SCMA Announces the Inaugural Class of the SC Manufacturing Leadership Program

The South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA) has announced its inaugural class of the SC Manufacturing Leadership Program. The class is comprised of nineteen professionals representing a variety of manufacturing industry sectors and ranging from small businesses to multinational corporations.

“The SCMLP inaugural class is a cross-section of what makes South Carolina’s thriving manufacturing industry so unique,” said Sara Hazzard, President and CEO of the SCMA. “Participants represent the automotive, aerospace, chemical, tire, textile, energy, and consumer products manufacturing industries, among others, and are from across South Carolina. Their backgrounds are as diverse as the companies they represent and include business, operations, finance, human resources, and government relations. The distinct experiences, skills, and knowledge each participant brings is an important element of the program as we grow the next generation of South Carolina’s manufacturing leaders.”

Through this intensive one-year experience participants will learn from internationally recognized faculty, accompanied by business leaders and subject matter experts from across the State’s manufacturing industry. Partnering with the Executive Education Center at the Darla Moore School of Business of the University of South Carolina, the program will include these areas of study: Global Growth, Organizational Strategy, Advancements in Technology, Supply Chain Management, Corporate Culture, Leadership and Personal Development.

“The SC Manufacturing Leadership Program is well-positioned to provide high-potential South Carolina manufacturing leaders with the experience and skills necessary to thrive in a global and innovative manufacturing industry,” said Tommy Preston, Global VP of Ethics of The Boeing Company and SCMA Chair. “The partnership between academia and industry to administer this program is a game-changer and will be a catalyst for growing and retaining the most talented manufacturing leaders in the State.”

Graduates of the SCMLP will receive an industry-recognized credential. The launch of SCMLP is made possible through the generous support of The Boeing Company, Dominion Energy, Duke Energy and Sage Automotive Interiors.

A picture of the Class is attached for media use. The inaugural class includes the following participants:

• Dayna Babb, Sage Automotive Interiors
• Weston Cavett, Mercedes-Benz Vans, LLC
• Stacey Chapman, Milliken & Company
• Robert Coker, US Brick, LLC
• Edward Downing, The Boeing Company
• Clint Floyd, American Honda Motor Co., Inc South Carolina Manufacturing
• Samantha Furr, Michelin North America
• Lane Grant, Nucor Steel Berkeley
• Rebecca Grizzle, AO Smith
• Christopher Holtzclaw, William Barnet & Son, LLC
• Jonathan Jackson, Surteco, North America
• Nate McGaughey, Nucor Steel Berkeley
• Patricia Merritt, Sage Automotive Interiors
• Weston Mott, Lockheed Martin
• Hunter Mottel, Sleep Number
• James Roberts, Intertape Polymer Group
• Schleta Sweat, The Boeing Company
• Jonathan Yarborough, Dominion Energy South Carolina
• Tate Zeigler, South Carolina Ports Authority

About the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance

The South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance is the only statewide organization dedicated exclusively to the interests of manufacturers. Its mission is to strengthen and advance South Carolina manufacturing by advocating for our members, fostering a world-class workforce, and bringing together manufacturers to connect, share, and solve industry challenges. The SCMA membership is comprised of more than 200 manufacturing companies that represent more than 100,000 associates in South Carolina.