learn more at www.spero.financial.

Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd’s Meghan Riordan Joins Project Host Board of Directors

Meghan Riordan

GREENVILLE, SC – Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A. is pleased to announce that Meghan Riordan was recently selected to serve on the Board of Directors for Project Host, a local nonprofit fighting food insecurity in the Greenville area through meals and education.

Active in the community, Meghan currently serves on the Board of Advisors for the Greenville Chamber, is an adjunct professor at Furman University and is a mentor for Furman University’s Women’s Basketball Team. She is also a graduate of Leadership Greenville Class 43.

Meghan’s practice focuses on advising hospitals, physicians and physicians’ groups, nursing and long term care facilities and other healthcare providers on a wide range of matters, including HIPAA, Medicare and Medicaid, and fraud and abuse. She also represents clients with their commercial litigation needs. Meghan is recognized as a Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for Administrative/Regulatory Law (2023-2024), Commercial Litigation (2021-2024) and Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants (2021-2024).

About Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A.
Established in 1887, Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd is a full-service law firm providing creative and efficient solutions for local, national and international clients. With more than 110 attorneys located throughout the Carolinas, we are well-positioned to meet the complex legal needs of our clients. Learn more at www.hsblawfirm.com.

Grace Herlong Loveless named one of GSA Business’s Forty Under 40

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Grace Herlong Loveless has been named one of GSA Business Report’s Forty Under 40.

GSA Business Report’s Forty Under 40 annually celebrates the success and community involvement of 40 professionals under age 40 who are making their mark on the Upstate in a mix of industry, professional and community sectors.

Nominations for the award are submitted by businesses, organizations and individuals. Judges independently score the nominations, and 40 emerge from the pool of candidates for the final list of honorees.

Loveless grew up in Greenville and is a graduate of Furman University. Since 2017, she has been an award-winning Associate with Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty. She became a member of the President’s Circle, which is for Associates who did more than $5 million in sales, in 2020 and joined the Chairman’s Circle, which is for Associates who topped $10 million, in 2021 and repeated in 2022. She also was the top producer in the company’s Greenville office in 2022. She also was featured in a 2020 episode of HGTV’s House Hunters.

“Everyone is very proud of Grace’s accomplishments,” said Joan Herlong, owner and CEO of Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty. “Grace is an amazing Realtor and dedicated to working for the best of her clients.”

About Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty

Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty is one of the leading and most trusted names in real estate in the Upstate of South Carolina. First founded by Owner/CEO Joan Herlong as AugustaRoad.com Realty in 2011, the firm has since handled thousands of properties in the Greenville and Upstate area. In 2017, the company affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, becoming Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty. The company has more than tripled in agent count and production volume since that time. Learn more at www.jha-sothebysrealty.com.

About Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC

Founded in 1976 to provide independent brokerages with a powerful marketing and referral program for luxury listings, the Sotheby’s International Realty network was designed to connect the finest independent real estate companies to the most prestigious clientele in the world. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Holdings Corp. (NYSE: RLGY), a global leader in real estate franchising and provider of real estate brokerage, relocation, and settlement services. In February 2004, Realogy entered into a long-term strategic alliance with Sotheby’s, the operator of the auction house. The agreement provided for the licensing of the Sotheby’s International Realty name and the development of a full franchise system. Affiliations in the system are granted only to brokerages and individuals meeting strict qualifications. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC supports its affiliates with a host of operational, marketing, recruiting, educational, and business development resources. Franchise affiliates also benefit from an association with the venerable Sotheby’s auction house, established in 1744.

United Community Selects Nominees for 2024 Leadership Academy

United Community 2024 Leadership Academy Class

GREENVILLE, S.C. – United Community has selected 25 emerging team members to participate in its 2024 Leadership Academy class, a nine-month internal professional development program aimed at strengthening participants’ leadership skills and understanding of United’s core values.

“At United Community, we want to be a great place for great people to work,” said Moryah Jackson, SVP, community development and engagement. “Leadership Academy helps develop promising talent of all levels, enabling them to better deliver on our promise to strengthen the financial health and well-being of the communities we serve.”

Throughout the program, participants will join key meetings and leadership roundtables with United’s executive management. Upon completion of Leadership Academy, candidates graduate with Clemson University’s miniMBA certificate and will have completed a strategic business recommendation project and a community impact project. More than 90 bankers have completed the program since it was launched in 2016.

United bankers selected for the eighth-year class are:

• Amber Holden (Blairsville, Ga.)
• Andrew Shull (Greenville, S.C.)
• April Irwin (Laurens, S.C.)
• April James (Canton, Ga.)
• Brice Sprayberry (Mount Pleasant, S.C.)
• Caleb Patteson (Greenville, S.C.)
• Chris Klein (Fuquay-Varina, N.C.)
• Chris Shinpaugh (Blue Ridge, Ga.)
• Christopher Huey (Greenville, S.C.)
• Darren West (Elijay, Ga.)
• David Glenn (Columbia, S.C.)
• Elizabeth Boggess (Greenville, S.C.)
• Hannah Coffey (Blairsville, Ga.)
• Jacob Partin (Springfield, Tenn.)
• Jami Bucy (Ponte Vedra, Fla.)
• Jason Boskey (Sarasota, Fla.)
• Jeff Waddail (Huntsville, Ala.)
• Kristin N. Couch (Greenville, S.C.)
• Lauren Dubois (Elijay, Ga.)
• Lauren McElveen (Greenville, S.C.)
• Lane Redding (Inlet Beach, Fla.)
• Michele Roark (Anderson, S.C.)
• Scott Toth (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
• Stephanie Sharp (Bufford, Ga.)
• Steve Borecky (Embry Hills, Ga.)

About United Community Banks, Inc.
United Community Banks, Inc. (NASDAQ: UCBI) is the financial holding company for United Community, a top 100 US financial institution that is committed to improving the financial health and well-being of its customers and ultimately the communities it serves. United Community provides a full range of banking, wealth management, and mortgage services. As of December 31, 2023, United Community has $27.2 billion in assets and 207 offices across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, as well as a national SBA lending franchise and a national equipment financing subsidiary. United Community has been recognized nationally as a leader in customer service, financial performance, and workplace environment. Among the accolades, United Community is a nine-time winner of the J.D. Power award that ranked the bank #1 in customer satisfaction with consumer banking in the Southeast and was recognized in 2023 by Forbes as one of the World’s Best Banks and one of America’s Best Banks. United Community was also recognized by Newsweek in 2023 as one of the Most Trusted Companies in America, is a multi-award recipient of the Greenwich Excellence Awards and was named by American Banker as one of the “Best Banks to Work For” in 2023 for the seventh consecutive year. Additional information about United Community can be found at ucbi.com.

 

Complete PR’s Hartley selected as a GSA Business Report Forty Under 40

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Complete PR’s Director of Public Relations Grace Hartley has been selected as a GSA Business Report Forty Under 40 class of 2024 honoree.

Forty Under 40 honorees are young professionals making an impact in the workplace and in the community in the Upstate.

Originally from Baltimore, Hartley received her bachelor’s degree in Communication from the College of Charleston. After graduating, she worked as a City Editor for GVLtoday at 6AM City for almost three years before joining the team at Complete PR two years ago. She’s a graduate of Leadership Greenville Class 48 and is currently on Rebuild Upstate’s Advisory Council.

“We are all very proud of Grace and the work she does for our partners and in the community,” said John Boyanoski, President of Complete PR. “This is a well-deserved honor.”

About Complete PR:

Complete PR is a full-service public relations firm providing expertise in media relations, crisis communications, digital communications, government affairs, and long-term public strategy. Our team specializes in telling our clients’ stories in new and compelling ways. We do this by providing access to the media outlets and community influencers who can help you achieve your results. Connect with us via www.completepr.net.

RMF Engineering Announces New Shareholder In Charleston

RMF Engineering has added Charleston-based Project Manager, Greg Hudson, PE, CHC, HFDP, as a shareholder in the company. Since joining RMF in 2010, Hudson has emerged as a key member of the Charleston, South Carolina Buildings team. Hudson’s technical experience in mechanical engineering is matched by a collaborative, agile spirit that enables him to work skillfully across a wide variety of project types. This dexterity has helped to strengthen RMF’s long-standing relationships with leading higher education and healthcare clients in the region, focusing much of his work on tailoring data-backed building solutions to drive greater campus performance.

Hudson has opened opportunities to explore new technologies for building modeling and automation and is active in RMF’s healthcare practice. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson University and a Master of Business Administration from the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina.

Hudson joins Conrad Hertz, PE, Division Manager, Boston, and Baltimore-based Project Manager, Dustin Barrall, PE, as RMF Engineering’s 2024 shareholder additions.

Carolina Handling’s Justin Benson to speak at MODEX

Justin Benson, Vice President of Intralogistics Solutions, Carolina Handling

Carolina Handling Vice President of Intralogistics Solutions Justin Benson has been tapped to deliver a presentation entitled, “Elevating Operations with Total Intralogistics Solutions: An Ecosystem of Efficiencies,” during MODEX, one of the largest supply chain trade shows in the country.

The March 11-14 event at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia, will feature more than 1,000 exhibitors, along with presentations on the latest supply chain trends from traditional equipment to workforce automation, robotics and emerging technology.

During the on-floor seminar, Benson and Melinda Laake, Director of Intralogistics Solutions at The Raymond Corporation, will explore how seamless integration of data, equipment, technology and tailored aftermarket services creates a complete framework that helps organizations achieve new heights of efficiency while delivering for customers.

The seminar will emphasize the importance of integrating data, equipment, technology and aftermarket services to improve efficiency, productivity and customer satisfaction within an organization. It also will showcase how working with a single-source provider with an ecosystem-focused portfolio can offer benefits from initial consultation to after the sale.

ABOUT CAROLINA HANDLING

Founded in 1966, Carolina Handling is one of the Southeast’s leading integrated material handling solutions providers and the exclusive Raymond Solutions and Support Center for North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Florida’s Central time zone. The company provides lift trucks and automation solutions for manufacturers, warehouses and distribution centers, along with parts, racking, storage, lighting and dock and door equipment.

Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Carolina Handling operates branch offices in Atlanta, Georgia, Birmingham, Alabama, Greensboro, North Carolina, Raleigh, North Carolina and Greenville, South Carolina, and an Equipment Distribution Center in Piedmont, South Carolina. The company has more than 770 associates. For more information, visit carolinahandling.com.

Wagner Wealth Management hires Shanna Walker as Director of Communications

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Wagner Wealth Management has added Shanna Walker as their Director of Communications.

A native of the Greenville area, Walker earned a degree in finance from Wofford College. Her background includes work in the financial services industry, as well as commercial real estate finance and development in the Upstate and in the Lowcountry. She has spent the last few years working in media as a columnist, and being a content coordinator for Best Version Media.

Actively involved in community service, she is a former president and treasurer of the Greenville County Medical Society Alliance as well as its current social media chair. She also serves as social media chair for the Greenville Chapter of National Charity League, Inc.

“We are thrilled to have such an experienced pro like Shanna join us,” said Dan Wagner, the founder and CEO of Wagner Wealth Management. “Shanna’s role as Director of Communications perfectly blends her background in the finance industry with her various communication skills.”

About Wagner Wealth Management:
Wagner Wealth Management specializes in helping individuals and companies reach their personal and professional goals. Wagner Wealth Management currently advises on more than $1.5 billion in client assets; their experience is diverse, exceptional, and ready to work. The firm has offices in Anderson, Greenville, and Seneca. Learn more at www.wagnerwealthmanagement.com.

Securities offered through Arkadios Capital. Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services through Wealth Management Advisors, LLC. Arkadios Capital and Wealth Management Advisors, LLC, are not affiliated through any ownership.

Countybank Announces Strategic Insurance Division Transitions

Jennifer Hincapie, Division Executive, Countybanc Insurance

Countybank is pleased to announce several strategic transitions within its insurance division. Jennifer Hincapie will transition to Insurance Division Executive, and Rudy Painter will transition to Chief Relationship Officer.

“These strategic transitions within Countybank’s insurance division will enable the team to build on past success and continue to position us for further growth, efficiency, and a consistently high level of service,” said Ken Harper, Chief Banking Officer for Countybank.

Hincapie joined the Countybank Insurance team in August 2023 with more than 30 years of experience in the insurance industry. As Insurance Division Executive, she will be responsible for the overall operations of the insurance division. “Jennifer’s energy, local market knowledge, and industry experience will help position our insurance team for continued growth and success,” said Harper.

Painter, who has served in a leadership role with Countybank Insurance since its inception, will continue to be instrumental within the division. As Chief Relationship Officer, he will be responsible for insurance sales and marketing. “Rudy’s vast network of industry and client contacts will remain integral to expanding our insurance offerings to clients and prospects,” said Harper.

Countybank Insurance offers a complete line of both personal and business insurance, including group health and life plans.

TealHaus CEO and Founder Lindsay Niedringhaus Joins the Boards of Loaves & Fishes and RIZE Prevention

Lindsay Niedringhaus

Greenville, S.C. – Lindsay Niedringhaus, Founder and CEO of TealHaus, recently joined the Board of Directors of two local nonprofits: Loaves & Fishes and RIZE Prevention. TealHaus is a strategic marketing firm that repositions businesses and organizations through storytelling and strategy. The firm leads with the three core values of Empathy, Curiosity, and Humility–aligning personal time and talents with nonprofits that share these values.

Through Lindsay’s dedication to these two boards, she is embodying a core belief at the heart of TealHaus: We thrive when our community thrives.

Lindsay’s journey with Loaves & Fishes is a deep dive into the heart of Greenville’s fight against hunger. For more than three decades, Loaves & Fishes has been the backbone of food rescue in Greenville County, delivering surplus food to those in need, free of charge. TealHaus will also be sponsoring Loaves & Fishes’ Taste of the Upstate as a Food Rescue Sponsor.

RIZE Prevention aims to arm our teens against life’s toughest challenges with a powerful suite of early prevention programs designed to provide tools to resist drugs and embrace positive, healthy choices. Through Lindsay’s new role at RIZE, TealHaus is also providing communications support at a discounted rate.

“At TealHaus, we are really focused on seeds of change and cultivating a healthier, more resilient community,” Lindsay said about the new appointments. “Nonprofits continue to be a key focus of not just our business efforts, but our lives as well,” she added.

About TealHaus: TealHaus is more than a marketing agency. We’re thinkers, doers, and community builders. By combining our professional expertise with a dedication to community service, we help businesses soar while ensuring our community doesn’t just grow—it flourishes.