Leadership S.C. Class of 2011 gathers for first time

Published: September 15, 2010

Leadership South Carolina image by: Leadership South Carolina

COLUMBIA — From town administrators to educators and accountants, the latest class of Leadership South Carolina gathered for the first time this month with a shared vision: to better themselves and those around them.

The program, which is supported by Clemson University’s Institute for Economic and Community Development at the Sandhill Research and Education Center, was established in 1979 to provide gifted and highly motivated South Carolinians an opportunity to advance their leadership skills while broadening their understanding of issues facing the state.

Each year, individuals are selected for the nine-month program through a competitive process. Selection is based on an applicant’s demonstrated abilities as a leader and record of service in a leadership capacity.

The 50-member Class of 2011 comes from the public and private sectors and nonprofits across the state.

They include a grants administrator from West Columbia, an environmental engineer from Aiken and South Carolina Teacher of the Year Kelly Nalley from Pelzer.

The program incorporates statewide experts in a variety of fields to explore quality of life, economic development, education and social issues. The class will meet business executives, community and government leaders and others who will encourage them to pursue positive change in South Carolina.

Leadership South Carolina executive director Helen Munnerlyn said the class represents the state’s diversity in terms of employment, demographics and business sectors. The program looks for emerging leaders to educate and train for leadership in the state, she said.

“We look for people who want to better the state so we can improve South Carolina,” Munnerlyn said.

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