Shelby Broomfield has been named director of the Salkehatchie Leadership Institute (SLI).

"I am thrilled to welcome Shelby to the USC Salkehatchie family. Shelby brings a wealth of knowledge, talent, and experience, which will strengthen the Leadership Institute’s ability to assist in fulfilling USC Salkehatchie’s mission,”  Dean April Cone said.  “I am excited to witness Shelby’s impact as she works in our local communities to enhance economic development and foster progress and leadership."

The Salkehatchie Leadership Institute was established to stimulate economic development in Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Colleton, Jasper, Beaufort and Hampton counties.  As a Barnwell County native, Broomfield understands the needs and challenges the region faces.

“I am excited to serve my community and want to see it thrive,” she said.  “I look forward to collaborating with workforce development organizations, local school districts, economic development organizations, cities and municipalities to cultivate progress within the Salkehatchie region.   I am passionate about changing the narrative in the community I call home.”

Previously, Broomfield served as program director for Dreams Imagination & Gift Development Program (DIG), a nonprofit that served the Barnwell County area, and as a community outreach associate with the South Carolina Coalition for Mathematics and Science (SCCMS) through Clemson University. During her time with DIG and SCCMS, she was responsible for creating STEM education opportunities and STEM partnerships in the Salkehatchie Region.

Broomfield currently serves as the secretary of the Barnwell County Career Center Board and is a member of the City of Barnwell Planning Commission. She has recently become a member of Redefined Women’s Empowerment Incorporated.   Broomfield is a 2022 graduate of the South Carolina Afterschool Leaders Empowered Program, a 2021 graduate of the Women’s Leadership Institute of Furman University, and a 2019 graduate of Leadership Salkehatchie.   She earned her master’s degree in public administration from South University.