Leadership South Carolina honors three Palmetto State leaders

Published: November 26, 2012

image by: Clemson University

GREENVILLE — Leadership South Carolina Monday recognized three Palmetto State leaders at the program’s 2012 Alumni Awards luncheon.

The Dick and Tunky Riley Legacy of Leadership Awards brings business, community and government leaders together from across the state to honor South Carolinians whose accomplishments embody the spirit of leadership.

Leadership S.C. recognized:

• Hayne Hipp, former chief executive officer of insurance and broadcasting holding company Liberty Corp. and founder of the Liberty Fellowship;
• Deb Sofield, an international and national communications trainer for speaking, presentation skills and message development; and
• U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, South Carolina’s senior senator.

Leadership South Carolina executive director Helen Munnerlyn said all of the recipients have demonstrated lives of dedicated service and a willingness to support Leadership South Carolina through many years. 

“The awards luncheon embraces common values and goals in honoring South Carolina’s leaders,” she said.

The awards luncheon, in its third year, was created to honor and recognize community activists who embody the primary goal of Leadership South Carolina of selfless public service and making significant contributions to improving the quality of life for South Carolinians.

Leadership South Carolina is supported by the Clemson University’s Institute for Economic and Community Development at the Sandhill Research and Education Center. 

The program 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. Individuals are selected for the nine-month program based on their demonstrated abilities as leaders and on their records of service in leadership capacities. 

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

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