Our Team
We are a team made up of incredible staff, passionate board members, and valuable community advisors.
Each summer we are proud and lucky to welcome a class of interns to our team, as well.
Explore below and learn more about what each of us do for the Foundation.
Staff
Katie Ayers
Research FellowKatie Ayers
Brian Canty
Facilities & Operations ManagerBrian Canty
Savannah Crosby
Community Project AssistantSavannah Crosby
Cynthia Curtis
Community Investment OfficerCynthia Curtis
Susan DeVenny
President & CEOSusan DeVenny
Elizabeth Howe
Youth Development CoordinatorElizabeth Howe
Karen Ormand
Executive Assistant & Grants AdministratorKaren Ormand
Hannah Saeger Karnei
Strategic Initiatives CoordinatorHannah Saeger Karnei
Pam Temple
Special ProjectsPam Temple
Susan DeVenny
Susan leads the Foundation together with trustees, community advisors, and staff, bringing over 30 years of experience in public, private, and non-profit sectors to the organization’s community development efforts. Prior to joining the Foundation, Susan served SC children and families as Charter Trustee and State Director at SC First Steps to School Readiness, the state’s early childhood agency.
Susan currently serves on the Graduate School Advisory Board at Winthrop University, the Advisory Board of SC Educational Television, and is a member of the SC Grantmakers’ Network Steering Committee. She is a Senior Fellow with the American Leadership Forum Charlotte Region and a Fellow with the Diversity Leadership Initiative of The Riley Institute at Furman University. Nationally, she has served on the NAEYC early childhood governing board, and currently serves as Public Policy Chair for Philanthropy Southeast (formerly the Southeastern Council on Foundations).
Originally from Newtown, Connecticut, Susan holds degrees from Furman University and the University of Georgia. Susan and her husband, Mayor Alston DeVenny, have lived in Lancaster, SC since 1988, serving the community together with their four children: Miller, Sarah Katherine, Emma, and Mary. When not working on Foundation initiatives, Susan is usually walking on the Greenway or in her neighborhood.
Ashley Collins
Ashley Collins serves as the Foundation’s Community Engagement Specialist, coordinating the Give Local Lancaster initiative and working with non-profit organizations, the business community, and the community at-large to lift the generosity of all residents in building healthier communities together.
With a master’s degree from University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill in Early Childhood Intervention and Family Support, she previously consulted and trained staff in public schools and home-based programs providing services to children with autism. Outside of her work at the Foundation, Ashley currently serves on the Board of Visitors for University of South Carolina-Lancaster and Board of Directors for the Good Samaritan Scholarship Foundation. Prior to these positions, Ashley held leadership positions in school-based communities and chaired a committee advocating arts education in public schools. In her role as chair, she coordinated a community-wide arts event raising more than $75,000 over 4 years for the Lancaster County School District Arts Program. Volunteering is a passion of Ashley’s that she shares with her family. Together they dedicate their time and talents to serving a number of organizations benefitting all residents of Lancaster County.
Ashley’s desire is to serve as a bridge builder for families and communities in Lancaster and surrounding areas to increase engagement in and ownership of what makes this region special.
Savannah Crosby
As Community Project Assistant, Savannah works closely with many Foundation initiatives including Horizon Education Grants, the Internship Program, and Give Local Lancaster. She is a member of the Foundation communications and grants teams, where she collaborates to manage strategic digital communications, analyze data, and explore best practices for the Foundation. Her position allows Savannah to further explore the passion for philanthropy that was ignited during her time as a Foundation intern (Class of 2019).
Savannah returned to the Foundation as a full-time staff member following her 2019 graduation from Winthrop University, where she graduated summa cum laude with a BA in psychology and social welfare.
Savannah is a member of the Lancaster Eat Smart Move More/HEAL committee, Lancaster Area Coalition for the Homeless (LACH), and the Coalition for Healthy Youth. Savannah is a member of the Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Lancaster program (Class of 2021-2022).
When not focused on the Foundation’s community initiatives, Savannah can be found incessantly taking photos of her dog, Scout, getting lost in a sappy novel, or listening to the Rolling Stones at max volume.
Cynthia Curtis
As Community Investment Officer, Cynthia works with nonprofit organizations, community partners, and local governments to enhance the health of communities in Lancaster County, Fort Lawn, and Great Falls. In addition to exploring grant and beyond grantmaking opportunities with these partners, Cynthia also works with communities interested in resident-informed planning and visioning in her role as a certified Community Heart & Soul Coach for the region.
Prior to joining the Foundation, Cynthia lived in El Salvador for over 20 years, working in international cooperation for development in the Central America region. Her work included program and partnership development, intercultural cooperation, education, grant making, fundraising, advocacy, and capacity building. In 2013 Cynthia relocated to the U.S., settling with family in Chester, SC where she served as Grants and Community Development Coordinator for the City of Chester.
Cynthia speaks fluent Spanish, holds a degree in Education, and certificates in Non-Profit Management and TEFL. She currently resides in Lancaster with her family. When not engaged in Foundation work, Cynthia enjoys classes at USCL, volunteering at the Native American Studies Center Archaeology Lab, and participating in archaeological digs.
Elizabeth Howe
Elizabeth Howe joined the Foundation as a member of the inaugural class of college interns in 2016. After graduation, Elizabeth served as a part-time Communications Fellow for the Foundation, while also working part-time as a marketing specialist for the a grant-funded project with the City of Chester.
As Youth Development Coordinator, Elizabeth oversees the Foundation Summer Internship Experience and coordinates the Horizon Education Grant Program. She also represents the Foundation in youth-focused conversations and community initiatives.
Active in the community, Elizabeth serves on the Lancaster County Good Samaritan Foundation Scholarship Board of Directors, and is a graduate of Leadership Lancaster.
Elizabeth graduated from Columbia College in 2016 with a major in communications studies and a minor in public relations. She currently resides in Great Falls, her hometown. When not engaging with youth for the Foundation, Elizabeth enjoys thrifting, crafting, spending time outside, and being a stereotypical cat mom (but a cool one, obviously).
Karen Ormand
Karen Ormand, a native of Lancaster, joined the Foundation in 2004, where she provides executive and coordination support to the Foundation team.
Karen serves as Grants Administrator, working with the team to align grantmaking with the strategic direction of the organization. She manages all grants-related information and provides administrative support to the staff and board. Karen also serves as the lead event planner for the Foundation.
When not working on Foundation priorities, Karen enjoys loving on her fur babies Jax and Molly, being a “Kay Kay” to her 3 grandchildren, honing her extreme couponing skills, decorating, and making as many trips as possible to her favorite place, Edisto Island.
Pam Temple
Pam Temple provides leadership in grantmaking and program areas. With over 25 years in the health field, she brings expertise and a systems perspective to the Foundation’s broader community work.
A native and current resident of Great Falls, South Carolina, she graduated from the University of South Carolina with a BS in Nursing. Employed with Springs Memorial Hospital for 19 years, she worked in various positions, including Director of Home Care and Hospice, and Director of Quality and Risk Management. Recently, she has worked on the administrative team at XL Mediaworks, Inc.
Pam served on the Lancaster County Health and Wellness Commission from 1993-2001 and Catawba Area Council on Aging’s Advisory Council from 1998-2001. She has actively volunteered for the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Chester County School District, and Team 4:12 Youth Group at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Pam served as a trustee of the Foundation from 2005-2016.
When not engaged in Foundation initiatives, Pam enjoys boating and laughing with friends and family.
Macy Whitener
As Communications Coordinator for the Foundation, Macy directs the strategic communication planning and implementation, external affairs, branding, and media relations. As the communications lead, Macy advises Foundation leadership and staff on community and partner engagement and promotion, working to ensure the values, mission, and vision of the organization, initiatives, and partners celebrate philanthropy and the communities of Fort Lawn, Great Falls, and Lancaster County.
She proudly serves as a member of the South Carolina Foundations on the Hill advocacy team, and volunteers with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Macy was raised in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, first moving to South Carolina to attend Furman University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Spanish. Before coming to the Foundation in 2019, Macy worked in the communications and marketing industry with partners at The Tombras Group, Silver Screen Bottling Company, and Jewelry Television.
When not deep in Foundation external affairs efforts, Macy enjoys hiking, going on walks, attempting to bake healthy-ish recipes, watching Oklahoma State football, and eating ice cream (lots & lots of ice cream).
Katie Ayers
As the Foundation’s inaugural Research Fellow, Katie supports many projects and initiatives, and explores topics and ideas that build a healthy community. Katie enjoys learning more about the Foundation service area – Fort Lawn, Great Falls, and Lancaster County – and is proud to give back to the community that raised her.
Katie is a native of Lancaster County and a 2021 honors graduate of USCL’s Palmetto College, with a BA in liberal studies (history, Native American studies, philosophy focus areas). Before joining as Research Fellow, Katie was a part of the Foundation’s first class of virtual interns (Class of 2020) and worked as a Research Intern.
When not focused on Foundation priorities, Katie enjoys hiking and camping, visiting museums, and reading just about anything she can get her hands on.
Claire Bennett
As Senior Public Policy Analyst, Claire works across the Foundation to connect our mission and values to state and federal policy through education, convening, and advocacy. Prior to joining Arras, Claire was a management consultant working primarily with healthcare clients on adapting their brand and business strategies to respond to changing policy and evolving market dynamics.
Claire grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina and received her BA in public policy and political science from UNC Chapel Hill. Claire has lived and worked in Chicago for the past 5 years and continues her search for a decent biscuit in the Midwest.
Outside of work, Claire enjoys exploring the city of Chicago, playing tennis, and getting outdoors and on Lake Michigan as much as possible.
Brian Canty
As Facilities & Operations Manager, Brian builds and manages facility, operations, IT, security, and guest strategies and protocols at the Foundation. He serves as IT concierge and consultant to all Arras staff, elevating philanthropy goals by optimizing portals and other online efforts. Before joining the Foundation, Brian served as a systems engineer with FCX Performance in Charlotte, NC where he designed, integrated, and maintained control systems in industrial environments across the Southeast.
Brian is a native and resident of Lancaster, where he and his family are active in the community. He holds a BA in Computer Science from Benedict College. Brian has a passion for giving back to the community and is dedicated to helping others.
You can find Brian on the basketball court or volunteering with middle school students in his spare time.
Hannah Saeger Karnei
Hannah Saeger Karnei serves as the first Strategic Initiatives Coordinator for the Arras Foundation. Her work is focused on weaving together community assets to create a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant community for today and future generations.
Prior to joining the Arras Foundation team, Hannah was Inaugural Fellow at The Patterson Foundation in Sarasota, FL where she helped shape a new philanthropic leadership program and managed a wide array of initiatives.
Hannah received her MA in Philanthropic Studies from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Prior to pursuing her passion in philanthropy, Hannah worked in digital marketing for DC-based tech companies. Hannah and her husband Kyle are natives of northern Virginia and reside in Lancaster County with their daughter, Quinn.
You can connect with Hannah on Twitter anytime @therealhsk1. When not weaving Foundation projects and programs, Hannah enjoys exploring with Kyle and Quinn, reading, and traveling to be with family and friends.
Dylan Doceti
As one of the Foundation’s two Graduate Assistants from the University of South Carolina – Columbia, Dylan supports many projects and initiatives, and explores topics and ideas that build a healthy community. Dylan enjoys learning more about the Foundation’s service area – Fort Lawn, Great Falls, and Lancaster County – and is proud to give back to the community where he grew up.
Dylan moved to Lancaster County in 2011, where he and his family lived until 2019. He graduated from the University South Carolina – Columbia in 2020 with a BA in Public Health and returned to earn his Master of Health Administration; he will be graduating in May of 2022. Before joining as a Graduate Assistant, Dylan was a part of the University of South Carolina’s COVID-19 Response.
John Garvey
As a data analyst graduate assistant of the Foundation, John supports staff members with projects and initiatives through research and community-focused exploration. A native of Raleigh, North Carolina, John received his BS in Health Services Management with a minor in Business Administration from East Carolina University. John is a student at the University of South Carolina – Columbia where he is working to earn a master’s in healthcare administration.
John’s passion for using data as a resource in creating healthier outcomes for communities has led him to opportunities within the healthcare field. He has served as a volunteer in the Health Information Management Systems Department at Vidant Medical Center and as an intern with the Clinical Financial Services Director of ECU Physicians. In his free time, John enjoys cooking, playing basketball, and reading nonfiction.
Board of Trustees
Jodie Plyler
Jodie Plyler is Vice President and City Executive for First Palmetto Bank in Lancaster. A Lancaster County native, she is a graduate of the University of South Carolina Honors College. She has served as Chairman of the Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce and the President of the Lancaster Rotary Club, and completed the Chamber’s Leadership Lancaster program. Mrs. Plyler currently is Chairman of the Scholarship Committee for Seth’s Giving Tree Foundation. She previously served on the board of directors for the Lancaster County Community Foundation, Lancaster County Partners for Youth, Junior Achievement, and the Learning Institute for Tomorrow. Mrs. Plyler became a trustee of the Foundation in 2015.
Lisa Bridges
Lisa Bridges is a retired Mathematics Teacher who believes in the power of education in growing a healthier community for all people. Her life has been dedicated to education, serving as a teacher in local schools including Andrew Jackson High School, Indian Land High School, and Andrew Jackson Middle School. She holds a degree in Education from the University of South Carolina. Previously, Mrs. Bridges served as Trustee and Chairman of the Lancaster County Board of Education. She was a founding member of Partners for Youth and has served on the Springs Close Foundation Advisory Board and Lancaster County Health & Wellness Commission. Currently, she serves on the USC Palmetto College Board of Visitors and the Lancaster County Commission for Higher Education. Mrs. Bridges became a trustee of the Foundation in 2017.
A resident of Heath Springs, Mrs. Bridges is a proud mother and grandmother, and an active member of Salem United Methodist Church.
Don Gardner
Don Gardner retired from First Citizens Bank as Senior Vice President and Business Relationship Manager after 32 years with the bank and 38 years in banking. Mr. Gardner is the former Development Director for the Gregory Family YMCA. A US Air Force veteran, he holds a degree in Marketing from the University of South Carolina and graduated from the South Carolina Bankers School. Mr. Gardner currently serves as a board member and Treasurer for the Lancaster Children’s Home, and is a current member and past President of the Lancaster Rotary Club. Other previous roles for Mr. Gardner include chairman of the Lancaster County Partners for Youth board and of the board of the Lancaster Housing Authority, and as president of the Kershaw Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, Mr. Gardner is a former director of the Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Lancaster Community Foundation. Mr. Gardner is also a past board member of Catawba Regional Development Corporation. Mr. Gardner became a trustee of the Foundation in 2016.
Ashley Shannon
Ashley Shannon is the director of Marketing and Community Relations for MUSC Health’s Lancaster System. She has been with the Lancaster hospital since 1994 and has been working with the Chester facility since 2017. In her role with both hospitals, she is a member of the Executive Leadership Team. Ms. Shannon is a native of Lancaster, SC, and has been active in community efforts since her youth. She is a graduate of Winthrop University with a degree in Communications. Past community involvement includes serving on the Board of Directors of The United Way of Lancaster County, HOPE in Lancaster, and the Lancaster County Council of the Arts. She has also played an active role in the School Improvement Councils of Discovery Elementary and Lancaster High School and she enjoys working with the students of Lancaster High School’s LearnTV for various segments. Ms. Shannon also serves on the Leadership Lancaster planning committee. In addition to her roles as a Trustee of the Foundation, she currently is also a board member of the Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce.
Ms. Shannon is an active member at Mount Nebo Missionary Baptist Church in Lancaster and is the mother of Ryleigh Waiters, Class of 2020 University of South Carolina graduate. Ms. Shannon joined the Foundation as a Community Advisor in 2017 and became a Trustee in 2019.
Richard Band
Richard Band is a native of Spartanburg, South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Furman University and a Master of Library Science from the University of South Carolina. Retired Director of the Lancaster County Library, Mr. Band now dedicates his time as a volunteer for United Way of Lancaster County and HOPE in Lancaster. Previously, he served as Chairman of the Board of HOPE in Lancaster, as a board member on the Lancaster Community Foundation, and as President of the Lancaster Rotary Club. He is past President of the Association of Public Library Administrators of South Carolina and previously served on the Board of Lancaster County First Steps, the Chamber of Commerce, and as Chairman of the Lancaster Literacy Council. Mr. Band joined the Foundation as a Trustee in June of 2017.
Abby-Lynn Brunson
Abby-Lynn Brunson is a Career Specialist with the Chester County School District where she has been employed for over 25 years. A native of Columbia, SC and resident in the Great Falls, SC area, she attended the University of South Carolina, and graduated from Ashford University, with a BS in Psychology. She is a certified Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF) & is Leadership Enrichment and Development (LEAD) trained, from the SC Dept. of Education. Mrs. Brunson serves on the Chester County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and was the Board Chair for 2018-2019 term. She is also a member of the Great Falls Referral and Assistance Service Project (GRASP) Board of Directors. She is an active member of Great Falls Presbyterian Church, where she sings in the choir and serves on several committees. Past community involvement includes the Boy Scouts, the Flopeye Fish Festival Committee, PTO President, and First Steps of Chester County. She is married and has two grown boys. She enjoys traveling, needlepointing, and spending time with family. Mrs. Brunson joined the Foundation as a Community Advisor in 2017 and became a Trustee in 2020.
Michael Clancy
Michael Clancy is a 1977 graduate of the University of South Carolina – Columbia. He joined the Air Force in 1979 as a flying Officer. He separated from the service as a Captain after 10 years as a Navigator/Bombardier on B-52s. Michael and his wife and two sons moved to Lancaster to take over operation of the Family business of distribution of Amoco and Texaco products in the tri-county area. While in Lancaster, he has served on the board of the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Red Cross, Lancaster Breakfast Rotary Club and the Community Playhouse of Lancaster. Michael also served for 11 years on the South Carolina Petroleum Marketers board in Columbia during his career in the petroleum business. He is currently serving on the board of HOPE of Lancaster. Mr. Clancy became a trustee of the Foundation in 2017.
Vivian Gray
A native of Chester, South Carolina, Mrs. Gray holds a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics from South Carolina State University, a master’s degree in Clothing and Textiles from Winthrop University, and a master’s Plus 30 Certification from the University of South Carolina. An educator for 34 years, Mrs. Gray taught for six years in Chester County and 28 years in Lancaster County. She has served on the board of the Lancaster County Council of the Arts, and as a trustee and secretary of the board of the Educational Foundation of the University of South Carolina Lancaster. Mrs. Gray is a member of Alpha Kappa Mu National Honor Society, and of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Ms. Gray became a trustee of the Foundation in 2016.
Sherri Gregory
A native of Lancaster, Sherri Gregory holds a BA from Columbia College (summa cum laude) and an MBA from the University of South Carolina Moore School. Most recently, she was employed by the University of South Carolina Lancaster as liaison to the Educational Foundation and prior to that was a full-time homemaker and mom. Recent volunteer service includes board membership with the Lancaster County Community Foundation, Carolina Thread Trail, and Lindsay Pettus Greenway (president). She is also a member of the Founders Federal Credit Union Supervisory Committee. Mrs. Gregory became a trustee of the Foundation in 2016.
Roy Still
Dr. Roy A. Still, M.D., is a retired physician, United States Air Force veteran, and South Carolina native, serving the local community for more than four decades. Dr. Still earned his B.S. degree from Furman University before continuing his education at the Medical University of South Carolina where he received his M.D and completed his Family Practice Residency. In 1974, Dr. Still earned his National Board Certification in Family Practice. In 1976, Dr. Still became a founding member of Barnett Family Practice where he remained until retiring in 2006 to become the Case Management Physician Advisor for Springs Memorial Hospital in January 2007 until his retirement in June 2017. Past community involvement for Dr. Still includes serving on the Board of Directors for The Listening Center, Family Promise, and CareNet. Dr. Still also previously served as a Lancaster Rotary Club member. He is an active member at First Baptist Church of Lancaster where he presently serves as a Deacon, a member of the Music Ministry, and has participated in local and international missions. Dr. Still enjoys gardening, traveling, reading, and spending time with family (particularly with his grandchildren). Dr. Roy A. Still joined the Foundation as a Trustee in 2020.
Robert Folks
Robert Folks has practiced law in Lancaster since 1973 and is a partner in the firm of Folks & DeVenny, LLC. A graduate of the University of South Carolina, he holds a law degree from the USC School of Law. Mr. Folks has held trusteeships and chair positions with Lancaster County School Board, the Lancaster County Community Foundation, and Thornwell Home for Children. He served as trustee of Presbyterian College. His civic involvement in Lancaster also includes being a member and past president of the Lancaster Breakfast Rotary Club and trustee of the Lancaster County Society for Historical Preservation. Mr. Folks served as the Foundations attorney from 1995 until he became a trustee of the Foundation in 2006 and currently serves as Trustee Emeritus.
Community Advisors
Stephanie Barber
Stephanie Barber is the Assistant Principal at Lewisville Middle School in Chester County School District. In this role, she seeks to touch many students’ lives with her unique ability to build lasting relationships. She is no stranger to hard work and dedication when it comes to educating students, having spent nearly 30 years as an educator in the Chester County School District.
She has previously served as a kindergarten, K-1 Transition, 1st and 2nd grade teacher as well as a Reading Coach. She has coordinated after-school tutoring programs and reading buddy mentoring programs as well as served on community boards such as Chester County First Steps and GRASP.
Her extracurricular activities include attending sporting events, completing word search puzzles, spending time with family (mom, 2 brothers, niece and God-daughter), driving field trips and in the past coaching cheerleading (middle & high) for over a decade. She is active at her church (New Independent Methodist) where she serves as a Sunday School teacher, sings on the gospel choir and is the Christian Education Director.
Her educational accomplishments include B.A. in Early Childhood Education from Winthrop University in 1993, Masters in Early Childhood Education from USC in 1995, Masters in Educational Leadership from Winthrop University in 2012 and Educational Specialist Degree from Winthrop in 2021.
She is passionate about what she does and is consistently seeking ways to serve her students and community!
Terrance Barr
Terrance Barr is the Deputy Director for Engineering and Environmental Services of Lancaster County. The Kingstree native is a graduate of Francis Marion University.
Terrance retired from the United States Army as a Chemical Officer. Terrance earned a Master’s degree in Environmental Management from Webster University. Terrance had the opportunity to serve as Treasurer for the Fort Leonard Wood ROCKS, an organization designed to mentor young officers.
Terrance is married to the former Keisa McIlwain and three sons, Brandon (deceased), Matthew and JB. Terrance is an active member of Steele AME Zion Church, Lincoln Lodge #162 and a Board member of the Lancaster County Community Center. Terrance was nominated as North Elementary 2019 Parent of the Year, served 4 years as A.R. Rucker’s PTO President and current a member of Lancaster High School School Improvement Committee.
John Craig
John E. Craig, Jr., is co-proprietor of Kilburnie, the Inn at Craig Farm. From 1981 to 2015, John served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of The Commonwealth Fund. Under his leadership, the value the Commonwealth endowment increased from $125 million to almost $800 million. The organization was recognized as one of the top three U.S. foundations seeking to improve the performance of the nation’s health care system. In the 1970s, Craig led the turnaround of the New York-based John A. Hartford Foundation, establishing the first national foundation program devoted to improving the organization and financing of health care. He currently serves on the boards of the International Women’s Health Coalition, TIFF Charitable Foundation, the Davidson College Alumni Council, WDAV, the Lancaster County Society for Historical Preservation, and the Craig Farm Historic Preserve Foundation.
John is a native of Lancaster, SC and his roots in the community go back to the founding of the county in the 1750s. A graduate of Davidson College and Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public & International Affairs, John began his career as a USAID Foreign Service officer, and served during the Vietnam conflict. For his work in Vietnam, he received from U.S. Ambassador Ellsworth Bunker the Citation for Heroic Service. Mr. Craig joined the Foundation as a Community Advisor in 2017.
Bridget Francis
Bridget Francis has been working as a teacher and administrator in elementary schools since 1996. A native of Lancaster, she holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies and English from the University of Notre Dame, a Master of Arts degree in Teaching from the University of Portland, and a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership from Winthrop University.
In addition to working in the classroom, she has served as a master teacher for the Olde English Consortium and has written curriculum for Catholic Relief Services and a local summer camp. She volunteers in a variety of roles at St. Matthew Catholic Church. Bridget joined the Foundation as a Community Advisor in 2019.
James Hawthorne
James Hawthorne is the Development Engineer with Lancaster County Water & Sewer District (LCWSD) where he oversees water and sewer projects for all new residential, commercial, and industrial construction developments. James has worked with LCWSD since 2006, beginning his career as a Staff Engineer. A native of Greenville, SC, James received his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Technology from South Carolina State University in 2004 and an MBA (Finance) from Winthrop University in 2012.
James has served on several community boards in the Lancaster area since 2010, including the United Way of Lancaster County, Lancaster Chamber of Commerce, HOPE of Lancaster, and currently serving as chair of the City of Lancaster’s Red Rose Development Corporation. He resides in Rock Hill, SC with his wife and two sons.
Ernest Jenkins
Mr. Jenkins is a graduate of Furman University with a BA in history, and the University of Kansas with an MA and a PhD in Medieval History. Since 2011, Mr. Jenkins has served as an Assistant Professor of History at the University of South Carolina teaches courses in European Civilization, Islamic Civilization, the craft of historical research, Roman history, Medieval history, the Crusades, the Renaissance, and the Reformation.
Growing up in Lancaster, and raised by educators, he was taught the importance of education, perseverance, and service. Mr. Jenkins is a member of the Lancaster County Society for Historical Preservation and the Lancaster County Council of the Arts.
Jana Morrison
Jana is a Certified Financial Planner TM with Burkett Financial Services in Rock Hill, SC. A native of Great Falls, SC, she received a Bachelor of Science degree with an emphasis in Accounting, Magna Cum Laude from The University of South Carolina in 1992.
After graduation, she was employed by The Springs Company, a high-net-worth family office, for twenty-one years. While there, she held the position of Assistant Vice President and Senior Tax Manager. She became licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in 1994 and a Certified Financial Planner TM in 2009. In 2013, Jana left The Springs Company to work with Founders Federal Credit Union as a Financial Advisor. During this employment, she passed the Series 7, Series 63 and SC Life and Health Insurance Exams.
Jana is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the South Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants. She is an active member of Crestview Baptist Church in Lancaster, SC, where she currently leads the choir, teaches Sunday School, and serves on the Finance Committee. She is currently a member of the Rock Hill Rotary Club.
Jana is married to Danny Morrison and they live at Lake Wateree in South Carolina. They have two children, Abigayle and Carrie.
Marsha Patterson
Marsha Patterson has worked for State Farm Insurance Company since 1985. While she has held several different positions during her tenure, Marsha considers her years in Lancaster as a local agent to be the most enjoyable and rewarding. As a local agent, Marsha knows the challenges of being a small business owner and values the strength of this community.
Since relocating to Lancaster in 2005, Marsha has served on the board of directors for the Lancaster County Community Foundation and the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce and as Secretary of the Lancaster Breakfast Rotary Club. She also serves on several scholarship committees and volunteers for the United Way Community Investment Panel. Marsha serves on the University of South Carolina Lancaster Foundation Board and as chair of the Endowment Committee at her local church. She holds degrees from the University of Alabama and Purdue University.
Kathy Sistare
Kathy Sistare is the Practice Administrator for Palmetto Tri-County Primary Care, an affiliate of Springs Memorial Hospital, in Lancaster, SC. She attended the University of SC at Lancaster and Wingate University and received her nursing degree in 1979. After receiving her education she began her career as a Registered Nurse with Springs Memorial Hospital where she held positions as Clinical Nurse Manager, Infection Control Coordinator and Director of Quality Management and Improvement.
Kathy joined Palmetto Tri-County Internal Medicine in 2001. She has also worked as an Independent Consultant developing nurse recruitment and retention plans, staffing grids, and facility preparation for regulatory site visits. She was elected to the Lancaster County Council in 2009-2012 and served as Chairwoman during her term. She has served as past presidents to the HOPE of Lancaster Board and Lancaster County Red Cross and is presently serving on the board of the Lancaster County Council for the Arts. Kathy enjoys reading, gardening, traveling and family time. Mrs. Sistare joined the Foundation as a Community Advisor in 2017.
Richard Simpson
Richard W. Simpson serves as a senior advisor for the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. He spent his first ten years with Springs Industries in various management roles before shifting to what became a 33 year banking career. He spent 25 years as a technology executive helping grow Bank of America. His last eight years were spent with the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond and BB&T Bank focusing on technology risk management. His professional certifications (retired status) include Information Systems Auditor, Information Systems Control and IT Governance. Richard also has a B.S. in Business Management and an MBA from the University of South Carolina (Phi Beta Kappa, Honors graduate).
Richard and his wife Sara are life-long residents of Lancaster. They have three grown children and two young grandchildren. Richard served on the Educational Foundation of USC Lancaster Board from 2010 through 2017. In 2015 -16 he was board president. He is currently president of the USC Lancaster Board of Visitors. Mr. Simpson joined the Foundation as a Community Advisor in 2018.
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