The USC Salkehatchie Leadership Institute, in collaboration with SouthernCarolina Alliance, proudly announces the graduation of its 2025 Leadership Salkehatchie class. This year's program has equipped a dedicated group of emerging leaders with an in-depth understanding of the Salkehatchie region's dynamics, focusing on essential leadership skills, economic growth drivers, and impactful community engagement.

The graduation ceremony was held at The Hut at USC Salkehatchie and featured a keynote address from Steven Brown, Founder of Dreams, Imagination & Gift Development. Brown challenged the graduates to embrace their roles as continuous leaders, emphasizing that true leadership demands personal growth and an ever-increasing capacity to serve others. He urged them to identify what burdens their hearts, as this often reveals their unique assignments in the world. As Brown put it, "True leaders aren’t drawn to applause, they’re drawn to assignments." He encouraged the new graduates to recognize their potential and remain dedicated to making a lasting impact on their communities.

"We are incredibly proud of the 2025 Leadership Salkehatchie graduating class," said Shelby Broomfield, director of the Salkehatchie Leadership Institute. "Their commitment to personal and professional growth, coupled with their passion for our region, bodes well for the future of the Salkehatchie communities. This program is vital in cultivating the leadership necessary to drive sustainable economic development and foster vibrant communities."

The 2025 Leadership Salkehatchie graduates are:

• Tammy Aguilar, Kimberly Clark Corporation (Barnwell)
• Ashley Bowers, Genesis Healthcare Inc. dba Walterboro Family Care (Colleton)
• Ronald Brown, Retired (Barnwell)
• Selanda Brown, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (Barnwell)
• Jennifer Combs, City of Hardeeville (Jasper)
• Adrian Crawford, High Altitude Drone Services/Events Manager for Southern Palmetto Regional Chamber of Commerce (Barnwell)
• Marlon Creech, Town of Allendale Councilman/C4C Trucking, LLC-Owner (Allendale)
• Wilma Edmonds, Edmonds Insurance Agency Inc./Town of Govan-Mayor (Bamberg)
• Jacqueline Gallagher, USC Salkehatchie (Allendale/Colleton)
• Jeriah Greene, Hampton County School District (Colleton/Hampton)
• Samantha Haering, USC Beaufort (Beaufort)
• Hilary Hindman, Barnwell County (Barnwell)
• Stephanie Hutto, SRP Federal Credit Union (Barnwell)
• Paula Rhodes, Hampton Soil & Water Conservation District (Hampton)
• Blakely Stroble, Gehl Food and Beverages Southeast (Colleton)

These graduates represent a diverse array of professions and communities, reflecting the broad impact of the Leadership Salkehatchie program across the region.

A cornerstone of the 2025 program was the class's dedicated community service project in collaboration with the Mauri 4 the Win Foundation. Since January, the 2025 Leadership Salkehatchie class has actively supported the Foundation's mission to promote mental health awareness, resilience, positive self-expression, and love among teens in the Salkehatchie region. Their efforts included sponsoring a $500 scholarship, obtaining supply donations from their employers, sharing flyers via social media, and judging the scholarship competition. Additionally, the graduates plan to volunteer for the Mauri 4 the Win Teen Wellness and Community Bash on June 21. 

About USC Salkehatchie Leadership Institute: The USC Salkehatchie Leadership Institute is dedicated to developing informed and engaged leaders who are committed to the growth and prosperity of the Salkehatchie region. Through comprehensive programs, the Institute provides participants with the knowledge, skills, and networks necessary to make a positive impact on their communities.

About SouthernCarolina Alliance: SouthernCarolina Alliance is the regional economic development organization providing economic development recruitment to the seven counties of Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties in South Carolina. SCA’s mission is to improve the quality of life for the region’s citizens through job creation.