Andrew Folks

Semaphore account executive Andrew Folks made a stop at the governor’s mansion before pursuing a graduate degree at USC’s Journalism School, a move he says landed him in the career best suited to his natural talents.

Folks has worked for Semaphore, a 30-year-old full-service advertising, public relations and Internet development company in Columbia, for two years.

He said his projects run the gamut of the marketing realm, with accounts including South Carolina State University, a private foundation in Lancaster and economic development groups in Laurens and Florence.

“Without question, my favorite part of the job is putting together something that you know deep inside is going to really, really help your client in what they are trying to accomplish,” he said. “So many of our clients are engaged in very good work such as education, health care or economic development. I get a real lift when we do something at Semaphore that I know advances that kind of important work.”

Folks knows about work that has far-reaching impact. He served as deputy finance director from 1999-2001 in Gov. Jim Hodges’ administration. He has nothing but fond memories for his high-profile gig.

“I believed that Gov. Hodges was the best choice for the state,” he said. “It was good to be a part of that.”

He left the governor’s office to pursue a graduate degree, ultimately favoring USC’s journalism program over the Law School because the communications degree better matched his skills.

Folks finished his Master’s in Mass Communications in 2003.

“Our MMC class really came together as a family during our time in the program. I will always cherish those friendships and times,” said Folks, who earned a political science degree from Presbyterian College in 1999. “I also am grateful to the administrators and educators in the CMCIS who got me through a master's program that certainly prepared me for my career today.”

He continues his involvement with USC’s College of Mass Communications and Information Studies through the Alumni Society, serving on the Steering Committee, and representing the J-School as a co-chairman of the Development Task Force.

If you have an alumni story you would like to share, please contact Elaine Taylor at etaylor@sc.edu.