Women We Admire is pleased to announce The Top 50 Women Leaders of South Carolina for 2024. In 2022, South Carolina’s economy was ranked as the 25th largest in the US. Though the state’s economy is heavily dependent on tourism, many dynamic, innovative industries thrive there. These include advanced manufacturing, aerospace, technology, research, distribution, and more.
Across these sectors, South Carolina women hold many leadership roles, as is the case for one of this year’s awardees, Jennifer Martin, VP of Quality for the industry-leading kidney population health management company Healthmap Solutions. In her role Martin leverages her long-time career dedicated to improving quality of care by ensuring a seamless and improved experience for providers and patients.
Another award recipient, Willette Burnham-Williams, an experienced senior leader in higher education, leads and manages the enterprise wide strategic diversity initiatives at the Medical University of South Carolina as its Chief Equity Officer.
Lastly, we extend our honors to Marie Prentice, the Chief Executive Officer for Powerhouse Operatives. With nearly two decades of leadership experiences including stints with President Obama’s administration and with other political campaigns, Prentice has an impressive background in managing complex logistics and strategies in the operational and political sectors.
Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 50 Women Leaders of South Carolina for 2024.
1. Willette Burnham-Williams
Chief Equity Officer, Medical University of South Carolina
Willette Burnham-Williams is the Chief Equity Officer of the Medical University of South Carolina. She is also a member of the President’s Council and the enterprise senior leadership team. Under Burnham-Williams’ leadership, the Office of Equity is charged with further elevating, empowering, and prioritizing innovative infrastructure, programs, and resources across the enterprise. Willette is an experienced senior leader in higher education administration and developing strategic diversity initiatives and multi-faceted programs in small and large, public and private organizations.
Before joining the MUSC family, Burnham-Williams held leadership positions at Williamsburg Technical College, The Citadel Military College of SC, and The College of Charleston. She is a spokesperson on matters related to creating, enhancing, and sustaining an inclusive organization and campus environment and is committed to partnering with leaders to build, foster, and integrate comprehensive and intentional professional practices of equity and inclusion.
Burnham-Williams holds an undergraduate degree from Trinity College and a Master of Education and Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Administration from the University of South Carolina. She completed two post-doctorate certificate programs, healthcare executive leadership in diversity and inclusion from Georgetown University and Harvard University’s Summer Institute for Educational Management. Additionally, she has participated in state and national women’s leadership development forums hosted by the American Council on Education and South Carolina Women in Higher Education.
2. Jess Abbott
Chief Executive Officer, Greenville Center for Creative Arts
Jess Abbott's journey in the world of nonprofit arts administration spans over 15 years of dedicated service, culminating in her appointment as Chief Executive Officer of the esteemed Greenville Center for Creative Arts (GCCA) in 2022. With a robust background in steering organizations from their nascent stages to thriving phases of growth, Abbott brings a wealth of expertise to her leadership role.
At GCCA, Abbott has orchestrated a series of transformative initiatives, each aimed at enhancing the center's impact and reach within the community. From pioneering a dynamic membership program to introducing GCCA's inaugural gift shop, she has consistently demonstrated a knack for innovation and forward-thinking strategy. Moreover, her commitment to inclusivity and accessibility is evident in the creation of new programs tailored to uplift underserved communities through the transformative power of art. Before her tenure at GCCA, Abbott served as the executive director of Dogtown Dance Theatre in Richmond, Virginia. During her tenure, she not only amplified the theater's revenue by an impressive 144% but also fostered an environment where cultural diversity thrived. Her visionary leadership earned accolades from the Virginia Commission for the Arts, underscoring her reputation as a tireless champion for the arts at every level.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Abbott is deeply invested in shaping the future landscape of arts education and philanthropy. She currently serves on the board of directors for Palmetto States Arts Education (PSAE), The Fine Arts Center Partners, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals Piedmont SC Chapter. Through her multifaceted roles, Abbott remains steadfast in her mission to cultivate lasting partnerships and secure financial stability, ensuring that the transformative power of art remains accessible to all, regardless of background or circumstance.
4. Jackie Draws
Chief Financial Officer, Palmetto Goodwill
Jackie Draws is the Chief Financial Officer of Palmetto Goodwill, where she handles all aspects of CFO responsibilities, including treasury management, risk management, debt financing, financial reporting, budget, and capital assets.
Draws has 25 years of experience leading finance/accounting/payroll, IT, human resources, facilities, warehouse, transportation, and retail operations in complex not-for-profit environments. She is responsible for the financial health and reporting of two not-for-profit organizations with a total of $60M million in combined revenues and reporting to the board of directors quarterly.
Draws first got her start in 1992 as a senior manager at Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP. From there, she went on to Integrated Community Services, before eventually rising to senior vice president of operations at Goodwill NCW, her most recent position before joining Palmetto Goodwill. Draws graduated from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh with an undergraduate degree in accounting and finance.
8. Emily Wilhoit
Chief Marketing Officer, Blue Acorn iCi
Emily Wilhoit is the Chief Marketing Officer of Blue Acorn iCi, the leading digital customer experience company pioneering what's possible through the convergence of analytics, digital commerce, customer experience, and experience-driven commerce offerings.
Wilhoit specialized in e-commerce, customer experience, Magento, Adobe, new business development, and channel/partnerships. In her current role, she leads Blue Acorn iCi's Marketing and Channel Teams with responsibility for planning, development, and execution of GTM strategies. She started at the company in 2013 as a sales executive and worked her way up to the C-suite by 2020 when she was promoted to VP of commerce growth.
Before joining Blue Acorn iCi, Wilhoit worked at CBS Interactive as an account representative and account manger. Wilhoit graduated from Washington and Lee University with an undergraduate degree in mass communication and Spanish.
9. Natalia Aresu
Regional President, Humana
With over 18 years of experience at Humana, Natalia Aresu has extensive knowledge in health plan operations, ranging from strategy and clinical care models to finance and member services. She most recently served as the Regional President for South Carolina Healthy Horizons, leading the implementation of Humana's South Carolina Medicaid program, which currently serves nearly 20,000 members.
Before her current roles, Aresu was a Florida long-term care leader, where she implemented two statewide contracts, driving operational excellence and significant membership growth. With over 22 years of progressive leadership experience, Aresu has a unique expertise in delivering care in the home and improving quality outcomes for vulnerable and underserved populations through innovative clinical models and strategic provider relationships. She is actively involved in industry associations and nonprofit organizations focused on improving the health and quality of senior populations.
Aresu holds an undergraduate degree in forensic psychology from the City University of New York and an MBA with a concentration in healthcare from Florida Atlantic University. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and exploring new places.
10. Vicki Peek
Executive Vice President, Find Great People
Vicki Peek is the Executive Vice President of Find Great People, providing leadership that has been a catalyst in the organization’s sustained growth. FGP’s culture is built on three G’s – great, growth, and gratitude. FGP has proven success in developing an organization focused on its greatest asset – great people. FGP is a nationally recognized talent acquisition and human resources consulting firm.
Peek utilizes her leadership capabilities within the organization and as leader of the Consulting Division, externally with clients. She leads various engagements to include executive leadership coaching and development, talent assessment and analysis, HR analytics, and organizational design. Peek partners with organizations of all sizes and industries in solving business problems through the recruitment, development, and retention of great talent.
Before joining FGP as COO, Peek taught business at the college level with a concentration on HR and management. Today, she continues to mentor young professionals in their career growth. She has a Master’s degree in Human Resource Development from Clemson University and an undergraduate degree in business education from Bob Jones University. Peek is committed to her local community, volunteering her time to help others, as well as serving on several nonprofit boards.
13. Kearney Dewing
Vice President, Prosek Partners
Kearney Dewing is the Vice President of Prosek Partners, a certified woman-owned business and among the largest independent, integrated communications and marketing firms globally. Specializing in providing a full range of communications solutions to financial and professional services companies, Prosek delivers business impact through an unexpected level of passion, creativity, and marketing savvy.
At Prosek, Dewing works with clients in the investment management, health, insurance, fintech, banking, and wealth management sectors. She has developed strong relationships with reporters and has a successful track record of placing quality stories that are timely and impactful for her clients and their bottom line. She also has specific expertise in thought leadership, developing narratives on behalf of her clients to elevate their visibility.
Previously, Dewing was a server and hostess at Marriott Hotels. Before that, she was a tutor, customer service, and marketing assistant at Kumon North America, Inc. Earlier in her career, she worked with North Hampton Recreation as a summer camp counselor. Dewing earned an undergraduate degree in public relations & legal studies from Quinnipiac University.
View the complete list of awardees.
17. Denise Croden
Vice President of Integrated Production, George P Johnson Experience Marketing
Born in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, Denise Croden lived in multiple cities across Canada, Germany, and the United States and is a US and Canadian citizen. She currently serves as the Vice President of Integrated Production for George P Johnson Experience Marketing, the world's leading strategic experiential marketing agency. As the world’s leading experiential marketing agency, they have both the obligation and the ability to create lasting industry change through the fabric of diverse, equitable, inclusive, and sustainable live, digital, and hybrid experiences.
Croden held event production, marketing, and sales roles at Edible Arrangements, Jack Morton, and several pharmaceutical companies in Canada. In 2023 Croden became the chair of the board of directors, after serving as vice chair and a director since June 2021, for the Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Foundation, a nonprofit organization. Croden is a Certified Meeting Professional and holds an undergraduate degree from McMaster University and a marketing certificate from Ryerson University.
18. Angela Gallo
Dean of the McCall School of Visual and Performing Arts & Professor of Dance, Coker University
Angela M Gallo is Dean of the McCall School of Visual and Performing Arts and Professor of Dance at Coker University. She is also the Artistic Director of Sapphire Moon Dance Company.
Angela, with her company, has performed at numerous festivals and events such as the White Wave Dance Festival, the Dancenow Downtown Festival, Dance Theatre Workshop, Williamsburg Arts Nexus (WAX), Atrium Theatre and others in New York City, as well as across the southeast U.S. On the international scene Gallo has participated in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland and in Canada at the Fringe Festival of Independent Dance Artists (fFIDA). Her performances include the works of Jose Limon, Doug Varone, Dan Wagoner and Christian Von Howard. She has danced with AmDAT: Dance Art Technology (NY), Eisenhower Dance Ensemble (MI), the Power Company (SC) and worked on smaller projects with Ballet Preljocaj (France) and Anou Skan (France). She has also been a guest choreographer for Dance Now! Miami, Columbia City Ballet, Columbia Repertory Dance Company, Columbia Classical Ballet, Vibrations Dance Company, the Power Company, Converse College and others.
Angela is often a sought-after guest artist in both the k-12 schools and higher education. She is an instructor in the Joffrey Ballet Summer Intensive in Miami, and has taught at Peridance Center, New York Dance Center, the Hartford Ballet School, Greater Hartford Academy for the Arts, the University of Michigan and Southeastern School of Ballet.
Angela’s dance for film work has been shown in the Optica Film Festival (Bolivia, Spain and France), Braga International Film Festival (Portugal) and IMARP- Mostra Internacional de Danca- Imagens em Movimento-Video Danca, Brazil. Angela has been awarded the South Carolina Dance Association’s Advocacy Award and Honor Award. She has been the recipient of grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, South Carolina Arts Commission, Cultural Council of Richland and Lexington Counties, South Arts, the Kyle Foundation and Black Creek Arts Council.
Angela received an MFA in Dance Performance and Choreography from the University of Michigan and a BFA in Theatre and Dance from Central Connecticut State University. Angela is also a Pilates instructor certified through the Pilates Method Alliance; trained at the Kane School of Core Integration in NYC and the Core Grace Studios in Ann Arbor, MI.
20. Marie Prentice
Chief Executive Officer, Powerhouse Operatives
Marie Prentice is the Chief Executive Officer of Powerhouse Operatives. She has nearly two decades of experience with high-level and heavy logistics planning and brings a wide network of knowledge and contacts together to form award-winning operational and event strategies. Prentice was previously the chief operating officer of WAM Academy and its sister 501 (c)3 organization, WAM Impact Partners, together known as “WAM.”
Her impressive background in managing complex logistics and strategies in the operational and political sectors, along with her expertise in fundraising, budgets, and systems management, has made her an industry heavyweight. Prentice has a wealth of experience leading multiple companies, nonprofits, and government agencies through growth transitions in various settings, including roles at The Obama White House and senior leadership roles in dozens of political campaigns, MoveOn, senior director positions at top management companies, and executive coaching for Fortune 50 and 500 C-suite leadership. She's been widely sought after for her impact, which includes impressive strategic thought partnerships, innovative solutions, and operational expertise in managing multi-hundred million dollar budgets and thousands of staff.
Prentice is a graduate of SUNY at Albany focusing on politics, public policy communication, and rhetoric. She then attended The University of Akron’s Masters in Applied Politics program. Prentice is also a graduate of the Campaign School at Yale and has mentored over 200 women personally and professionally in her career and has been recognized for her leadership and commitment to empowering women in various industries.
24. Missy Ryan Penland
Senior Associate Vice President for Development, Clemson University
Missy Ryan Penland is currently the Associate Vice President for Development at Clemson University. She is a nationally recognized philanthropic leader within higher education and community-based organizations.
Penland is known for motivating staff and volunteers to reach ambitious philanthropic goals with passion and commitment to the mission. A seasoned strategist with executive-level experience in major gifts, prospect management, talent, financial management, and board governance, she excels in operations of all sizes.
She was named one of six Fundraising Stars nationally in 2010 by Fundraising Success Magazine, as well as named AFP's Fundraising Executive of the Year for the Upstate of South Carolina. She has been nationally recognized for her work and success in gift officer productivity through her D.A.D. fundraising program by such groups as the Education Advisory Board and the Major Gifts Report.
30. Jeannette Andrews
Professor & Dean of the College of Nursing, University of South Carolina
Jeannette Andrews, recognized nationally and globally for her work in community-engaged research and tobacco control interventions with underserved women, is the 7th Dean and Helen Gurley Wolford Professor of Nursing at the University of South Carolina College of Nursing. With a combined 35 years in nursing practice and education, Andrews has led transformational innovations that have impacted the health of communities and education and support for future nurses, including advanced practice registered nurses and nurse scientists. Andrews is a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, a Robert Wood Johnson Nurse Executive Fellow, and an AACN-Wharton Executive Fellow.
Andrews achieved success as a National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded investigator for multiple community trials utilizing innovative community engagement approaches to address tobacco prevention and cessation with disparate communities. She has authored over 200 publications and abstracts and has served as an international and national consultant, along with contributing to multiple task groups related to health and nursing. Selected awards include the SNRS Researcher in Minority Health, South Carolina Health Care Hero Award, Palmetto Gold Award, NPACE National Nurse Practitioner Award, Veterans Administration National Professional Nurse Award, and Georgia Nurses Association-Nurse of the Year. Before arriving at the university, she served as the associate dean for research and director of the Center for Community Health Partnerships at the Medical University of South Carolina. Clinically, she is a family nurse practitioner and has a robust history in practice working in medical-surgical units, intensive care units, and primary care.
Since arriving at the university, Andrews has led significant growth, quality outcomes, and diverse partnerships, all of which propelled the college as a nationally recognized premiere College of Nursing. Andrews received her PhD in Nursing Science from the University of South Carolina, a master’s in nursing with a family nurse practitioner specialty from Georgia Southern University, and her undergraduate degree in nursing science from the Medical College of Georgia.
31. Susan Kammeraad-Campbell
Publisher & Editor-in-Chief, Joggling Board Press
Susan Kammeraad-Campbell is the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Joggling Board Press (JBP), an independent press dedicated to the publication of books in the spirit of the South. Under her leadership, JBP has become a critically acclaimed publisher of books of history, photography, nature, and memoirs, including titles that consistently earn top national awards.
Kammeraad-Campbell has mentored more than 40 interns and apprentices in the literary arts and taught hundreds through workshops and master classes in writing and creative thinking, using innovative methods that bypass the usual approaches to teaching writing. Her work as a medical journalist at the Medical University of South Carolina sparked her interest in neurology, a pursuit that gave her insight into how the brain works, specifically how we tap the most creative thoughts and what triggers memory and gives us pause to recalibrate a memory through the portal of reflection.
Kammeraad-Campbell has been a community organizer, Main Street manager, and a researcher and analyst working with the US Department of Justice, US Department of Housing and Urban Development, US Department of Homeland Security, Oakridge National Lab, the Riley Center for Livable Communities, the Community and Regional Resilience Institute, and local and county governments. She was a key player in the case study evaluating the resilience of Charleston, SC, and a member of the core writing team developing a national framework for community resilience. She worked as a newspaper reporter for United Press International and for newspapers in the Midwest, New England, and the South. Her book, Doc: Dennis Littky's Fight for a Better School, became an NBC movie called A Town Torn Apart. Kammeraad-Campbell is the co-author of Edisto River: Black Water Crown Jewel, winner of seven national awards, including the best nonfiction book of the year by Foreword Reviews.
32. Elizabeth Regan
Department Chair of Integrated Information Technology & Professor of Health Information Technology, University of South Carolina
Elizabeth Regan is Chair of the Department of Integrated Information Technology and Associate Professor of Health Information Technology at the University of South Carolina. She is also an adjunct professor at the Arnold School of Public Health.
Before joining USC in 2011, Regan served as chair of the Department of Information Systems, College of Business, at Morehead State University, Kentucky, for 11 years, and as the Elmer and Donna Smith Endowed Chair in Health Systems Management for two years. She serves on the board of directors for the Northeast Kentucky Regional Health Information Organization (RHIO) of which she is a founding member and first board chair. The RHIO also serves as the Regional Extension Center for Eastern Kentucky. Regan served five years on the coordinating council for the Kentucky State Health Information Exchange and the faculty of the University of Kentucky Medical School Rural Physician Leadership program. She was recently appointed to the national HIMSS Innovation Committee.
Regan holds a PhD from the University of Connecticut and previously held appointments as an adjunct professor at New York University and the University of Connecticut School of Business. She brings to the classroom 16 years of IT management experience to the industry, where she was responsible for many projects involving system design and implementation, end-user computing, knowledge management, and organizational transformation. Her current research interests are primarily in the areas of health information technology and exchange and in information technology, innovation, and organizational change. Her projects have been supported by major grants from HRSA, The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Innovation Grant, and the US Department of Education. She is the lead author of two college texts on end-user information systems and has published and presented her research in numerous national and international forums.
View the complete list of awardees.
33. Christine Greenleaf
Director of Underwriting Analytics, Brighthouse Financial
Christine Greenleaf leads the underwriting data analytics function at Brighthouse Financial. Her team is committed to advancing data-driven digital underwriting, enhancing the customer experience, and refining mortality and risk insights.
Beyond underwriting analytics, Greenleaf is passionate about shifting business culture and mindset to be data-driven and considers herself to be a “data evangelist.” Throughout her insurance career, Greenleaf has served numerous roles of increasing responsibility related to analytics and product management, previously with MassMutual and Guardian Life.
Greenleaf earned her MBA from Duke University and her undergraduate degree in mathematics and economics from Smith College. She also holds an executive certificate in Embedding Strategic Excellence from Columbia University. She is an active volunteer with Heart Math Tutoring.
34. Kate Buckholz
Director of Digital Operations, WEX
Kate Buckholz is the Director of Digital Operations, WEX, where she leads the product operations function for WEX Digital in the office of the CDO. WEX is a global commerce platform with specialized expertise in simplifying benefits and payments for companies.
Before WEX, Buckholz was the director of program management for BillGO, an award-winning bill management and payments platform. Buckholz is a strategic, compassionate leader with skills in programs, products, operations, data analysis, team development, and people management. She’s a passionate change agent with experience in big tech, startups, non-profits, and higher education institutions.
Previously, Buckholz was a senior manager of payment services at Blackbaud. Before that, she was, a VP of advancement at Carolina Youth Development Center. Earlier in her career, she worked with New York University as an assistant director of recruiting and employer services. Buckholz earned an MA in international education from New York University and an undergraduate degree in psychology and philosophy from Seattle University.
35. Laurie Haughey
Executive Director of Operational Communications, Marketing and Communications, Clemson University
Laurie Haughey brings leadership experiences from two preeminent SC employers to direct operational communications at Clemson University, collaborating with leaders to establish communication priorities and change management communications tied to the University's strategic plan. Previously, Haughey directed communications for all of Clemson’s HR and payroll functions and served as director of operations for HR during its national CHRO search.
Previously, Haughey served as director of education services and marketing for Performance Solutions by Milliken, where she led the launch of multiple lead-generating safety and operational Excellence conferences. These conferences extended the company’s brand in the market and contributed directly to double-digit growth in clients. Performance Solutions by Milliken is a consulting business within Milliken & Company’s portfolio of businesses working in more than 30 countries around the world.
Haughey penned the preface to Marlene Caroselli’s The Business Ethics Activity Book, published by the American Management Association, and Steadily Breaking Through Barriers: How Milliken Improves Performance and Innovation for Industry Week magazine. She serves on the board of the Community Foundation of Greater Clemson as chair of its Grants Committee and is past president of South Carolina’s chapter of the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources.
38. Mary Alexander
Assistant Provost for Academic Administration, University of South Carolina
Mary Alexander is the Assistant Provost for Academic Administration at the University of South Carolina. She manages the division’s $47 million budget and is responsible for the HR functions for the division, the university’s calendaring office, Military Affairs, which includes ROTC, and the Community Engagement office. She has budgetary oversight over all of the USC Columbia academic units and guides on operational issues that are elevated to the Office of Academic Affairs.
Before working at USC, she was employed by the Budget and Control Board as director of revenue management and Department of Health and Human Services as manager of institutional research and statistics. Before her state service, she enjoyed ten years working in private industry, including Wachovia Bank, Columbia Farms, and Yon-Drake and Associates investment consulting firm. Alexander has served as the chair of USC's Women’s Leadership Institute (WLI) since 2010. Recently the WLI was recognized with the National Leadership Award for the Advancement of Women in Higher Education from the American Council on Education. Further, she developed and led the Executive Leadership Academy at USC. This program prepares highly talented individuals to obtain executive-level leadership positions in higher education institutions. She is committed to building a pathway for underrepresented leaders within the academy and volunteers her time and expertise to help others develop their leadership acumen.
Alexander attended the University of South Carolina and received undergraduate degrees in both finance and management science, a Master's in Public Administration, and a Doctorate in Education Administration with a concentration in higher education. She enjoys teaching administrative leadership and governmental HR in the MPA program at USC. She is most proud of her family; her husband and two daughters.
39. Chantel Greenfield
Chief Talent Officer, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System
Chantel Greenfield is the Chief Talent Officer at Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System. She’s a Green Belt and a leader in healthcare talent acquisition with proven recruitment strategies that accelerate hiring processes for large healthcare systems with regional and nationwide footprints.
After obtaining an undergraduate degree in communication and political science from Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, VA, Greenfield started her career in sales and communications but recruitment has been a part of her job for 20 years. By 2008, she was established on an elite recruiting team training teams and training-the-trainers on the best practices of elite recruiting strategies. Starting in 2012, she held various HR/recruiting leadership positions for nationwide healthcare companies across various markets until she was hired in 2019 as the system director of talent acquisition for Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, reporting to the Senior VP of HR.
She currently directs a team of 28 healthcare recruiting professionals that have increased hires and overall productivity by 200% under her leadership. Her strategic vision not only includes predictive hiring/analytics across the organization but has led to the creation of scalable processes that will position the nonprofit healthcare system to be regionally competitive in the market. Greenfield changed the face of how her organization approached recruitment, increasing their out-of-state hires by more than 100%. While Greenfield is known for her influence and thoughtful leadership, she will not hesitate to roll up her sleeves and work alongside her teams to get the job done.
42. Koshina Legette
Managed Services Director, PwC Columbia, SC
Koshina Legette is a Managed Services Director for PwC’s Columbia, SC, office, where she leads several professional revenue cycle teams in providing operational support functions for hospitals and medical groups. Her teams operate virtually as an Extended Business Office delivering optimal results and meeting the financial and operational goals of each of their clients. Legette remains dedicated to achieving results that drive overall efficiencies and operational success for her clients. She consistently sharpens her expertise and has a knack for connecting the smallest details to business objectives as she applies her diverse healthcare knowledge. She promotes and facilitates a culture of learning and progression even during the most demanding fast-paced periods supported by her business acumen and strategic leadership.
Legette is recognized as a highly motivated and results-oriented healthcare business professional with a successful track record. Because she thrives on learning and development, she continues to advance her skillset allowing for continued success. She stays abreast of the ever-changing healthcare industry, maintains current knowledge of industry best practices, and is an active member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association. Legette served the SC Chapter as CRCA Program Chair for a period of her membership. Her talent for mastering technology has enabled her to perform at optimal levels.
Legette gives back to her community through the mentorship of professionals as they progress through their career journey, and she serves as a resource to her peers and other professionals in the healthcare industry. Her relationships are grounded in trust, transparency, and knowledge sharing. Legette inspires others to present their best selves every day as they develop their personal and professional brand. She has a BBA from Strayer University.
43. Kate Konopasek
Director of Manufacturing, Toray Composite Materials America
Kate Konopasek is currently the Director of Manufacturing and Plant Manager for Toray Composite Materials America, the leading producer of advanced composite materials. She joined Toray Composites 12 years ago in Tacoma, Washington.
Konopasek began her career in aerospace working for Raytheon Aircraft and Hawker Beechcraft. She held various roles in quality and production during her eight years, including the T6 Texan military trainer, King Air, and Hawker 4000 platforms. She has held various positions focusing on Production Management roles. Konopasek transitioned to the Upstate in 2021 to start the newest facility in Spartanburg.
Konopasek grew up in Wichita, Kansas, and graduated from Wichita State University in 2001 with a BBA in Management and an MBA from Baker University in 2010. She is married to the director of sales operations for Toray Composites. They have two cats and love hiking and traveling. They have summited some of the tallest mountains in the world, including Mt. Rainier (14K), Mt. Baker (10K), Mt. Whitney (14K), and most recently Mt. Kilimanjaro (19K).
View the complete list of awardees.
44. Ellen Hart
Regulatory and Business Controls Director, 1st Franklin Financial
Ellen Hart is the Regulatory and Business Controls Director with the Compliance Department at 1st Franklin Financial Corporation and specializes in regulatory compliance in the subprime/near prime lending space. 1FFC is known as the Friendly Franklin Folks among its community of branches throughout the Southeast. As a family-owned company for over 80 years, 1FFC has worked with generations of families to provide them with the funds they need when they need them the most.
At 1FFC, Hart oversees regulatory licensing, examinations, complaints, and vendor management programs and is also skilled in change management, risk mitigation and remediation, customer service, and leadership. One of Hart’s favorite professional interests is studying complex regulations and translating them into plain language to educate line-of-business partners and branch staff members to better operationalize regulatory requirements.
Before joining the 1FFC family, Hart utilized her decade-long experience working in the financial services industry at other organizations, such as World Finance, Heights Finance, and Genesis Financial Solutions. Hart is committed to using her cheerful demeanor and servant's heart to encourage and help others succeed in all aspects of life. Hailing from the Upstate of South Carolina, Hart is a two-time Clemson University graduate, receiving her undergraduate degree in Spanish and MBA from the esteemed University.
45. Linda J. Walder
Co-Founder & Executive Director, The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation
Linda J. Walder is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation for Adult Autism, which was established in 2002 as a continuing legacy and honor in the name of her son, Daniel Jordan Fiddle who passed away at the age of nine. It was her vision that started a movement to embrace the fact that Autism is lifelong and that the diverse population of adults should be valued as individuals as a matter of human rights. Walder’s unique hands-on approach to developing, advocating for, and funding programs, creating resources, and most recently designing the first adult Autism-focused endowment funds at leading United States universities, has blazed a trail that will guarantee innovation concentrating on adult Autism now, and for generations to come.
Walder has received over 20 honors of recognition for her visionary and inspiring efforts that opened doors for Autistic adults to have opportunities to work, live, and recreate in their communities. Walder works tirelessly with legislators in Washington DC and on the statewide level to develop public policy that supports the needs of individuals and families affected by Autism. Collaboratively, Walder has spearheaded the creation of much-needed resources, such as a pocket transportation troubleshooting guide that promotes independent use of buses and trains to a guide on the prevalent co-morbid condition of Autism and Epilepsy, to name a few.
Walder is a writer and motivator using her blog Autism for a Lifetime: Finding Joy in the Journey, her numerous published articles, and her appearances on television and other media as a means of fostering awareness about adult Autism and promoting thoughtful discourse on prevalent issues. In 2016, Walder joined the editorial board of Autism Spectrum News. That same year, The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Leader in Adult Autism Award was established in partnership with the Autism Society of America as an enduring source of inspiration to the Autism community and beyond recognizing the strengths and talents of adults with Autism, and those who exemplify leadership through their supportive endeavors.
46. Christina Tran
Director of Finance & Project Management, Contender Development
Christina Tran is a Greenville native currently serving as Contender Development’s Director of Finance and Project Management. Before joining Contender, Tran spent seven years in wealth management and finance, where she provided holistic relationship management using portfolio analysis, financial forecasting, and a goals-based approach to ensure clients’ financial success.
Tran attended Arizona State University, where she earned her undergraduate degree in international business and finance. Outside of the office, you can catch her hiking with her dog, reading a good history book, or at a cycle class.
47. Brittany Riley
Human Resources Director, Veris
Driven by a passion for fostering organizational success through people-centric strategies, Brittany Riley is a seasoned human resources leader with a proven track record of developing and executing transformative initiatives that align culture, vision, and organizational goals. Riley is recognized for her expertise in aligning business objectives with HR practices to optimize performance, compliance, and employee engagement.
As the Human Resources Director at Veris CPA, Riley leads the development and execution of comprehensive HR strategies that align with the firm's strategic vision and goals. Leveraging her business acumen, she ensures that HR procedures are compliant with legal regulations and industry best practices while fostering high employee engagement and cohesive organizational culture. Riley specializes in crafting and implementing comprehensive HR strategies that propel businesses forward by leveraging the understanding of the integral role that business culture plays in driving performance and engagement. She applies her expertise in organizational development, talent management, and employee engagement, and has consistently facilitated sustainable growth and operational excellence across diverse industries.
As a forward-thinking HR leader, Riley remains at the forefront of industry trends and best practices, continuously refining her approach to meet evolving business needs. Throughout her career, Riley has demonstrated a commitment to never-ending improvement and professional development. She holds a Master of Business Administration with a focus on human resources management and maintains certifications as a SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP). Additionally, she actively contributes to her community through volunteer work, including her role as a dedicated dog foster for various rescue organizations.
48. Cathryn Stevens
Senior Associate, The Riley Institute at Furman
Cathy Stevens is a Senior Associate with the Riley Institute. In this role, she serves as an advisor to and representative of the Riley Institute with particular emphasis on the work of the Center for Education Policy and Leadership. She offers counsel to the directors of the Riley Institute’s after-school and summer and facilitates connections among them and state and national individuals and organizations involved in after-school and summer learning.
Before her current role, Stevens served as the director of after-school and summer learning initiatives at the Institute and was the director of the White-Riley-Peterson Afterschool Policy Fellowship for eleven years. She has also served as a member of the selection committee for the Diversity Leaders Initiative.
Stevens is a member of the board of directors for Family Connection of South Carolina and is passionate about disability advocacy and policy in support of individuals with disabilities. She holds an undergraduate degree in English from Furman University and a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Clemson University.
View the complete list of awardees.