Board Member Spotlight

1 Dec 2023

Christopher Revels: From the inside, an outside job

Christopher Revels, Vice Chairperson of the York School District One Board of Trustees

Vice Chairperson of the York School District One Board of Trustees Christopher Revels has 40 years of nationwide and international experience putting out fires in his various positions with the National Park Service and the S.C. Forestry Commission.

“I have been fortunate to have traveled across the U.S. to assist with wildland fire operations as a single resource and as a logistics section chief for the Southern Area Critical Incident Management Red Team (consisting of 20 national teams that manage large fire events and other national emergencies),” said Revels. “This year I traveled to Alberta, Canada with my team to assist with the historic wildland fires.”

At least 19 of those years have been devoted to serving in a position he deems equally rewarding – representing the people of Region Three of York One.

“It has been rewarding and provided me with an avenue to give back to my community,” said Revels. “Early in my life, I learned that education was more than just preparing people for college. Providing our youth with a variety of educational options and extracurricular activities is important to me.”

Revels said educators and family members alike contributed to his career of choice. Born and reared in rural York County, Revels said he was surrounded by so many caring people, which helped him establish his priorities.

“I always migrated to the outdoors during my youth,” he said. “I suppose it all started with long walks on the farm with my grandfather. Whether it was hunting, riding horses or just hiking, I always wanted to be outside.”

In his 34 years with the National Park Service, Revels was afforded the opportunity to fulfill his desire to work outdoors, where he was responsible for oversight of the fire, law enforcement, resource management and interpretive divisions. His specific daily duties included patrol and investigation oversight, planning and implementation of prescribed burning operations, invasive exotic plant eradication and cultural landscape and habitat restoration.

“I always knew I would be in a career that allowed me to spend time outdoors,” he said. “I never dreamed I would have such a great career that has allowed me to see some fascinating places across the country.”

Additionally, as chief ranger, Revels managed the organization’s budget and provided oversight for the strategic action plan.

The teachers at Hickory Grove High School, which is now closed, encouraged him to remain focused on his career aspirations and set high expectations for himself.

“Many of those educators have passed, but I hope they knew the positive impact that they had on me,” said Revels.

In his current role as Upstate Urban Interface coordinator with the S.C. Forestry Commission, Revels’ efforts are directed specifically to wildfire prevention. Revels collaborates with landowners and communities in the Upstate to identify potential hazards and develop and implement action plans to mitigate fuel loads on their properties. Wildland fire response messaging and activities are also a part of his duties.

Because of the educators and family members who supported his career decision, which proved to be just what he needed, Revels said, “I will always be an advocate for students and their career path decisions.”

Revels’ wife of 42 years, Vicki, is a retired special education teacher and board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA). The couple’s twin sons, Cody and Will, work in law enforcement.

1 Nov 2023

3lm0r3 Board Member Spotlight

Tedd Moyd: Serving out of poverty

Tedd Moyd, Jasper County School District board member

What happened when two nuns from the Religious Sisters of Mercy moved to Hardeeville from Chicago in the late 90s and joined forces with other community leaders? According to Jasper County School District board member of 11 years, Tedd Moyd, the collaboration birthed Jasper County Neighbors United (JCNU), a non-profit designed to assist low-income and disadvantaged residents in and around Jasper County with human services ranging from affordable housing and education to community and youth development. Moyd and his wife, Mary Charles Davis, have served as chief executive officer and director of operations, respectively for JCNU for more than two decades and are founding board members.

The two are looking forward to celebrating the organization’s 25th anniversary next year.

“We are excited to announce it,” said Moyd. “We are in the beginning and (asking) stages. Committees are being set up and volunteers sought.”

Details of JCNU’s abridged offerings are expected to be unveiled at the culminating black-tie celebration later next year.

“JCNU has really evolved since its inception and has steadily progressed with the leadership of its board and staff,” Moyd said. “After being in business for almost 25 years, (we are) embarking on some new territory and ventures. JCNU is in the process of selling its 42-unit apartment complex as well as all properties owned.”

The development has plans to return solely to its original mission of addressing housing needs in Jasper County and the city of Hardeeville. The housing services include homeownership, down payment assistance and rental accommodations.

“JCNU was created because we were the red-headed stepchild of (the region),” said Moyd. “Growth was all around us but still nothing here. It is coming (along) though and it’s coming real fast too.”

In the future, JCNU will turn its attention to the partnership it has had with Jasper County and the City of Hardeeville from the very beginning – to help address the housing needs in the city and county.

“JCNU came in and filled a much-needed void and assisted many residents,” he said. “Together we are making a dent.”

Driven by his desire to see families stabilized and safe, Moyd recalls the two-bedroom home where he lived which had no bathroom. It housed 13 people, consisting of his two parents, one uncle, seven siblings and two cousins.

“I knew back then that I would be involved with community service and try to make it better for the next person,” Moyd said. “I always wanted to help and be a part of anything that was good going on.”

Though certainly challenging, there were positive byproducts of his humble beginnings, said Moyd.

“Being in a house with that many people, you had to have love because it was required to make it,” said Moyd. “We all got along and made the best of what we shared.”

Moyd admits not even realizing his family’s impoverishment.

“I did not know that I was poor because everyone else lived the same way in my neighborhood,” he said. “I (also) never felt poor because I was always studious and (had) opportunities to travel with afterschool extracurricular activities. I got to experience more than others, and I was always a curious child and willing to learn and listen.”

Moyd is looking for a successor with the same inclinations to help effect change as he had as a child.

“I would like to find a young individual who is very interested in community development and turn this leadership opportunity over to them,” said Moyd. “I was afforded the same opportunity, and someone gave me the chance to continue something great.”

Someone with next-level thinking, commitment to the work and empathy need apply, he said.

“Leadership and dedication are key and until I can find those traits, I will be holding and praying for that someone,” said Moyd. “I would like to see a fully functional office with enough staff members to handle the needs of the people who need it most – the working poor.”

28 Sep 2023

3lm0r3 Board Member Spotlight

Shanda Allen: The wings over nature and of nurture

Shanda Allen, Horry County School Board member

Shanda Allen represents District 11 on the Horry County School Board, which is comprised of Aynor, Conway and Green Sea Floyds. Her reach extends beyond Horry to neighboring counties as one who has helped her husband, a former pastor, tend to two flock of congregants and one who continues to assist him with dusting crops in several states.

On any given day at the family-owned Allen Aviation, she can be found washing, loading or programming the planes before they are dispatched.

“We have a program that if a farmer comes in or an industry needs our service, I’ll map that in a GPS mapping system and email that to the plane’s guidance system,” said Allen. “They go out to do the job created and apply product. When the job is completed, they email the map back to me. It shows exactly where they have been, what time, the humidity, the wind (and) all that good stuff.”

It is the work of the Allens which helps farmers provide nutrients and combat the presence of bugs on crops regionally, statewide and beyond. Specifically, the couple assists growers with the aerial application of a product to protect the food supply from pesticides.

These daily tasks at Allen Aviation parallel those she employed in her children’s schools and in other capacities in the district, familiarizing Allen with the intricacies of education long before she was elected to the school board in 2016.

“I worked in the school from the time my oldest got in the school system,” said Allen. “I volunteered. I was room mom (and) very, very involved in the schools.”

One can easily see the correlation between how Allen serves in education, in aviation and her service as the wife of a former pastor.

“My husband was a minister when we met. Actually, (our) first date, when he told me he was a minister, I thought we probably won’t date long,” Allen said jokingly, some 36 years later.

As a pastor’s wife, Allen guided, nurtured and educated the membership on spiritual matters and in many regards, it is how Allen sees her function in every area of life, particularly education.

“I tell children all the time when we’re in school and they come up to me constantly – teachers, and they’ll tell you, if you ask Shanda to pray, guess what you’re going to (do) right then and there?” said Allen. “We’re going to lock up hands and we’re going to pray.”

Allen credits her faith with helping her get through her own breast cancer trial and that of several of her family members.

Of her first run for office, Allen said, “When I filed in March (2016), that May, we found out our daughter had cancer. My mom, my dad, my husband’s mom and dad, all died with cancer.”

Because of her daughter’s diagnosis, Allen was unable to focus on the impending school board election.

“I did not campaign because you go to a place when it’s your own child. (We did) a lot of praying,” Allen said. “I don’t remember seven days of my life because we did a lot of praying and a lot of fasting for her and God healed her.”

Allen did not have to worry much about the election thereafter either.

“I didn’t campaign my first campaign. God put me where he has me,” said Allen. “My second campaign (term), nobody signed up to run, and I’m there until God says go home because I’m going to still do what I do regardless of what happens.”

Allen said she wins either way.

“I’m still going to serve God in whatever capacity (He) needs me,” she said.

1 Sep 2023

3lm0r3 Board Member Spotlight

Sylvia Harrison: Building a Foundation for Fairfield

Sylvia D. Harrison, Fairfield County School District Board of Trustees vice chair

Whether in the town of Blythewood, Ridgeway or Winnsboro, Sylvia D. Harrison, Fairfield County School District Board of Trustees vice chair, is a highly recognizable name, which when mentioned, conjures immediate smiles. In addition to serving on the board for the past seven years, the hairstylist and owner of Sylvia’s Designs Unlimited has been a Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) president and School Improvement Council (SIC), First Steps and NAACP board member.

Harrison’s service in Fairfield County led to her sponsoring the county’s premier fundraising event, which has garnered the support of legislators, educators and various other stakeholders throughout the region.

“I actually started my own foundation, my scholarships,” said Harrison.

Sylvia’s Foundation was launched more than 13 years ago and sponsors an annual gala which provides scholarships to students in the county.

“I include everybody because we are all in Fairfield County but that’s my passion and being in my own business gives me the opportunity to just be a little bit more flexible,” said Harrison.

Just looking at Harrison, it is difficult to imagine her being a cosmetologist for more than 35 years but 87-year-old Betty Gunthrope, a customer since Sylvia’s Designs Unlimited’s inception, said she can attest. Gunthrope said she’s seen Harrison work her business, serve as a board member and volunteer in several capacities throughout those 35 years or more.

“She is a good worker. She’s a hard worker. Very clean. Very organized,” said Gunthrope. “I wish she would do a little bit more (here) though. I want her out of the community and back in the beauty shop because my hair needs it.”

Gunthrope said she is proud of her work ethic and hopes it pays off at some point.

“She’s such a hard worker,” said Gunthrope. “I see so many people working and for nothing. (It) doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere. I hope the people understand and will work along with her.”

While it looks like a lot of toiling to the observer, Harrison sees it as a way of life.

“My dad was a business owner all of his life and I followed his pattern,” said Harrison. “I like doing hair and I knew it was a good living in doing hair.”

And a good living it has been.

“I made enough money to put three girls through college, so that worked out good for me and it actually gave me an opportunity to be more involved in the community and the schools,” said Harrison, who is a single mother of three. She successfully co-parents with their father, Curtis Waters.

One daughter is a physician, one is a vice president for one of the largest charities in the nation and the other is an Information Technology (IT) professional. All are honor graduates of Fairfield County School District. Harrison calls her children a testament of her commitment and dedication to representing the district well and enhancing the quality of its educational resources.

“I love the children of Fairfield County and all those I’m entrusted with representing,” said Harrison. “I’m so thankful to be a part of the growth under the leadership of Superintendent (Dr. J.R.) Green. I’m thankful for the love and support from all the parents, schools, and especially my Geiger family.”

1 Aug 2023

3lm0r3 Board Member Spotlight

John Galloway: Veteran educator lends helping hand to veterans

Florence School District One board member John Galloway

Imagine being able to assist people with housing, healthcare, education, disability, burial, life and other benefits as a profession and all under one umbrella. Now, imagine helping those who have served in the armed forces to secure those benefits. It is a profession Florence School District One board member John Galloway never dreamed he would have, and in fact, landed after an offhanded comment to the previous executive director of Florence County Veterans Affairs (VA) Office six years ago.

Of his work as a VA representative, Galloway said, “If you come to work, you are going to accomplish something for veterans and then for you too.”

Galloway said his primary function is to assist veterans and their dependents, particularly those who served during times of war, by completing paperwork to obtain benefits entitled to them by law.

“Our biggest thing is, we write claims,” he said.

Even in assisting veterans, Galloway derives satisfaction from empowering veterans to utilize technology to help themselves, citing instances where even those who are considered among the elderly were able to walk through the process on their own.

Forever the steward, Galloway also serves as caregiver for his wife Geneva who is recovering from an extended illness. He may not have dreamed of the job and responsibilities he now has, but there is one thing for which he has given considerable thought.

“In a perfect world, I’d like to see everyone getting along and when you look at the things that are happening now, all the killings,” Galloway said. “If people would just understand that if we all just could get along a little bit better, life would be a whole lot easier.”

It is a belief he has carried with him wherever he serves or is employed, said Galloway.

Not one given to resting on his laurels, Galloway was briefly employed as a driver for a local rental car company when he retired from Florence One where he taught law enforcement classes for 10 years. A 12-year stint with the Florence and Charleston County sheriff offices primed him for the position just as his 26 years of service in the U.S. Navy readied him for his current one.

As for what is next, Galloway plans to continue serving on the school board of which he has been a member since 2017, in the community in which he has become well established. Though born in Horry County, Galloway grew up and is highly vested in Florence County.

In addition to his service on the board, he serves as a deacon at his church and a member of various other ministries; lay member of the Pee Dee Baptist Association; and District 7 Commander for the American Legion, which encompasses portions of Florence and Darlington counties.

29 Jun 2023

3lm0r3 Board Member Spotlight

Longtime SSD2 board member Connie Smith: builder of education and city of Chesnee

Spartanburg School District Two Board Member Connie Smith has a quarter of a decade under her belt in this capacity and is still going strong. These days though, in addition to her service on the board, she wears a tool belt around her waist as a licensed mechanical contractor, head of revitalization efforts in the city of Chesnee and builder of sea walls in Beaufort County.

An avid supporter of public education, even her newest undertakings are born from her love of education.

“Education is the key that opens doors for those of us that would otherwise not be allowed to enter,” said Smith.

In her mind, efforts to revitalize the city of Chesnee carry a similar notion.

“I decided to put a committee together and try to make the community and area a more family-friendly and welcoming town with more amenities,” she said. “I would like to see our kids that graduate and leave for college want to return and become local citizens in their hometown.”

Smith is the executive director of the Chesnee Area Development Association (CADA), a position which pays nothing monetarily but yields huge dividends in personal satisfaction. Local merchants and other residents have come alongside Smith to serve as vice president, secretary, treasurer and chief of marketing.

Efforts to rebuild the city are not foreign to Smith who for years now has owned and operated her contracting business. It affords her the opportunity to oversee the completion of building projects involving mechanical elements.

“I have several rental properties that I own and manage and am currently renovating a small house in Chesnee for an Airbnb (Air Bed and Breakfast),” said Smith. “I am studying to get my residential contractor’s license so I can build a couple of tiny homes.”

The beginnings of her contracting business can be traced back to the 16 years she and her former husband of 25 years owned a plumbing business.

“I decided to stay home after my son started school and help my husband in the (plumbing) business. He retired early and I took over the business,” said Smith. “I recently sold (the) business so I could travel and spend time with my grandchildren.”

She did so only to pick up all these other responsibilities along the way, including the building and re-building of a seawall at a property she purchased on the coast of St. Helena Island near Beaufort.

“The seawall is needed to prevent the water from encroaching and washing away the dirt. I hired a seawall builder to build a 200-foot wall and he did a terrible job,” Smith said.

Spartanburg School District Two Board Member Connie Smith

The wall fell due to the waves within one month of completion, according to Smith.

“The builder had to return and start over with me purchasing the material again and him supplying the labor. I am determined to have the wall structurally sound at completion.” said Smith, who is the consummate teacher.

After graduating from Converse College with a master’s degree in education, Smith taught 8^th grade history. She went on to work at the University of South Carolina – Upstate under a federal program targeting at-risk students.

“(I) helped them become first-generation college students,” said Smith. “It was a rewarding job as I could relate to my students because I was a first-generation college graduate.”

Her sons, one biological and another she raised, and their wives and children, ensure Smith’s legacy of building education and structures continues. They can be found collaborating with her on any number of endeavors, particularly in the city of Chesnee, which Smith describes as, “A small town with a hometown feel with much potential.”

30 May 2023

3lm0r3 Board Member Spotlight

How to reach the masses? Dr. Brent Powers serves personnel, patients, parents and pupils

Lexington School District One board of trustees member Dr. Brent Powers

The parking lot of Lexington Medical Center is consistently filled and yet always has room for just one more car. The concept aptly applies to the work of the facility’s senior vice president and system chief medical officer Dr. Brent Powers, whose professional capacity tends to expand as the organization does. He began as a physician, was promoted to vice president of patient safety and quality improvement and was promoted again to his current role in less than 20 years.

On January 6, 1971, Lexington County Hospital, as it was first called, housed 125 beds and employed 250 people. Today, Lexington Medical Center is a 607-bed hospital and employs a staff of more than 7,800 healthcare professionals. Entrusted by its board of directors to lead the way is Powers, who also happens to serve on the Lexington School District One board of trustees, a post he has held since 2012.

Powers says his packed schedule is due in large part to his desire to serve.

“It’s easy to sit on the sidelines and complain about the way the world is, and I get that some people can’t get in the ring, but I chose to not sit on the sidelines and to get in the ring and try to make it better,” said Powers. “I am also a deep believer that at the end of my days I want someone to say good and faithful son, so service is an obvious way to do that.”

As Powers graces the halls of the facility each day, he is ever mindful of the impact he has made. From the retired school principal who recalls the care he provided for his parents during their transition, to the staff member who taps him on the shoulder just to greet him, at every few steps, Powers senses the effect he has on his surroundings. The goal, according to him, is to continue the work of leadership development in himself and among those he encounters both personally and professionally. Though 30 to 40 percent of his work is clinical, he invests much of his time developing leaders.

When cultivating leaders from among the ranks at the hospital and within the cohort of medical students who are completing their residencies, Powers said it is important for them to be readers and to be curious.

“Reading about things gives you a flavor for what the truth is and having a curious mindset is important because it challenges your personal growth and endears others to you,” said Powers. “Generally, if you go to someone with an air of curiosity, they open up and share versus if you engage in a personal interaction with an air of authority, it shuts the conversation down.”

Powers said employing this wisdom helps up and coming leaders to learn where they are needed and where they are most effective.

Powers earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry (German minor) from Wake Forest University, the Doctor of Medicine degree with honors from Wake Forest University School of Medicine and the Master of Business Administration degree with distinction in finance from Wake Forest University’s Babcock Graduate School of Management.

Powers and his wife Heather, who is also a physician, have three daughters who are all products of Lexington School District One.

4 May 2023

3lm0r3 Board Member Spotlight

Servant leader: A box made especially for Beverly Bonaparte

Bamberg County School Board Trustee Beverly Bonaparte

Olar, located in western Bamberg County and just 10 miles south of Denmark, boasts a whopping 257 residents, according to the most recent census. Among its residents is Bamberg County School Board Trustee Beverly Bonaparte.

Known by many for her devotion to public education, as she’s served her local board since 2016, Bonaparte is becoming increasingly identified with the food pantry sponsored by her church, Amazing Grace Ministries, Golden Harvest Food Bank and FoodShare Bamberg, which opened a few years ago to service the residents of Bamberg County, S.C. Recently appointed its director, Bonaparte volunteers her time during the week organizing food pickups in preparation for the Saturday morning distribution from noon until 2 p.m.

“We pick up breads, vegetables, fruit, meats – everything that you can put in a box for a family to have a complete meal,” said Bonaparte. “We service anywhere from 147, 150, sometimes up to 200 people.”

At the onset, the pantry only accommodated the residents of Bamberg County. The outpour of support has been so overwhelming, residents of neighboring counties have been invited to take part.

“To me it’s a blessing because working in the food pantry – to see how the people are so receptive and faithful,” Bonaparte said. “We are the first people (they) see. (For) some of them, our boxes are the only boxes they are going to get for that week and there is such a need for the food.”

The trips to retail stores and other distributors as far away as Aiken, S.C. are all worth it to Bonaparte, who considers herself fortunate to have been afforded the opportunity to serve in this capacity.

“I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” said Bonaparte.

She’s especially grateful for volunteer staff members who carry out their duties with excellence and in the words of one of the staff members, “(There is) a box made especially for you.”

Food distribution takes place at 202 Beech Avenue in Denmark, S.C. and all are invited to partake and participate.

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