Board of Directors

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James A. Bennett
James Bennett joined the University of South Carolina Educational Foundation from 1992 until 2000 and returned to the foundation again in 2004. He serves on the Investments Committee.

Mr. Bennett has a bachelor’s degree from USC. In 1992, he became the youngest South Carolina bank president when he was named president of Victory Savings Bank, South Carolina’s only minority-owned bank. He is currently the executive vice president and director of public affairs for First Citizens Bank of South Carolina.

Mr. Bennett serves on numerous professional boards, as well as many civic and community committees. He is on the Board of Directors for SCANA, the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, and the South Carolina Bankers Association. He serves on the South Carolina Business Center Board for Excellence in Education and is the circuit vice president for the USC Alumni Council. Mr. Bennett has received several awards for his achievements: including the Columbia Jaycees' Business Leader of the Year Award, the Columbia Urban League's Lincoln C. Jenkins Award, and the USC Alumni Award of Outstanding Achievement.

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Elizabeth Van Doren Gray
Elizabeth Van Doren Gray joined the Board of the Educational Foundation in 2002 and serves on the Investments Committee. She is an attorney and partner in Sowell, Gray, Stepp and Laffitte, a Columbia-based law firm.

Since graduating from the University of South Carolina with a B.A. degree in International Studies and a juris doctor, Ms. Gray has continually given her time and her voice to the University. She has been a member of the Law School Dean Search Committee, a member of the Law School Building Committee, and a representative for the University on the National Advisory Council.

Ms. Gray has been a member of the South Carolina Bar since 1977, serving in a number of capacities within that organization, including president. She has been a speaker and moderator for numerous Continuing Legal Education seminars and is the author of articles and presentations regarding the practice of law. Her professional efforts have been recognized with several awards, including the Compleat Lawyer Award, Gold Medallion, from the University of South Carolina School of Law Alumni Association. A founding and sustaining member of the South Carolina Women Lawyers Association, Ms. Gray has received that organization’s highest honor: the Jean Galloway Bissell Award.

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Tommy L. Hickman
A native of South Carolina, Tommy Hickman is vice president of Operations Planning and Quality Assurance with R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He joined the Educational Foundation in 2002 and serves on the Audit and Budget Committee.

Mr. Hickman has given much of his time to the University since he completed a B.S. degree in chemistry. His activities include serving on the Advisory Board of the College of Science and Mathematics since 1990. In 2001, he was named the College’s Distinguished Young Alumnus. He also serves on the board of directors for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

Mr. Hickman also serves his North Carolina community by serving on the board for the Arts Council of Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, and serving as chairman of the R.J. Reynolds United Way Campaign in 2001.

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Mary M. Kennemur
Mary Kennemur is first vice president and managing director of the $450 million New South District for Merrill Lynch. There are 19 managing district directors nationwide, and Ms. Kennemur is the only female. She joined the Board of the Educational Foundation in 2004 and serves on the Investments Committee.

Ms. Kennemur’s career is marked with another first: she is the first woman named to the South Carolina Retirement Systems Investment Panel. She is also a member of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, the United Way, Junior Achievement, and the USC Women’s Basketball Mentor Program. She is a past member of the USC Development Foundation.

Born in Frankfurt, Germany, Ms. Kennemur came to Columbia when she was five years old. Years later she became a Presidential Honors Graduate at USC and received a B.S. degree in marketing. In 1998, she established the Mary M. Kennemur Scholarship, available through the Moore School of Business for South Carolina female students who require financial assistance. In 2001, she received the school’s Distinguished Alumna Award.

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F.A. (Andy) Lowrey
Andy Lowrey is president and chief executive officer of AgFirst Farm Credit Bank in Columbia. He became a member of the University of South Carolina Educational Foundation in 2002, and serves on the foundation’s Audit and Budget Committee.

An expert in the wholesale banking industry, Mr. Lowrey has served on the board of directors of Farm Credit Leasing Services Corporation and the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce. He currently serves on the boards of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, the Farm Credit Financial Corporation of Puerto Rico, the Palmetto Agribusiness Council, the Federal Farm Credit Banks Funding Corporation, and the Palmetto Agribusiness. He is a member of the Fannie Mae Southeast Regional Housing and Community Development Advisory Council, and chairman of the South Carolina 4-H Fund.

A Georgia native, Mr. Lowrey received a B.B.A. degree in accounting from the University of Georgia. He also received an M.B.A. degree in finance from the University of South Carolina and received the “Distinguished M.B.A. Student Award” for his efforts. Since 2001, he has served on the board of advisors of the Moore School of Business. He is also a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, the honor society for the collegiate schools of business.

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R.C. (Buddy) McEntire, Jr.
R.C. McEntire is president of R.C. McEntire and Co., Inc. The Columbia-based company consists of several established ventures, including produce sales and transport, motel management, and waste disposal. He became a member of the Educational Foundation in 2002 and serves on the Audit and Budget Committee.

Mr. McEntire has a B.S. degree in business administration / business economics from the University of South Carolina.

A vital member of the Columbia business community, Mr. McEntire is a founding board member of IFPA, former president of the South Carolina Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association, former board member of Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, and a current board member of Carolina National Bank and Trust.

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Michael J. Mungo
A graduate of the University of South Carolina, Michael Mungo has been a member of the Educational Foundation since 1988 and serves on the Audit and Budget Committee. From 1988 to 1992, he was chairman of the USC Board of Trustees. Since 1994, he has served as the Board of Trustees Representative and as a member of the Development Committee. Mr. Mungo is chairman of the board for The Mungo Company, a real estate development company in Columbia.

Mr. Mungo has been the recipient of numerous awards recognizing his dedication to the community and the state. He received The Order of the Palmetto Award in 1996 and, in 1997, the National Society of Fund-raising Executives honored him as its Outstanding Philanthropist. Mr. Mungo is a member of the Board of Directors for the Columbia Home Builder's Association and is a member of the National Association of Home Builders. He founded the South Carolina Housing Authority, which was later implemented by Governor John C. West. He co-founded the Statewide Homes Foundation, with the objective of self-help in the development of homes in the African-American community. He was also one of the original founders of the Harvest Hope Food Bank. He established the Mary Meech Mungo Foundation, which promotes charity for the poor and underprivileged. A graduate of USC, he has established several scholarships and teaching awards at his alma mater and other schools across South Carolina.

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Jerome D. Odom
Jerry Odom served as the Administrative Liaison to the Educational Foundation from 1997 to 2004 and participated in all committee and board meetings. In 2004, he returned to serving as a professor in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department. The Board elected him to a new term as a faculty member.

Jerry Odom received his undergraduate degree in chemistry from the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill, and his Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry from Indiana University. After a postdoctoral year at Bristol University in Bristol, England, he joined the faculty of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, as an assistant professor at the University of South Carolina. After many years as professor and chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Dr. Odom was appointed dean of the College of Science and Mathematics. In March 1997, Dr. Odom was appointed executive vice president for academic affairs and provost.

He is the author of 150 peer-reviewed papers, five general chemistry textbooks, and holds two patents. Dr. Odom is the recipient of numerous awards and honors from the University, including the Amoco Teaching Award (1984), the Mungo Teaching Award (1993); and the Russell Research Award in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering (1994). The five USC Foundations paid tribute to Dr. Jerome D. Odom for his outstanding service to the foundations by establishing the Jerome D. Odom Fellowship in Chemistry.

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E.L. (Bert) Pooser, Jr.
Bert Pooser joined the Educational Foundation in 2002 and serves on the Investments Committee. He is president and chief executive officer of Interstate Management and Investment Corporation, I.M.I.C. Hotels, headquartered in Columbia. The company currently operates 32 hotels in six southeastern states and generates more than $75 million in revenue. Mr. Pooser also owns Lighthouse Powerboat Sales in Columbia and Charleston, and The Lighthouse Marina and The Rusty Anchor Restaurant located on Lake Murray, near Columbia. He is currently developing the Inn at USC in partnership with the USC Development Foundation.

Mr. Pooser, who has more than 34 years of experience in the hospitality industry, graduated from the University of South Carolina with a B.S. degree in marketing. A native of South Carolina, he has been active on numerous boards and associations in his home state, including serving as chairman of the Lexington Medical Center Foundation Board, the Bank of America Advisory Board for Columbia/Lexington, and chairman of the Dean’s Council in the USC College of Hospitality, Retail and Sports Management. He also is an active member in several regional and national hospitality industry associations.

Mr. Pooser’s efforts have earned him numerous awards, including Hospitality Leader of the Year, given by the University of South Carolina School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism; and Hotelier of the Year, given by The Hospitality Association of South Carolina.

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M. Walker Rast
Before retiring, Walker Rast served as chairman and chief executive officer of Keyes Fibre Company, a paper-packaging concern located in Connecticut. Now living on Hilton Head Island, Mr. Rast continues to be an active member of service organizations. He also regularly lends his expertise to his alma mater, the University of South Carolina, and chairs the Advancement Committee of the Educational Foundation. He joined the Board in 2002 and also serves on the Executive Committee.

Mr. Rast is a member of the Union League Club in New York City and the Management Policy Council. He also is board director for the Wexford Plantation Homeowners Association.

A mechanical engineering graduate, Mr. Rast has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from USC and an M.B.A. from Seton Hall University. He has served on the USC College of Engineering Partnership Board and recently received the College’s Distinguished Alumni Award.

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Claude M. Scarborough, Jr.
Claude Scarborough is managing partner emeritus with Nelson Mullins Riley and Scarborough, a Columbia-based law firm. He joined the Board of the Educational Foundation in 1996, chairs the Audit and Budget Committee, and is a member of the Executive Committee.

Mr. Scarborough has served on the Central Carolina Community Foundation Board of Trustees, has served on the Partnership Board for the USC School of Law, and now represents USC on the National Advisory Council. He serves on the Columbia Arts Commission and is a board member for the Columbia Museum of Art.

Mr. Scarborough received a B.A. degree and juris doctor degree from USC. Among his numerous awards and recognitions are the Compleat Lawyer Award, Gold Medallion, presented to him by the USC School of Law in 1992.

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Dr. C. Alden Sweatman, Jr.
Dr. Alden Sweatman is a surgeon with Surgical Associates of South Carolina in Columbia. He joined the Educational Foundation in 2002 and is a member of the Investments Committee.

A Columbia native, Dr. Sweatman received a B.S. degree in biology from USC and an M.D. from the Medical University of South Carolina. He served in the United States Army before completing a surgical residency at the University of Alabama School of Medicine. For his service in the Army, he received a Silver Star, a Bronze Star, and an Army Commendation with “V.”

As a physician, Dr. Sweatman has been a member of the South Carolina State Medical Disciplinary Board, chief of surgery at Columbia Providence Hospital, consulting physician at the Palmetto Richland Breast Cancer Institute, and clinical associate professor in the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. He has been governor of the South Carolina Chapter of the American College of Surgeons, president of the Columbia Medical society, and president of the Columbia Medical Journal Club. He is also a member of the American Medical Association, the American Society of Breast Surgeons, the American Society of General Surgeons, and the Society of Gastrointenstinal Endoscopic Surgeons.

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Debra R. Timmerman
Debra Timmerman joined the Educational Foundation in 2004. She is a member of the Public Advocacy Committee. A member of the board of directors of the South Carolina Educational Television Endowment, Debra Timmerman became president of the endowment in May 2004.

A native of New Jersey, Mrs. Timmerman has a B.A. degree in American Studies from Hollins University.

In addition to raising a family, Mrs. Timmerman has devoted much of her time in service to the community. A 30-year resident of Charlotte, North Carolina, she is currently serving on the board of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra and the Brevard Festival, and is the past president of the Charlotte Symphony Guild. She has also been a member of the Washington & Lee Parents Council, the Women’s Auxiliary of the Mint Museum, the Junior League of Charlotte, and the Hollins University Alumnae Board of Directors.

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J. Chris Verenes
Chris Verenes is president of Security Federal Bank and its subsidiaries: Security Federal Trust, Inc., Security Federal Investments, Inc., and Security Federal Insurance, Inc. He joined the Board of the Educational Foundation in 2003 and serves on the Audit and Budget Committee.

Mr. Verenes received a B.S. degree in marketing and an M.B.A. from USC. In addition to his educational background, Verenes brings a broad range of experiences to the banking industry, including finance, accounting, strategic planning, business development, marketing, and governmental affairs. For the past 15 years, he has worked for Washington Group International, the largest private employer in South Carolina. During his time there, he served in various positions, including chief of staff to the president and chief executive officer.

Mr. Verenes recently completed a term as a member of the South Carolina State Board of Education, and served on the Aiken County Board of Education from 1984 to 1998. He has been chairman of the University of South Carolina - Aiken Partnership Board and vice-chair of the Aiken Technical College Foundation. Mr. Verenes is a past chairman of the Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce and a worthy recipient of the Jaycee Aiken County Man of the Year award.

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J. Allen Wright
A native of Anderson, South Carolina, Allen Wright is senior vice president of Investments and PRIME Consultant with UBS Financial Services, Inc. in Atlanta. He became a member of the Educational Foundation Board in 2001 and was named Secretary/Treasurer in 2004. He serves on the Executive and Investments Committees.

He received a B.A. degree in marketing from the Moore School of Business at USC and, as a student, was a member of Alpha Tau Omega. He has established the J. Allen Wright Lieber National Merit Scholarship at USC.

Mr. Wright serves on the Atlanta Regional Campaign Committee, and is the former chairman of the Insurance, Annuities and Relief Board of the Presbyterian Church of America. He is former director of Investment Management Consultants Association, a member of Southern Employee Benefit Conference, a member of PRIME Advisory Council, and chairman of the Director’s Council at the Atlanta Seminary for Ministry and Theology.

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C. John Wentzell

John Wentzell joined the Educational Foundation in 2004. He is the owner of Budweiser of Columbia. Mr. Wentzell received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (accounting) from USC in 1974. He earned his CPA in 1976. He began his career with C. C. McGregor & Company, Certified Public Accountants, in 1974.

In 1980, Mr. Wentzell joined Budweiser of Anderson, Inc., Budweiser of Columbia, Inc., and Budweiser of Greenville, Inc. as Chief Financial Officer. He moved through the ranks of the organization holding the titles of vice president, treasurer, and secretary. In 2001, he and three partners purchased Budweiser of Anderson, Inc., Budweiser of Columbia, Inc., and Budweiser of Greenville, Inc.

Mr. Wentzell has been an active Carolina supporter serving in various capacities of Delta Sigma Pi, and as a member of the USC Bicentennial Campaign Committee for the Moore School of Business. He has also been active in the Central Chapter of South Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants, the South Carolina Association of Public Accountants, and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He has served as a board member of the Boys Club of Greater Columbia, Palmetto Bassmasters, and as a Scout leader.

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Ex Officio Members

Dr. Harris Pastides
President Sorensen is the 28th president of the University of South Carolina.

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