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Cyberwoven Marketing Director Joins Main Street District Board

Columbia, S.C. – Shayla Merritt, marketing director of Cyberwoven, an award-winning brand, digital marketing, and website design and development firm, joins the board of Downtown Columbia’s Main Street District. In her new role, Merritt will help guide the organization’s marketing, public advocacy, and economic development of the district.

Merritt’s extensive background in marketing, design, and communications, having worked for industries in the non-profit, hospitality, tourism, and A/E/C sectors, will add to the growing reach of the district’s on-going marketing efforts.

Shayla Merritt, Cyberwoven’s Director of Marketing

“I am elated to join the Main Street District board, especially since I have enjoyed working in the district for the last 10 years,” says Merritt. “Watching what Matt [Kennell] and his team have done and continue to do to transform the district into an economic driver for our community has been truly inspiring. I am honored to join a group of thoughtful individuals who not only care for this growing community but, who will work hard to continue to make this the place to be – downtown on Main Street.”

Since her time in Columbia, Merritt has served the community in many ways. She is an active member of the AIA South Carolina’s Marketing and Communications Committee, the Columbia Chamber’s Leadership Columbia Advisory Board, the Columbia Museum of Art’s Contemporaries Board, the Main Street District’s Marketing and Communications Committee, Melius Forum, MIRCI’s Board of Directors, and the University of South Carolina’s Black Alumni Council.

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About the Main Street District
The Main Street District encompasses the 36-block area bounded by Gervais, Elmwood, Assembly, and Marion streets in Columbia, SC. The organization provides public space management, economic development, place management, marketing services, and public advocacy for the Main Street District. The Board of Directors oversees the organization’s mission – to focus on filling vacancies in commercial properties, retaining existing downtown businesses and recruiting new ones, expanding the downtown residential base, and creating a safe, clean, and friendly downtown environment.

About Cyberwoven
Cyberwoven is a brand, marketing, and web agency headquartered on Main Street in downtown Columbia, SC. Since opening our doors in 2001, we have launched award-winning websites, guided the creation and evolution of brands, and built audience engagement both online and in person. We work with organizations in various industries, including the arts, culture, government, retail, education, finance, healthcare, and insurance. Our goal is to create authentic and unmistakable brand experiences that are infused with imagination, build trust, and inspire love. Learn more at cyberwoven.com.

McMillan Pazdan Smith Welcomes Samer Hamde as Healthcare Practice Leader

Samer Hamde, Healthcare Practice Leader, McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture. Photo Provided.

McMillan Pazdan Smith (MPS), a leading architecture, planning, and design firm in the Southeast, is pleased to announce that Samer Hamde has joined the firm as Healthcare Practice Leader.

Hamde brings 25 years of progressive experience in architecture, engineering, planning, and program management, with a focus on healthcare design. He has held senior leadership roles with Amec Foster Wheeler, JLL, and NELSON Worldwide, where he was a Principal and National Practice Leader for Healthcare and CCJ&E.

“Samer Hamde is an exciting addition to our firm’s leadership. He brings a wealth of healthcare industry experience, insights, and trusted relationships with clients and stakeholders,” said Chad Cousins, CEO of McMillan Pazdan Smith. “The reach of McMillan Pazdan Smith’s healthcare design, planning, and advisory practice continues to grow, and Samer will work closely with our team to expand our service capability, and design-centered value and impact for the health and wellbeing of our regional communities.”

“MPS is known for creating patient-centered environments, optimizing workflow efficiencies, and integrating cutting-edge data and advisory services that are invaluable to the delivery of healthcare facilities,” said Hamde, “I am excited to begin this remarkable journey with this experienced and talented team.”

McMillan Pazdan Smith has healthcare-dedicated architects, designers, planners, advisors, and data-analysts across its eight studio locations in the Carolinas and Georgia. For more than 30 years, its healthcare practice has provided innovative and sustainable design solutions for a wide range of healthcare facilities, including hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, free-standing emergency departments, behavioral health clinics and medical office buildings.

About McMillan Pazdan Smith
McMillan Pazdan Smith is an architecture, advisory services, planning, and interior design firm. Practicing since 1955, the firm currently has eight locations throughout the Southeast. As a community-based firm, MPS is driven by a collaborative culture, creative client solutions, and design excellence. With over 100 AIA awards since 2000, the firm’s purpose is to reimagine what’s possible and create meaningful and lasting impact for the good of all.

Germein De Sario Joins Greenwood Capital Team

Germein De Sario, Private Client Administrator for Greenwood Capital

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Greenwood Capital is pleased to announce the addition of Germein De Sario to the client service team as a Private Client Administrator and Office Manager for the Downtown Greenville office, located at 201 W. McBee Ave. In this role, De Sario is dedicated to assisting both clients and advisors in their day-to-day account servicing needs and supporting Greenwood Capital’s overarching goal to guide clients through their financial life planning.

“We are delighted to have Germein join our team,” said Brian L. Disher, Director of Wealth Management. “Her operational background and diverse experiences will provide a huge benefit to our clients.”

De Sario joins the firm with over twelve years of experience in business operations and logistics. In her previous roles, she specialized in project management and cross-functional collaboration to launch new products and designs. She is passionate about giving back and has used her organizational expertise to direct efforts to send supplies to underprivileged communities abroad.

“My approach to work has always focused on understanding an individual’s needs and priorities,” said De Sario, “At Greenwood Capital, I’m committed to delivering a personalized and seamless experience to our clients.”

De Sario’s addition to the team is a testament to Greenwood Capital’s continued growth as the firm expands services across the Upstate. According to Walter B. Todd, President and CIO, “Over the past forty years, we have been working with both clients and their families. Through this generational approach, we now serve clients in over 20 states. We are excited to add Germein to our client services team, as we continue to provide personalized service to our clients and communities.”

Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, De Sario earned her B.S. in Food and Resource Economics from the University of Florida, and her MBA with a concentration in finance from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

To learn more about Greenwood Capital, visit http://www.greenwoodcapital.com, https://www.linkedin.com/company/greenwood-capital/, and https://www.facebook.com/GreenwoodCapitalSC/

About Greenwood Capital: Founded in 1983 in Greenwood, South Carolina, Greenwood Capital specializes in investment advisory and management services, offering a variety of services for the individual as well as institutional clientele. Greenwood Capital is recognized as one of the largest independent investment firms in the Southeast, managing $1.5 billion in assets nationwide. Prior to 2001, Greenwood Capital Associates and the term “Firm” refers to Greenwood Capital Associates, Inc. (GCAI) which was established in 1983. On or about June 29, 2001, Greenwood Capital Associates, LLC acquired substantially all the assets of GCAI, a sub-chapter S corporation. Greenwood Capital Associates, LLC registration dates back from 2001.

The YoPro Know promotes Jade Fountain to Director of Operations

GREENVILLE, S.C. — The YoPro Know has promoted Jade Fountain from Account Manager to Director of Operations.

Fountain has been with The YoPro Know since January 2023, working with a number of clients as well as tackling various operational projects. She has a background in non-profit fundraising, marketing, and volunteer management.

She is a graduate of Furman University’s Women’s Leadership Institute, was named one of Greenville Business Magazine’s Best & Brightest Under 35 in 2020, and is a graduate of Leadership Greenville class 48. She currently serves on the board of The Family Effect; is the Chair of the Junior League of Greenville’s Grants committee; and was a member of the 2023 Rose Ball Beneficiaries committee.

“Since Jade joined the team one year ago, she has been an integral member of The YoPro Know, and has helped us achieve rapid growth,” said founder Kamber Parker Bowden. “We don’t know what we would do without her, and look forward to seeing how she helps the company grow in this new role.”

About The YoPro Know:

The YoPro Know’s mission is to maximize young professionals’ careers by preparing them today to be the business leaders of tomorrow. Based in Greenville (SC) with a national community, The YoPro Know promotes your success in the workplace by being a bridge between ambitious young professionals and progressive businesses who want to recruit, engage, and retain them. Visit www.yoproknow.com to learn more.

South Carolina Charities, Inc. Appoints Bob Stegner to Board President

UPSTATE, S.C. – South Carolina Charities, Inc. (SCCI), the non-profit foundation of the BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by TD SYNNEX, is pleased to announce the appointment of Bob Stegner to board president and Judson Conwell to director of corporate partnerships and assistant tournament director.

Stegner previously served as vice president of the SCCI board of directors. He brings more than 30 years of business and community leadership experience to his role. Currently serving as senior vice president, marketing, North America for TD SYNNEX, Stegner is responsible for marketing in the United States and Canada and is a founding board member of TD SYNNEX Share the Magic. Since its inception in 2011, TD SYNNEX Share the Magic has raised more than $25 million for children and families in need and expanded from South Carolina to Canada, Colorado, Illinois and the California Bay Area. Stegner was inducted into the CompTIA Hall of Fame in 2020 in recognition of his impact on the IT industry and was most recently inducted into the Greenville Business Magazine Hall of Fame in January.

Conwell joins SCCI from Johnson Development Associates and previously spent five years with the BMW Charity Pro-Am where he held several roles including director of sales. In his new role as director of corporate partnerships and assistant tournament director, Conwell will manage local, regional, and national partnerships while assisting with the management of the tournament. “I want to thank the board of directors and tournament staff for welcoming me back to the Tournament,” said Conwell. “I look forward to continuing to bring the Upstate business community together and helping raise funds towards amazing charities.”

“The BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by TD SYNNEX continues to be a highly anticipated annual event in the upstate by serving as a vehicle for community and business engagement, attracting visitors to our region and most importantly, raising funds to support many of our community’s most critical needs,” said Stegner. “I am humbled to serve the upstate in this new capacity and look forward to working alongside the board and tournament staff to deliver a first-class event this June. We are also very pleased to welcome Judson back to the team.”

Additional board changes for 2024 include BMW Manufacturing Manager of Government and Community Relations Max Metcalf being promoted to vice president and Elliott Davis Chairman Emeritus Irv Welling being named treasurer. Andy Cajka, Frank Davis, Sheldon Early, Sky Foster, Todd Horne and Davis Sezna will continue to serve as board directors.

“I look forward to the impact Bob will make as board president of SCCI as well as the growth we will see having Judson return to the tournament team,” said Michael McGovern, tournament director. “As we transition to new board leadership, I would also like to thank SCCI’s former board president, Bob Nitto, for his unwavering commitment and leadership.”

The 2024 BMW Charity Pro-Am will be held June 3-9 at Thornblade Club and The Carolina Country Club. Featured charities of the tournament include Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute; Meyer Center for Special Children; Mobile Meals of Spartanburg; Neighborhood Cancer Connection, formerly the Cancer Society of Greenville; and Roper Mountain Science Center. For more information, please visit bmwcharitygolf.com.

ABOUT THE BMW CHARITY PRO-AM PRESENTED BY TD SYNNEX
South Carolina Charities, Inc. (SCCI), the non-profit foundation of the BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by TD SYNNEX, was created in order to showcase the beauty of Upstate South Carolina and hospitality of its citizens to the world; to create an event that brings the upstate a fun and entertaining week centered around professional athletes and world-renowned celebrities; and raise money and awareness for South Carolina charities. Since 2001, the tournament has distributed more than $15 million to numerous Upstate SC non-profit organizations, part of the PGA TOUR’s $3 billion plus raised for charity.

Rebuild Upstate promotes Rose Davis to Community Engagement Director

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Rose Davis is the new Director of Community Engagement for Rebuild Upstate.

In this role, Davis will sit on the Leadership Team of the organization and oversee a wide range of community engagement activities. Her oversight will include fundraising, events, volunteer engagement, marketing, and special projects.

Davis graduated from Clemson University in 2017 with a bachelor’s in communication and minor in nonprofit leadership. She holds certifications in Volunteer Management with Habitat for Humanity and in Leadership with Clemson University. Davis was awarded The James Malcolm Geddes Memorial Award for Excellence in Civic Leadership by Clemson University’s Communication Studies Department in 2017. Davis was named as a 2023 40 Under 40 Honoree by the Greenville Business Journal and has raised more than $1,200,000 for organizations that provide real solutions to the affordable housing crisis in her career.

After graduating from Clemson University, Davis became a resource development manager for Habitat for Humanity of Pickens County. She joined Rebuild Upstate in 2021 as a development specialist. In her free time, Davis is a musician and an advocate for agritourism. With her siblings, she supports The Venue at Davis Pond Family Farms, an event venue located on her family’s legacy farm.

“Rose is a proven asset to our team,” said Jake Beaty, CEO of Rebuild Upstate. “As a housing and community development nonprofit, our role is to be a puzzle-solver for the community. We help put together pieces so community members have things they need, like good homes that people can afford. We can’t do that without champions like Rose, who bring together housing advocates, businesses, churches, and other community development organizations to create positive change.”

About Rebuild Upstate:
Rebuild Upstate is a nonprofit organization serving the Upstate of South Carolina. The nonprofit strengthens the communities by providing volunteers and materials to create a safe, healthy, sustainable home environment for disabled, low-income and elderly homeowners. The organization exclusively focuses on repairs and improving existing homes. The nonprofit is also the reigning Chamber Max Heller award recipient. Learn more at www.rebuildupstate.org.

The Blood Connection President & CEO Elected to Chair Board of National Blood Organization

GREENVILLE, SC – Blood Centers of America (BCA) has announced the appointment of Delisa English, President and CEO of The Blood Connection (TBC), as incoming Chair of its Board of Directors, beginning January 2024.

BCA is the largest blood supply network in the United States and is comprised of over 60+ independent blood centers who collect and distribute over 50% of the nation’s blood supply. The Blood Connection, a long-standing member of BCA, is one of the area’s largest independent blood providers serving 130 hospital partners in communities throughout South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia.

“It is a privilege to be chosen to serve on the Board for BCA. I’m looking forward to working alongside the BCA committee advocating and educating for the nation’s blood supply in the various communities these independent blood centers represent and serve,” says English.

With over 28 years in the blood industry, English has served as President and CEO of TBC for the past decade. Prior to joining TBC, English held several leadership roles with The American Red Cross Biomedical Services. She holds a Master of Business Administration degree from The University of Tennessee and a Bachelor of Science degree from Auburn University. English is active in the Greenville community volunteering with several organizations and serving on non-profit boards.

“It is an honor to be able to have Ms. English serve in this capacity with Blood Centers of America”, said Bill Block, President and CEO of BCA. He adds, “Ms. English has significant expertise and tenure in serving the Cooperative for many years in Committee leadership as well as on the BCA Executive Committee. I look forward to working with her and fellow blood centers across our organization to continue to combine our deep local knowledge with our extensive national network to expand services to the communities we serve.”

About The Blood Connection
Founded in Greenville, SC, (formerly the Carolina Georgia Blood Center) The Blood Connection has been committed to saving lives since 1962. TBC is an independently managed, not-for-profit, community blood center that provides blood products to over 130 hospitals within South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Virginia. Recognized by the U.S. Congress for its dedication to disaster preparedness and the community, TBC works diligently to collect blood from volunteer donors to meet the ever-increasing demand. By keeping collections local, TBC serves hundreds of thousands of patients a year in its communities. TBC is licensed and regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. For more information, visit thebloodconnection.org.

Jackie Murray Becomes First Female General Superintendent at Marsh Bell Construction

Marsh Bell names Jackie Murray General Superintendent

Marsh Bell Construction has promoted Jackie Murray to General Superintendent. Jackie joined Marsh Bell as a superintendent in 2021, after she spent nearly 40 years working with several highly regarded general contractors in Upstate New York.

Over the past three years, Jackie has provided comprehensive job site supervision on several complex renovation projects at Marsh Bell, including First Carolina Bank’s flagship office in downtown Greenville; the Margaret Mills Cubbage Child Development Center at Greenville Technical College; Benson Nissan in Easley; and AnMed Health. As the General Superintendent, Jackie will support and oversee field operations including Safety, Scheduling and Quality Control.

“Jackie brings a level of professionalism and diligence to every project she touches,” said Marsh Bell Chief Operations Officer Garret Tomforde. “She leads by example and has earned the respect of her clients, colleagues and subcontracting teams. This is more than a well-deserved promotion; it’s another critical step in making Marsh Bell one of the most successful commercial builders in the Upstate.”

Greenville Center for Creative Arts Announces Five New Members on the Board of Directors

GREENVILLE, SC – The Greenville Center for Creative Arts (GCCA) is thrilled to welcome five distinguished individuals to its Board of Directors, each bringing a wealth of experience and a shared passion for advancing the arts in the Greenville community. The new members include Bill Stephenson, Mark Colby, Kacee Lominack, Mary Church Cornette, and Dan Helwing.

Bill Stephenson, a 1982 graduate of the University of North Carolina in Business Administration, joins GCCA after a remarkable 36-year banking career, with 30 years dedicated to BB&T. Bill’s extensive civic engagement includes his current role as Chair for the YMCA’s Foundation Board (Endowment) and various positions with Caine Halter Y over the last two decades. He has also served on the boards of Greenville Theatre, Friends of the Reedy River, and the Metropolitan Arts Council, demonstrating his commitment to the local arts scene.

Mark Colby, the Director of Digital Transformation – Purchasing Americas at Michelin North America, Inc., adds a unique perspective to the board. With a decade-long career at Michelin and a background in the US Marine Corps, Mark’s leadership and experience in digital initiatives will contribute significantly to GCCA’s growth. Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Mark is the CEO of the Michelin Charity Golf Tournament, showcasing his dedication to community service.

Kacee Lominack, Marketing Manager at Peacock Marketing and a graduate of Presbyterian College, brings nearly two decades of experience in the non-profit sector. Her expertise in database management, fundraising campaigns, and event planning, combined with a genuine passion for the arts, aligns seamlessly with GCCA’s mission. Kacee’s commitment to the community extends to her volunteer work with Mill Village Farms and involvement in Greenville County Schools.

Mary Church Cornette, CEO and Head of Creative at FUEL, is a seasoned creative professional with over 20 years of experience working with major brands. Her entrepreneurial spirit and approachable mentor leadership style have transformed FUEL into a purpose-driven brand-building agency. Mary’s dedication to serving nonprofits in the Greenville community is evident through initiatives like the FUEL for Good Grant, which provides marketing support to local nonprofits.

Dan Helwing, a Partner at Ernst & Young, brings a wealth of financial expertise to the board. As a leader in the Technical Accounting Advisory Group, Dan focuses on SEC Reporting, Corporate Governance, and business combinations. His extensive background in accounting and finance, coupled with his commitment to effective reporting and corporate governance practices, will enhance GCCA’s financial stewardship.

Jess Burgess, CEO of GCCA, expresses her enthusiasm for the new additions, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Bill, Mark, Kacee, Mary, and Dan to our Board of Directors. Their diverse backgrounds and passion for the arts will bring renewed energy to our organization. We look forward to the exciting work ahead of us as we continue to support and uplift artists in the Greenville community.”

With these esteemed individuals joining the Board of Directors, GCCA is poised to embark on a new chapter of growth and community impact. The collective expertise and dedication of the new members will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success of the Greenville Center for Creative Arts.

Fulton & Barr Attorney Achieves Recertification In Civil Trial Law With The National Board of Trial Advocacy

Fulton & Barr’s principal and co-founder Andrew Barr recently received his recertification as a Civil Trial advocate from the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA). Barr’s recertification, which follows a rigorous application process and reflects more than 3 decades of service to residents of the Upstate, provides legal clients with an objective measure by which to choose qualified and experienced legal counsel.

“Receiving this recertification is important to me, but even more important to clients seeking legal representation,” said Barr. “The screening credentials for all NBTA board certified attorneys is rigorous, but it demonstrates my commitment to being an exceptional lawyer and my commitment to providing clients with the highest level of service and performance.”

The NBTA was formed out of a firm conviction that both the law profession and its clients would benefit from an organization designed specifically to create an objective set of standards illustrating an attorney’s experience and expertise in the practice of trial law. All NBTA board certified attorneys must complete an elaborate screening of credentials, including demonstrating substantial trial experience, submitting judicial and peer references to attest to their competency, attending continuing legal education courses, and proof of good standing.

“Andrew is an outstanding attorney and powerful litigator with a long track record of success, and this recertification reinforces that to the entire community,” said Valerie Fulton, principal at Fulton & Barr. “Andrew has fought tirelessly for personal injury and worker’s compensation clients here in the Upstate for over 30 years, and consistently helped them receive just and reasonable compensation for their injuries.”

Board Certification is the highest, most stringent, and most reliable honor an attorney can achieve. Board certifications are the only distinctions awarded by non-profit organizations. The NBTA as well as all board certifying organizations are committed to safeguarding the public’s ability to choose a good attorney.

ABOUT FULTON & BARR
The law firm of Fulton & Barr, P.A. was founded in 1993 in Greenville, South Carolina, and serves clients in the Upstate South Carolina region in matters of workers’ compensation, social security disability and personal injury including product liability and motor vehicle accidents. Attorney Andrew C. Barr focuses his practice on handling personal injury, workers’ compensation and product liability cases. He is a member of numerous local and national bar associations including the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and is board certified in Civil Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Attorney Valerie Fulton specializes in worker’s compensation law. Valerie is fluent in Spanish, enabling the firm to better serve the Upstate’s rapidly growing Spanish-speaking community. For more information on Fulton & Barr visit www.fultonbarr.com.