COLUMBIA CHAMBER ANNOUNCES 2025-2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Terrance Ford, AT&T, to Chair Columbia Chamber Board of Directors

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Columbia Chamber is pleased to announce the 2025-2026 Board of Directors with the addition of seven new members. 

Terrance Ford, AT&T, has been elected to serve as chairman of the board for the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce. He succeeds Montague Laffitte, SouthState Bank. Peyton Bryant, Trinity Partners, will serve as chair-elect. 

New members joining the Chamber’s Board this year include: Brad Davis, McCrory Construction Company; John Dozier, Columbia College; Clarice Henderson, Scout Motors Inc.; John McLean, McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture; Megan Newbold, Garvin Design Group; Waites Epps, Wells Fargo; Zach Wilkerson, Servpro.

“I am honored to serve as chair of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce at such an exciting time for our region. The progress happening here in Columbia is remarkable, but what truly sets us apart is the spirit of collaboration. When businesses, nonprofits, education institutions, military leaders and elected officials work together, we amplify our collective impact, not just for Columbia, but for the entire Midlands and all of South Carolina,” said Terrance Ford. “The Chamber plays a vital role in bringing diverse voices to the table and turning collaboration into real action, whether we’re advocating for smart policies, connecting businesses to top talent or celebrating our community’s achievements. As we look ahead to challenges like workforce development, infrastructure and economic competitiveness, our ability to convene, partner and innovate will be more important than ever. I look forward to working alongside our members and Partners to continue building a region where opportunity thrives and where our shared vision drives us to set the pace for growth, success and prosperity in the Midlands.”

“The Chamber’s Board of Directors represents a diverse group of forward-thinking business leaders who are deeply committed to our community,” said Carl Blackstone, President and CEO of the Columbia Chamber. “Together, their vision and collaboration drive growth and opportunity that will shape our region well into the future.”

The 2025-2026 Columbia Chamber Board of Directors:

*indicates Executive Committee Member

Ashley Abbott | Bitty & Beau’s Coffee

Dr. Michael Amiridis | University of South Carolina

Dr. Roslyn Artis* | Benedict College

Robby Aull | SSOE

David Brannen | Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated

Caitlin Bruner* | Korn Ferry

Peyton Bryant* | Trinity Partners

Caleb Buchanan | Prisma Health

Jesse Bullard* | Southern Way Catering

John Cadena* | Dominion Energy

William Cason* | The Cason Group
Holt Chetwood* | First Citizens Bank

Jacob Cook| Sun Solutions

Stephen Cutler | University of South Carolina

Brad Davis* | McCrory Construction Company

John Dozier | Columbia College

Bill Duda | Ogletree Deakins

Bill Ellen | Experience Columbia SC

Waites Epps | Wells Fargo

Terrance Ford*| AT&T

Jason Giulietti | Central SC Alliance

Lindsey Spires Griffin | Bank of America

John Griggs* | Synovus

Ron Harvey* | Global Core Strategies & Consulting

Clarice Henderson | Scout Motors Inc.

Jean Cecil Hudak* | NP Strategy

Emily James | Find Great People

Karen Jenkins* | KRJ Consulting, LLC

Matt Kennell | City Center Partnership, Inc.

Montague Laffitte* | SouthState Bank

Emilie Lewis | Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union

Matthew Littlejohn | MUSC Health

Dr. Gregory Little | Midlands Technical College

David Looper* | Furniture Services, Inc.

JT McLawhorn | Columbia Urban League, Inc.

John McLean | McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture

Shayla Merritt | Cyberwoven

Heather Mitchell | Boudreaux Group, Inc.

Lara Lott Moore | Lexington Medical Center

Anita Murphy* | Grow Financial Federal Credit Union

Kathleen Muthig | Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A.

Megan Newbold | Garvin Design Group

Robert Rhodes* | BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina

Larry Salley | Greater Columbia Community Relations Council

Mark Scriven | Elliott Davis

Brad Shank | Columbia Fireflies

Rick Shippey | Mark Anthony Brewing

Zach Wilkerson | Servpro

Nicole Hendricks Woods | Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Columbia

Chris Zimmer* | Truist

About the 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.

To become a partner or to learn more about the Columbia Chamber, as well as its events, programs, and initiatives, visit www.ColumbiaChamber.com.