COLUMBIA CHAMBER HONORS KELLER KISSAM AT ANNUAL GALA
Keller Kissam, Dominion Energy South Carolina President, named Columbia Chamber’s 2024 Ambassador of the Year.
The Columbia Chamber will honor Keller Kissam at the Chamber’s 121st Annual Gala, Thursday, October 3, 2024.
The Ambassador of the Year Award, sponsored by Colonial Life, is presented to a member of the community who exemplifies outstanding business ethics and has influenced positive promotion and preservation of the greater Midlands.
“The Annual Gala is an opportunity for the Chamber to recognize trailblazing individuals and businesses in the community,” said Carl Blackstone, Columbia Chamber President and CEO. “Keller Kissam has been a leader in the business community and has created a sustainable pathway for growth for Dominion Energy for years to come.”
Prior to the merger with Dominion Energy, Kissam joined SCANA in 1988 as a new utility professional and held numerous positions in both electric and gas operations. He was named vice president – Gas Operations in 1996, vice president – SCE&G Electric Operations in 2003 and President and Chief Operating Officer of SCE&G in 2017. Upon completion of the merger, he was named president – Electric Operations at Dominion Energy South Carolina in 2019 and assumed his current position in January 2022.
Kissam serves as a board and executive committee member for the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and is a board member for the South Carolina Manufacturer’s Alliance and the Southeastern Electric Exchange. He also is a member of the Palmetto Business Forum.
Kissam earned a bachelor’s degree from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, where he served as Regimental Commander of the South Carolina Corps of Cadets. He also received an Honorary Doctorate of Business from The Citadel in 2015 and is a member of The Citadel’s Business Hall of Fame.
“Keller Kissam is a leader, a partner, a collaborator, and most importantly a friend. He has stood tall and served all of the Midlands while guiding Dominion South Carolina through a significant transition. He has led with humility and sincereness. Keller has a unique ability to connect with people on a personal level. He is truly a servant leader who works behind the scenes to make the Midlands a better place. His humble and genuine attitude combined with his hard work and tenacity make him a wonderful recipient of this year’s Ambassador of the Year award,” said Montague Laffitte, Columbia Chamber Board of Directors Chair.
Past Ambassador of the Year winners include Kim Wilkerson, Bank of America; David Pankau, BlueCross® BlueShield® of South Carolina; Mike Brenan, Truist; Pamela Lackey, AT&T; Dawn Staley, University of South Carolina; John W. Folsom, Colliers; former S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley; Dr. Harris Pastides, University of South Carolina; Bill and Lou Kennedy, Nephron Pharmaceuticals; and Charles D. Beaman Jr., Palmetto Health.
Additional 2024 awards include the Young Professional of the Year, Partner of the Year, Joe Taylor Public Servant of the Year, Military Advocate of the Year, and Diplomat of the Year.
For more information about the Gala, please contact Hilary Bell, 803.733.1115. To become a Partner or learn more about the Chamber visit www.ColumbiaChamber.com.
Learn More About the 121st Annual Gala
Colonial Life Sponsor Statement
“Colonial Life supports organizations that make our communities stronger, advocate for greater access to the benefits that strengthen our society and invest in our workplace culture — all while following sound, ethical business practices. That’s why Colonial Life is a proud sponsor of the Ambassador of the Year, an award given to an individual in our community who exemplifies outstanding business ethics and plays a key role in positively promoting and preserving the Greater Columbia area.”
About Columbia Chamber
The Columbia Chamber is a private, nonprofit, Partner-driven organization comprised of 1,200 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions and individuals in Calhoun, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Newberry and Richland counties. The Columbia Chamber serves as the voice of its Partners and the business community at large on matters of economic, educational, social, cultural and political concern, as well as supports and promotes the success of its Partners through networking, professional development, advocacy, and leadership. The organization has represented the interests of the local business community since 1902.