https://www.venturecarolina.org/home-moksha daily 1.0 2025-05-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/1517211981316-O9LZAKC04O22TC9E4MAL/summer-office-student-work.jpg Welcome https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/1517213985067-S9S6ICE980Q8AHH5O4GV/rawpixel-com-296613.jpg Welcome https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/1517214571591-XBWT6D8WALJUUOC65OY6/andyone-26591.jpg Welcome https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57bf309d46c3c410fdf9cc34/1472491155320-3AVT4RKJCVZ2Y7D5XACQ/Aro+Ha_1183.jpg Welcome https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/1533612274735-A014C3XXW4RYTMFP4GPX/unnamed-1.png Welcome https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/1533612275104-5GSQI5O26FFEFTAHZE1J/unnamed.png Welcome https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/1533612274740-0W3KTTCWE4Y27JKFJ0RJ/unnamed-2.png Welcome https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/1533652721827-VIT8QK1FPN7KRD0ZQFEL/Venturesouth_Logo.jpg Welcome https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/1517212768018-G54AUE0J90O8G6IEAZKA/startup-pitch.jpg Welcome https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/1517212962094-I9OX1DFI8H434ACFDY4C/stefan-stefancik-257625.jpg Welcome https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/1517212761911-1FZUP54WTFH0BKGQN5LZ/Productive-Morning-Routines-From-Leaders-Who-Inspire-Featured.jpg Welcome https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/1517253984072-G6OVEPDXKFG4ZCM5712G/rawpixel-com-296612.jpg Welcome https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/1644537176466-U50RKH05QSEA0NO7YBE3/Palmetto+Venture+Fellowship+%281920x1080%29.png Welcome https://www.venturecarolina.org/about daily 0.75 2024-07-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/1517179791278-9SQFYG8DY83Q69RFG9ZL/20.jpg About https://www.venturecarolina.org/contact daily 0.75 2025-09-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/1517215087471-FEHMXQG8VKAZ6KD1TEQS/thomas-wong-190766.jpg Contact https://www.venturecarolina.org/sharpen-founder daily 0.75 2020-05-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/1588863558844-0ZZXBF3X8CBQ0EYXUITP/SharpenFOUNDERLogo%2Bwide.jpg sharpenFOUNDER https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/1588868913100-ZB8M4889GJEA82P12TYE/SharpenFounderlogowphone.jpg sharpenFOUNDER https://www.venturecarolina.org/palmetto-venture-fellowship daily 0.75 2026-01-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/a5cdc16c-d5c1-4ce4-b6df-7b6098a9a27b/Palmetto+Venture+Fellowship+%281920x1080%29.png Palmetto Venture Fellowship https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/14388eae-356e-471f-b376-375ae0fc991b/77299f3c-418e-4a0c-9692-d93a969ef039.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship - Venture Carolina, a nonprofit dedicated to bridging the funding gap between investors and entrepreneurs, has once-again partnered with VentureSouth and the South Carolina Department of Commerce’s Office of Innovation to facilitate the Palmetto Venture Fellowship, a program designed to create more local accredited investors and expand risk-capital accessibility for early-stage startups in South Carolina. The Palmetto Venture Fellowship, now on its 4th cohort, utilizes a seven-part, comprehensive workshop series to expose participants to the intricacies associated with early-stage capital formation. https://www.venturecarolina.org/palmetto-venture-fellowship-application-form daily 0.75 2021-12-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/1638467382500-YGCR26XREYUS8LVL2HS9/Palmetto+Venture+Fellowship+%281920x1080%29.png Palmetto Venture Fellowship Application https://www.venturecarolina.org/palmetto-venture-fellowship-nomination-form daily 0.75 2021-12-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/1638467382500-YGCR26XREYUS8LVL2HS9/Palmetto+Venture+Fellowship+%281920x1080%29.png Palmetto Venture Fellowship Nomination https://www.venturecarolina.org/palmetto-venture-fellows-class-of-2022 daily 0.75 2025-02-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/1638467382500-YGCR26XREYUS8LVL2HS9/Palmetto+Venture+Fellowship+%281920x1080%29.png Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2022 - Venture Carolina Announces Inaugural Class of the Palmetto Venture Fellowship https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/09ad2d2d-904b-47d8-89ba-14e4b012c74b/IMG_2114.jpeg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2022 Brad Ball Hospitality Entrepreneur at Poogan's Hospitality Group Brad, a Charleston, SC, native, is a third-generation restaurateur and the majority owner/partner of Poogan’s Hospitality Group (PHG), a restaurant group comprising four restaurants, an event space, and a catering business. In addition, he is a seasoned entrepreneur and investor who has co-launched a variety of companies, including specialized warehousing, retail brands, and wine importing. Additionally, he sits on the board of Gigpro, a gig worker platform for the hospitality industry. Brad holds a BA in Philosophy from College of Charleston and an MBA from Kedge Business School (Bordeaux). When he is not pursuing his professional endeavors, you can find him playing with his daughter, surfing, running long distances, reading, or watching soccer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/9a6ccdd4-437e-47dc-b791-d20790da7137/Jimmy+Banyas+square.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2022 Jimmy Banyas Founder, Punchlist Jimmy is a seasoned B2B and B2C sales leader with extensive experience in driving growth for early-stage startups through targeted business development initiatives. A licensed Realtor® with a passion for revolutionizing the real estate transaction, Banyas secured strategic partnerships with some of the nation’s top real estate brokerage brands, including Compass and Carolina One Real Estate, spurring PunchListUSA’s growth from one to twelve markets nationwide. Prior to co-founding PunchListUSA, Banyas served as vice president of B2B Sales at Charleston-based real estate tech startup, Hometrackr. Banyas holds a BA in anthropology from Georgia Southern University. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/0a6a52cd-3b92-4e10-90f1-6e5315d4acf4/JHB+Sept+2020.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2022 John H. Barnes CEO at Pendleton Street Advisory John is the co-founder and CEO of Pendleton Street Business Advisors. He focuses his time on helping clients navigate change, determine drivers of business value, identify goals, and work through “make or break” financial decisions in their businesses. He is also a member of the firm’s investment committee. John’s career began in 1999 at Wachovia Bank where he spent 8 years learning how to work and how to grow into increasing levels of leadership. This experience took him to WHM Capital Advisors in 2007 where he achieved the title of COO. In 2013, he co-founded Pendleton Street Business Advisors. John is a graduate of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He serves his community as a member of Forest Acres City Council. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/fef60cff-dddd-4a58-91cb-8a6aba4a9853/Photo-0.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2022 Calvin Beamon Employee Benefits consultant at McGriff Calvin Beamon III is passionate about helping develop a championship culture within specific groups of people. At the University of Texas, Calvin was a part of the 2005 College World Series Championship team and continued on to play professionally with the Seattle Mariners organization. After Calvin’s playing career, he pursued his passion for athletics by taking an assistant coaching position with The University of South Carolina Softball team. Calvin took the next step in his career by transitioning into the private sector and going to work in the HR/HCM/payroll industry as a sales rep with Paychex. Calvin resides in Columbia with his wife, Loni, and their three children Kai, Cooper, and Cash. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/57a4a6f3-6979-4578-bc07-1ba60027171c/Blackstone_Headshot.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2022 Carl Blackstone President, Columbia Chamber Carl has a deep knowledge of working with small and large businesses, as well as professional trade associations on local, state and federal levels. Carl has served as the former manager of state government relations for the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and as district field manager for Mark Sanford when he served in the U.S. House of Representatives, in addition to other community roles. Currently, he serves on the boards of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives and the South Carolina State Chamber of Commerce. As president and CEO of the Columbia Chamber, Carl’s focus is creating a strategy to help make the region more competitive in the next 20 years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/54a7ed77-3375-4d47-a2c9-e6047756a4ef/JAY+BLANKENSHIP.jpeg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2022 Jay Blankenship Senior Vice President of Development at Zylo Therapeutics Jay is a board-certified emergency physician. He trained at the University of Utah completing both a residency in emergency medicine as well as a fellowship in emergency medical services (EMS). He has experience in hospital administration as well as the medical direction of county EMS systems, hospital transport systems, and aeromedical flight systems. Jay currently serves as senior vice president of development at Zylo Therapeutics, a biotechnology company manufacturing a proprietary drug delivery technology. Prior to Zylo he served as the medical director of Lucidity Direct, a start-up software platform connecting physicians seeking part-time or temporary work with medical practices looking to fill short-term staffing needs. He was also involved in product development at Bard Access Systems helping develop an innovative vascular access device. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/19e97d0d-fd53-4765-b377-c0b595839167/C9E9B0FD-C6A7-4118-A83C-D875BF8D9028_1_201_a+copy.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2022 - Make it stand out Dr. Luke Bonnett Founder, Chapin Pediatrics Dr. Luke Bonnett is a native of Rowesville, SC. Dr. Bonnett graduated from Clemson University with honors receiving a BS in health science. He earned his medical doctorate from the Medical University of South Carolina then completed his pediatric training at Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital. Dr. Bonnett is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and has served as the chief of pediatrics at Lexington Medical Center, as well as an associate professor of pediatrics at Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital. In addition to his medical education and training, Dr. Bonnett has also served in many other medical capacities in the Midlands giving voice to the children of our communities. Dr. Bonnett started Chapin Pediatrics as a solo practice in August of 2005. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/8f608294-7ca6-4561-9cdd-52d2af9ff6f4/image.png Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2022 - Make it stand out Tom Coffman Engineer, CRE Developer Currently the managing director of Polaris Packaging Group, Tom has extensive experience in multiple packaging disciplines through roles in manufacturing, business development, sales, service, and executive management. His personal focus is on the development of customer relations through problem-solving, partnership, and open communications. Tom possesses broad and critical experience in equipment and process procurement, from machines for end-use applications (HFFS, VFFS, etc.) to large manufacturing machines for cast film and blown film extrusion, as well as printing, laminating, and converting (pouches, bags, slitting). He is adept at building relationships and partnerships in international opportunities. Tom received his MS in international relations (Soviet/East European affairs) from the University of Maryland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/22cd69f9-6715-455f-aaa1-8c86d66ed480/unnamed.jpeg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2022 - Make it stand out Rogers Coxe CEO, Dove Print Rogers is the president and chief executive officer of Dove Print Solutions. Having previously served as the chief operating officer, he oversaw the company’s entrance into IT services and workflow software, which have become key growth areas for the company. Before becoming COO, Rogers was the Branch Manager for Dove Print Solutions in Houston,TX, where he was responsible for creating a branch to support over $3 million in new revenue. Rogers holds a BS in business management from Clemson University. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/7d4205d7-c8bd-4ce1-bcb2-3ec4f3a52615/JOHN+DEWORKEN.jpeg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2022 - Make it stand out John Deworken Lobbyist, Greenville City Council John is co-Founder of LobbySC with his wife, Sunnie. LobbySC is a leading pro-business government relations firm in South Carolina. Its clients include international and U.S.-based corporations, national and state trade associations, and manufacturers. John has 25 years of experience working in SC government relations both in and around the SC State House. He served as a legislative director for the SC Senate and held senior positions at the SC Chamber of Commerce, the Upstate Chamber Coalition, and on a statewide political campaign. The Greenville Magazine twice named John as one of “The Top 50 Most Influential People in Greenville.” John and Sunnie (Harmon) have three children: Hatch, Townsend and Cotton Sims. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/a96f1965-bd07-4717-8cc8-1f3addcd2c67/Slide1.JPG Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2022 - Make it stand out Herbert Drayton Managing Partner, HI Mark Capital Herbert is the managing partner of HI Mark Capital. Based in North Charleston, HI Mark Capital invests in Black-owned, women-owned, and other minority-owned businesses in the Southeast, seeking both a financial return as well as social impact. He has enjoyed 20 years of experience establishing, buying, and managing businesses in a variety of industries including healthcare, IT, SaaS, and corporate training. Herbert served honorably in the US Air Force and the US Marine Corps Reserves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/2d1f9f13-7191-4931-9767-d21088b64b09/WesleyDonehue_Headshot.jpeg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2022 - Make it stand out Wesley Donehue CEO, Push Digital Wesley is a political consultant, digital marketer, investor, and the host of Under Fire, a podcast about crisis, cancel culture, and brand reputation. A trusted advisor, he has helped corporations like SeaWorld, Kmart, Sears, and HSN navigate potentially disastrous situations. Wesley works with PACs and advocacy groups as one of the country’s preeminent digital strategists, having served politicians like Senator Lindsey Graham and Congressman Trey Gowdy. He owns United Federation Holdings and operates Push Digital, Laurens Group, Risa Properties, and Frothy Beard Brewing Company. Wesley lives in South Carolina with his wife, Elizabeth, and their three sons. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/279d8f3e-4a82-42ba-b1a7-8b483534c325/Headshot+-+Dunn%2C+Tracy.jpeg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2022 - Make it stand out Dr. Tracy Dunn Dean, Benedict College Dr. Tracy H. Dunn is the first woman named Dean of the Benedict College Tyrone Adam Burroughs School of Business and Entrepreneurship. She is the fourth dean to head the Benedict business school. Dr. Dunn holds a PhD and MBA from the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina. In addition, she received a bachelor's degree in German from Wofford College and a MS in journalism from Boston University. Under her leadership, the school has expanded its program offerings to include finance, entrepreneurship, and a graduate degree. She has also led the school in the significant expansion of its portfolio of experiential learning opportunities - the most recent addition being the Burroughs Enterprise, Startup, and Technology Innovation Lab. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/1263e43b-f350-4ce7-b302-2b33681ca27b/LaTasha+Business+Photo+2.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2022 - Make it stand out LaTasha Gandy Senior Relationship Manager, Bank of America LaTasha is a vice president and senior relationship manager at Bank of America. In this capacity, her responsibilities include leading a team of specialists focused on understanding each client’s unique needs to deliver strategic financial guidance and solutions. To help create a more sustainable future for the companies and communities she serves, LaTasha volunteers with several not-for-profit organizations focused on ending hunger, homelessness, and domestic violence, and promoting financial literacy. She is also the 2020 Business Banking Pinnacle Award recipient for Culture. Originally from Hartsville, SC, LaTasha is a proud mother of a son and daughter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/031b1822-55e9-4d0e-aabd-1033bb0d049e/123456.jpeg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2022 - Make it stand out Brian Gillespie Attorney, Nelson Mullins Brian is a senior associate in the Chambers-ranked Emerging Companies practice at Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP. Brian’s practice focuses primarily on startup companies across a multitude of industries. Brian has represented companies from formation through exit, from seed financings to growth stage financings, from majority-deals to exits. Brian has served as outside general counsel to numerous clients in addition to deal counsel for large SAAS companies. In addition to his startup practice, Brian regularly guides clients through complex M&A transactions, various liquidity events, and secondary transactions. Brian is a seasoned venture lawyer that has represented companies with valuations ranging from $1m to $2B+. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/e1c7a260-2512-40a8-b9c7-8dad318a8e78/4-%28ZF-3664-13032-1-004%29+smaller.png Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2022 - Make it stand out Dan Handford Real Estate Investor Dan and his wife, Dennae, along with their four children (three girls and a boy) and standard poodle, reside and work in Columbia, SC. Dan is one of the managing partners with PassiveInvesting.com, which is a national private equity real estate investment firm based in the Carolinas. He has led the company to acquire 3,782+ units with a portfolio valued over $1B. He is also an active, accredited investor himself in over 60 real estate and angel investments throughout the US. Prior to investing in real estate ventures, Dan started multiple seven-figure and eight-figure businesses from scratch, including a large group of non-surgical orthopedic medical clinics located in South Carolina. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/4f9b3ea0-29e9-4151-8477-ce4e39abb242/Harper+-+46.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2022 - Make it stand out Mike Harper Asset Manager, Middle Street Partners Michael currently serves as Asset Manager for Middle Street Partners, a multi-family real estate development and investment firm based in Charleston, SC. He is both a CFA charter holder and a licensed CPA. In addition, Michael is also a co-founder of Elan Venture Partners, a partnership seeking investment opportunities in early-stage growth companies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/50b49fbf-620f-4c62-aaae-d084da6d63f9/Anthony-Herrera-768x768.jpeg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2022 - Make it stand out Anthony Herrera Executive Director, The Hill Institute Anthony joined Furman University in the summer of 2018 as the founding executive director of The Hill Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. In July 2021, Herrera was appointed to serve as Furman’s inaugural chief innovation officer. Herrera brings close to two decades of experience in talent management and development for global organizations as the former team lead for Toyota Motor North America’s Executive Succession & Leadership Development. Prior to Toyota, Herrera served as the executive director for SMUCox Executive Education. Herrera earned his MS in accounting (2003) and BBA in accounting (2002) from SMU Cox School of Business. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/305784fd-8497-41e8-9b1f-7b164ba97cc1/Greg+Hilton+Headshot.png Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2022 - Make it stand out Greg Hilton Founder, SOCO Greg is an entrepreneur, community builder, and co-founder of SOCO, a platform and community for creators, entrepreneurs, and members of the "gig economy." At the center of it all is a philosophy of community, collaboration, and doing work you love. Greg is passionate about big ideas, going against the grain, and telling compelling, meaningful stories. He's also the Chief Opportunity Wrangler for Period Three, an industry-leading design studio based in Columbia, SC and serves as the founding co-organizer for 1 Million Cups Columbia, the region’s largest and strongest gathering of entrepreneurs. Greg was a founding board member for GrowCo, the region’s first support group of, by, and for founders of high growth/high impact companies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/d71ba61f-da6e-4d4d-b3f6-0424ade9e5ce/456789.jpeg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2022 - Make it stand out Julie Hussey CEO, Civic Communications Julie is a seed sower who invests her time, talents, and assets assisting public, private, and non-profit organizations with their planning, infrastructure building, and engagement communications. Self-employed for more than 25 years, her company, Civic Communications, has organized and executed public information and outreach plans for small start-ups as well as for large-scale regional infrastructure projects, such as the Charleston City Plan and the construction of the Cooper River Bridge. She recently led the development and construction of the Workshops at Howard Heights, a co-working space for crafts people, makers, and messy artists. Julie is also a wife to woodworker Bill Hussey, mother to William and Walker, and a University of Georgia Terry College of Business alumnus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/8e82de6b-34c7-4f63-ace5-f76da6c0d0c9/Image+2-8-22+at+11.25+AM.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2022 - Make it stand out Sam Johnson Advisor, Nexsen Pruet Prior to joining Nexsen Pruet, Sam helped lead the Office of the Mayor under Mayor Stephen K. Benjamin. In working closely with Columbia’s 36th mayor and 76th president of the US Conference of Mayors, Sam was instrumental in coordinating the Mayor's agenda both locally and nationally. During Sam's tenure, the City of Columbia saw over $1 billion in economic investment. Along with the work he does as a member of the law firm, Sam is a consultant for Nexsen Pruet’s communications subsidiary, NP Strategy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sam served as the Chair of the City of Columbia Peace of Mind Safe Haven Initiative, which raised money for first responders and medical professionals in need of an alternative to going home. Along with his wife, Ashley, he enjoys walking and playing with their Goldendoodle, Bates, working out, going for runs, and watching sports. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/47748a1c-1b24-4831-a484-947bd6078396/Harriet+Lampkin+Headshot.JPG Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2022 - Make it stand out Harriet Lampkin Executive Vice President, INLIVIAN Harriet is a native of Salters, SC, and licensed to practice law in North Carolina, South Carolina, and the United States District Court of South Carolina. She works as executive vice president of legal affairs for INLIVIAN, an organization that holds a portfolio of approximately $500 million in real estate. Harriet also owns The Lampkin Law Firm, LLC. Her firm practices in the areas of church law, civil litigation, personal injury, business formation, family law, and wills and estates, serving clients in South Carolina and North Carolina, with its primary office located in Sumter, SC. Harriet and her husband also own Jeffrey Lampkin’s Country Boy Kitchen, a soul food restaurant with multiple locations in South Carolina. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/41e0e33a-7fe3-4c9e-94a7-86bf154e0de7/159159.jpeg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2022 - Make it stand out Curtis Lee Marine Officer, Entrepreneur, Investor Curtis is a seasoned executive with multi-functional background and experience in both corporate and defense sectors, as well as being a successful entrepreneur and community builder. He is known for his ability to visualize, mobilize, lead, and deliver programs and projects that create true value. Curtis has a unique combination of broad skills and experiences that lead to innovative approaches/solutions, combined with networking and relationship-building capability to tackle difficult tasks. He is always seeking challenging and interesting projects that are in need of strong consultative leadership. Currently, he is an independent consultant aligned with consulting firms/technology companies in the geopolitical risk and security management, information technology, cyber security, and geospatial market research fields. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/2daebb55-7f24-4e24-87be-d295f4042c2a/headshotsJulia+%281%29.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2022 - Make it stand out Julia Linton Project Manager, Palmetto Tech Bridge Julia has 18 years of experience providing program management to internal and external facing customers, investors, clients, co-workers, government offices, academic offices, and board members. Julia is always seeking opportunities to further grow her professional experience within the program management and coordinating fields. For the past 7 years, she has been working with entrepreneurs and small businesses in South Carolina, working towards goals of funding, commercialization, partnerships, etc. The creative side of her brain is for cooking, house design and renovations, and gardening. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/d827cdbf-f30e-454d-88d7-bc9cb93f25b6/FullSizeRender.jpeg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2022 - Make it stand out Jamie Lynch Director of ES Integrated Jamie has more than 25 years of experience building and leading successful business ventures in the chemical manufacturing, cyber security, environmental, construction, logistics, and industrial service areas in both the federal and private sectors. For the past 15 years, Jamie has worked with and consulted on behalf of several minority-owned firms participating in the HUBZone, 8(a), Native Hawaiian Owned (NHO), and Woman-Owned (WOSB) small business programs across the country. He brings tremendous value to these companies serving as a business mentor and leader to help them become profitable and sustainable in various market areas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/72cc7922-aa85-4ace-a878-2500f75c4c86/Selena+Martin.jpeg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2022 - Make it stand out Selena Martin Fintech Executive Selena’s background in statistical modeling and data analytics led to a career in NYC focused on SaaS product management and fintech product launches. While at American Express, she helped launch Merchant Financing, an innovative lending platform for small businesses, and Plenti, the first US loyalty coalition and marketing platform. Since moving to Charleston, she has focused on working with tech-related startups to help launch and scale their offerings. She currently serves as COO for Denture Care Shop, a MedTech startup that uses 3D printing and telehealth to make oral healthcare more accessible. Her passion for microfinance led to consulting for financial inclusion projects in Tanzania, Kenya, Nepal, and India. Her husband, twins, and daughter’s new favorite hobby is fossil hunting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/d0a74afc-76e9-4e0b-b5d3-3343afc8d7c9/TBEXELARRY+-+LarryCropped.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2022 - Make it stand out Larry Mercado CEO, Bold; Biologix (Cannabis) Larry is CEO and President of Bold Biologix, LLC. The company he founded in 2019 is now a leading premium sports CBD brand. Larry also manages Mercado Holdings, LLC, an investment real estate firm. He co-founded Mercom Corporation in 2002, a national IT firm earning INC 5000 honors for 10 consecutive years. Larry serves as director and advisor for Product Vessel, an international digital marketing firm. He currently serves as a director of the Coastal Community Foundation, concurrently chairing both the Investment and PlaceBased Impact Investing Committees. In 2009, the South Carolina Hispanic Chamber of Commerce recognized Mercado as their Businessman of the Year. In 2013, Nikki Haley appointed Mercado an Ambassador for Economic Development in Georgetown County and greater South Carolina. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/abd86506-5c54-453b-9c1c-6dd7805035b8/Nix.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2022 - Make it stand out Michael Nix President & Chief Investment Officer, Verity Investment Partners Michael is the president and chief investment officer at Verity Investment Partners (VIP). Michael joined Verity Investment Partners in 2018 and has over 25 years of experience in the investment industry in multiple investments and leadership roles. Prior to joining VIP, Michael was a co-lead portfolio manager for Goldman Sachs Asset Management and managing director of investment strategy for Dividend Assets Capital. He also served as co-CIO, COO, CFO, and portfolio manager during his career with Greenwood Capital Associates. In addition to his role at VIP, Michael serves as a gubernatorial appointee as chairman of the Jobs-Economic Development Authority, a board member of the Coordinating Council for Economic Development at the SC Commerce Department, executive board member of Palmetto State Growth Fund, and chairman of InvestSC. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/dc5e583e-50ce-49a5-9d98-b2f64299df19/DSC_6763.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2022 - Make it stand out Jay Patel Director of Clinical Pharmacy, Blue Cross Blue Shield Jay Patel is the director of clinical pharmacy management at BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina where he serves as the pharmacy content expert for South Carolina’s key clients. He provides consultation to employers in the development, implementation, and maintenance of their pharmacy benefit designs. He provides professional guidance through performing cost and utilization reviews and making client-specific recommendations based on industry trends and client goals. He serves as an integral member of the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and assists with drug-specific clinical criteria and guidelines. He also plays a vital role in managing the prescription drug formulary from a clinical and financial perspective based on industry and market demands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/6bec414c-247a-4c07-ac44-658836a8f803/unnamed+%282%29.png Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2022 - Make it stand out Tom Pietras Shareholder, Bauknight Pietras & Stormer Tom has served as an audit engagement partner or as a technical review partner for clients in a broad range of industries, including telecommunications, technology, insurance, manufacturing, dealerships and distribution, construction, and healthcare. Tom is a mentor to start-up companies at the USC/Columbia Incubator and is active in VentureSouth. Tom was an adjunct professor at the University of South Carolina from 1996 through 2011, where he taught a graduate-level accounting course for Master of Accountancy students. Tom also teaches accounting and auditing seminars to CPAs around the country. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/39b6b316-d079-4e8a-89b8-6e0071b9e0a2/Insignis_9162.jpeg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2022 - Make it stand out Kyle Putnam Managing Director, Insignis Partners Kyle Putnam currently serves as managing director and co-founder of Insignis Partners, a private equity and real estate investment firm located in Greenville, SC. Over the last decade and prior to forming Insignis this year, Kyle was president and co-founder of RealOp Investments, a real estate private equity firm with over $650 million in assets under management and offices in Greenville, Charlotte, Nashville, Atlanta, and Orlando. Over the course of his career, Kyle has sourced and acquired over $1 billion in commercial real estate assets. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of South Carolina with a double major in real estate and finance and also received a masters in real estate development from Clemson University. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/42faf60d-db4a-49c2-82b6-20deb31c93c1/Austin+Rhodes+-+Rhodes+Branding+Headshot.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2022 - Make it stand out Austin Rhodes Partner, Rhodes Companies Austin Rhodes is a serial entrepreneur, a jack of all trades, and a master of none. His passion for bringing together smart people to solve unique problems is what led him to found two companies and to become a partner in half a dozen. Many know him as an education entrepreneur, but he has partnerships and ventures in other sectors such as real estate, technology, and a few "boring" businesses that are often overlooked. When he is not noodling on his next venture, you will find Austin traveling to places far and wide, where he loves meeting people who push the limits. A native of South Carolina, Austin is involved in several non-profits and venture groups that fund and support growth in the Southeast. He resides in Columbia with his wife and two daughters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/e98f7561-9014-4d4f-8f6c-3db1a2522478/20200924deedeesimmons-15+small+-+Copy.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2022 - Make it stand out Dee Dee Simmons Executive, The Fitts Company Dee Dee Simmons is a marketing officer, performance coach, business owner, podcast co-host, and recently delved into the world of real estate development. She began working at The Fitts Company in June 2000 and currently serves as the chief marketing officer. Running many departments over the years made her an instrumental player in growing FITTS from a regional "mom and pop" sign shop to a nationally acclaimed manufacturing company. She co-founded Live Your Design, a performance and life coaching company, and enjoys assisting people on a higher level to achieve their goals. Dee Dee is also the co-host of the podcast, Enough. Her most current endeavor is developing an environmentally friendly residential community near Lake Murray. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/4b9f1ba5-4ada-4aa3-905a-74cb0794f9c4/IMG_4137.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2022 - Make it stand out Dr. Patrick Springhart Physician, Prisma Health Dr. Springhart is the Chief Value Officer at Prisma Health. Prior to this role, he served as the Vice President of Institutional Innovation as well as the Chief of Urology. He currently holds a teaching position as an Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of South Carolina at Greenville School of Medicine. He has published numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and presented at domestic and international conferences as it relates to his specialty in laparoscopic and endourologic surgery. Dr. Springhart also serves on the board of Invio, a clinically integrated network of more than 2,000 physicians and healthcare institutions in a nine-county region of South Carolina who work together to improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/414ae510-943f-4b33-9dd1-7bec6b47213c/IMG_20180504_213716.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2022 - Make it stand out Diana Stevenson CEO, Grace Outdoor Diana Stevenson was raised and educated in Columbia, SC. She received her bachelor's degree in business from the University of South Carolina. Diana first honed her outdoor advertising skills with her husband of 36 years, Hal Stevenson. Diana and Hal first worked for other outdoor advertising companies across the country, then in the Upstate and then on the West Coast, before their love for family and South Carolina called them back to Columbia permanently. After many years working at home, including the home-education of their five children and the innovation of a private liberal arts academy for home-educated students, Diana returned to the outdoor business. Struggling with the downturn of the economy related to the Great Recession, Diana ultimately executed a turnaround of Grace Outdoor Advertising. Subsequently, Diana took over full management of the company in 2014. Grace Outdoor has increased revenue under her management by 174% over seven years. Diana has continued her education both in her avid personal reading choices as well as completing the Greenville, SC Chamber of Commerce MBA program (2021), Midlands Technical College Fasttrac Growth Venture, and the Optimal Leader Training with Bridgeway Consulting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/23193d85-6759-4fba-bc98-9ec9465424a4/hal_norm.jpeg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2022 - Make it stand out Hal Stevenson Chief Development Officer, Grace Outdoor Hal William Stevenson was born in Rock Hill. He attended Wofford College and earned a BA in accounting. Hal worked for Omni Outdoor in Oklahoma, Texas, Tennessee, Indiana, and South Carolina. He then started what is now Grace Outdoor Advertising with his wife Diana in 1984. They returned to Columbia in 1987. Grace now operates over 400 billboard faces, 40 of which are digital. Hal married Diana, and they have five wonderful children: Alex, Hannah, Noelle, Gracie, and Jacob. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/5a4b6bfb-1e14-4a07-ad47-09c38049eef5/753753.jpeg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2022 - Make it stand out Lauren Taylor CEO, The Haven Group Lauren is a real estate expert and entrepreneur, who founded The Haven Group, consisting of Realty Haven and Rent Haven. She is a full-service operator with a deep knowledge of institutional investments, specializing in single-family and multifamily operations. In 2020, she repositioned her companies and focused her skill set on servicing and disrupting the affordable housing industry. She founded Haven Home, a 501c3, intended to provide a market-based solution to affordable housing. Currently, she is working to scale a single-family model and other social programs that are the first of their kind within this region. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/8ecd78ab-bdd4-43db-ba6f-f16756353157/MATT+V-014+%282%29+%281%29.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2022 - Make it stand out Matt Vaadi CEO, GuhRoo Matt is a social entrepreneur focused on alleviating homelessness in Columbia, SC and the surrounding areas. He accomplishes this mission by donating three percent of all revenue from his companies to local charities focused on addressing this need. Matt has been working in the payroll and HR space since 2003. He is passionate about creating better workplaces and helping small businesses grow. He is a best-selling author of the book “Ping-Pong is Not a Strategy: How to Create an Awesome Organizational Culture." He now serves as CEO of guHRoo payroll & HR, an HR software and outsourcing firm in Columbia, SC. guHRoo provides small and medium-sized businesses with simple software and expert support for payroll, benefits, HR, and compliance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/57b38780-ee1f-4e71-9b6a-e64379c6793c/Untitled-1.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2022 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/ff3acf84-be07-4c88-a379-2608afd34c79/Untitled-1.png Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2022 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.venturecarolina.org/palmetto-venture-fellowship-class-of-2023 daily 0.75 2025-02-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/1638467382500-YGCR26XREYUS8LVL2HS9/Palmetto+Venture+Fellowship+%281920x1080%29.png Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2023 - Venture Carolina Announces 2023 Class of the Palmetto Venture Fellowship https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/013b5f1b-c701-43f0-b19a-165c61a9267b/john+brice.jpeg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2023 - Make it stand out John Brice Managing Partner, Poseidon Capital Ventures Brice is a strategic advisor and growth catalyst for organizations. He is an experienced entrepreneur having founded or been a co-founding member of 11 ventures over the past 20 years. He is the Managing Partner of Poseidon Capital Ventures, providing venture advisory support to seed and series A companies and structured capital solutions and acquisition services for privately held businesses. Currently, Brice advises a number of early stage and growth organizations in industries that include wellness, HR-tech, fin-tech, medical device, media and climate tech. He is also the founder of Basho Walden, a boutique coaching and retreat business supporting founders, teams and business owners in transition. He lives in the greater Charleston area with his wife and four children. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/c4394a39-075a-4b8c-bf6f-7d084e6ecc74/Shauna+Cooper.jpeg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2023 Shauna Cooper Executive Director, Benedict College Women’s Business Center Shauna R. Cooper is an experienced leader with 20+ years of management experience. She currently serves as the Executive Director of Benedict College Women’s Business Center, working to create impactful programming, partnerships, and resources for minority women-owned businesses and entrepreneurs in South Carolina. In addition to advising national non-profit organizations on increasing capital, capacity, and strategic partnerships, she is also an entrepreneur and board member of the South Carolina Community Loan Fund, a non-profit community development financial institution that provides capital to under-resourced and minority communities. Shauna holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Master of Public Health degree in Health Promotion and Education. She resides in Orangeburg County with her son. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/d38f4804-c65e-44f7-8b72-b4a1b2e4dbe8/Patrick+Coyle.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2023 Patrick R. Coyle Founder and CEO, Novus Proximus LLC Patrick Coyle is a C-Suite executive and catalyst for growth who builds businesses for sustainable impact. He is the Founder and CEO of Novus Proximus LLC, an advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations evolve to improve financial outcomes. Most recently, he served as the Vice President and CFO of Eisai Inc., where he was responsible for leading financial operations across the Americas. A seasoned financial professional, Patrick has over two decades of increasing responsibility at Fortune 500 companies Novartis and Bayer Health Care Pharmaceuticals, spanning both the Pharma and Information Technology industries. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/8aab94d8-7683-47ba-935b-5c626685451b/BryanDavis.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2023 Bryan Davis Executive Director, The Hill Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Bryan is a startup catalyst and has spent his career launching and growing high-impact innovation platforms within dynamic environments ranging from real estate to universities and multi-billion-dollar healthcare centers. Bryan currently serves as the Executive Director at The Hill Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Furman University, a nationally awarded entrepreneurship center focused on equipping first-time founders for success, contributing to the regional innovation economy, and ultimately creating entrepreneurially-minded leaders. Bryan has worked closely with over 500 founders and startups to date, has co-founded several businesses himself, and serves on numerous boards and committees. He volunteers as a coach/mentor for multiple startup programs and frequently speaks to groups around the country on how to build inclusive, vibrant communities through entrepreneurship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/24bfccab-4df9-42e5-9d0a-4f8254c1232c/Ben+Ellsworth.jpeg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2023 Ben Ellsworth Founder, Gigpro Ben Ellsworth is a graduate of The Art Institute of Charleston, where he earned his associate degree in the Culinary Arts in 2009. Ben has since dedicated over two decades to the restaurant industry, creating memorable experiences through food. As a former executive chef and restaurant consultant dealing with the challenges of keeping restaurants adequately staffed, Ben had a lightbulb moment. This led him to create Gigpro, an app that connects open shifts in the hospitality industry with workers looking for extra shifts. Gigpro has expanded to multiple states since launching in 2020. When not working to solve the restaurant industry’s staffing issues, Ellsworth is the proud father to Nathan, a varsity wrestler, and Lulu, a budding gymnast and scholar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/68708e8e-e82a-4096-99db-4739a94b519c/Alex+Gallup.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2023 Alex Gallup Attorney, Daabon USA Alex has spent the last six years at Daabon USA driving national food companies to successfully integrate sustainable palm oil into their supply chains. However, her experience with the Daabon Group spans a lifetime as a third-generation member of the family that owns and operates Daabon. Alex enjoys building collaborative relationships with clients through identifying creative solutions for companies that champion organic and sustainable practices within the natural food industry. Prior to joining Daabon, Alex was a practicing attorney in Columbia, SC. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Florida and a Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina. Originally from Fort Walton Beach, FL, she now resides in Chapin, SC, with her wonderful husband and son. When not working, you can find her cooking lavish spreads for her family and friends. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/071baf50-b51e-4262-81d0-9909ef9d1bf8/Jonathan+Goldfarb.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2023 Jonathan Goldfarb Founder and Owner, Riverland Builders, LLC For 20 years, Jon has been the founder and owner of Riverland Builders, LLC, a construction firm that specializes in custom homes in the Charleston and Kiawah Island markets. He has also developed numerous commercial projects throughout the state, including new developments and the redevelopment of existing historic properties. Jon is a graduate of The Citadel and Tulane Law School. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/abe6aaa1-6e72-4cb4-afbf-09b85408ec39/Rozalynn+Goodwin.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2023 - Make it stand out Rozalynn Goodwin VP and Lobbyist, SC Hospital Association Rozalynn Goodwin is a proud native of Mt. Carmel, SC. She is the Vice President and Lobbyist for the SC Hospital Association where she leverages her expertise to advocate for improved healthcare services and policies. Furthermore, Rozalynn is a distinguished Liberty Fellow, a prestigious leadership program that has honed her skills and broadened her perspectives. Rozalynn is also the founder of Confidence, a consumer brand that focuses on providing innovative hair solutions for curly-haired girls. This venture was inspired by her seven-year-old daughter, Gabby, who became the catalyst for the creation of Gabby Bows, a venture-backed company that created anti-slip double-face double-snap barrettes that have revolutionized the hair accessory industry, bringing joy and convenience to countless curly-haired individuals. In addition to her entrepreneurial pursuits, Rozalynn undertakes the important role of managing her husband's career, comedian Mike Goodwin. Rozalynn and her husband, along with their son, Michael, and their daughter, Gabby, live in Columbia, SC. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/ba8dd61c-8452-40ff-9751-34ef3622b068/Shay+Gregorie.jpeg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2023 - Make it stand out Shay Gregorie Co-founder, Wolfbane Books Shay Gregorie, a native of Mount Pleasant, SC, is a driven individual with a diverse array of accomplishments. After graduating from Newberry College, he embarked on a successful career as a commercial real estate developer, specializing in projects such as car washes and campgrounds. Shay’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found Wolfbane Books, a dynamic publishing company that has quickly made a name for itself in the industry. Wolfbane Books is known for its commitment to publishing thought-provoking and captivating literature across various genres, nurturing both established and emerging authors. Alongside his professional endeavors, Shay also takes great pride in being a dedicated father to his nine children, demonstrating his passion for family and maintaining a well-rounded life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/d402122d-f485-4017-b8c4-3965e6a15b6a/Terrence+Jefferson.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2023 - Make it stand out Terrence Jefferson Hospitality Commercial Realtor, DDM Hotels Terrence Jefferson joined Marcus & Millichap as a hospitality commercial realtor on the DDM Hotels team in 2023, a six-person team of hotel advisory and brokerage experts. The DDM Hotels team has recently completed over $265 Million in hotel transactions, and 36 closed sales in 2022. His competitive spirit and strive for excellence are shown through his multiple records and championships as a track athlete. Born and raised in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, Terrence obtained a BS in finance from the College of Charleston with a minor in real estate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/6ebd0359-380f-41a9-9ac2-b0c5da6614a9/Douglas+Johnson.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2023 - Make it stand out Douglas J. Johnson Chief Strategy Officer, Clinical Care Medical Centers Doug is a seasoned healthcare leader, investor, and board member with 19+ years of experience in healthcare, leadership, and finance. He is currently the Chief Strategy Officer of a PE-backed medical center organization and a senior advisor to McKinsey & Company. Previously, he served as the President and CEO of four Medicare Advantage plans, where he and his teams served over 250,000 seniors and generated over $5 billion in revenue. Doug is also a board member of two healthcare start-ups and Easterseals of South Florida. Throughout his healthcare tenure, he has led exponential market growth and improvement, expanded value-based payment models, improved operational efficiency, and built sustainable partnerships. Doug holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Clemson University and has built a reputation for developing and executing new business strategies, turning around failing operations, and building deeper partnerships with provider populations and local communities. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/9e5ea180-1faf-4d68-9558-3200fde67a70/John+Johnston.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2023 - Make it stand out John Johnston Attorney, Johnston Law John is a highly experienced overseas investment strategist and corporate specialist in cross-border investments and international business expansions. He also has worked with numerous clients in corporate litigation, business formation and structure, corporate finance, government contracting, and intellectual property. In addition to representing international business, John, as acting general counsel, has established two native Hawaiian organizations as well as their wholly-owned 8(a) for-profit business, where John currently serves as president. John has a proven track record of advising, organizing, and operating for-profit as well as non-profit entities of various sizes located throughout the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/a71876a5-da39-48e3-8577-0a5c78b602c9/Lasenta+Lewis-Ellis.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2023 - Make it stand out Lasenta Lewis-Ellis President & CEO, LLE Construction Group, LLC Lasenta Lewis-Ellis is the President and CEO of LLE Construction Group, LLC, a woman and minority-owned small business focused on general contracting, real estate investment, and development. With expertise in facility maintenance, sustainability, program and project management, and construction support, LLE specializes in owner representation and consulting services. Lasenta is also involved in community and real estate investment projects in South Carolina. She holds degrees in architectural engineering technology and human resources development. Lasenta has established LLE Consulting to provide strategic development, consulting, and educational training for small businesses and entrepreneurs in various areas such as entrepreneurship, project management, and federal government contracting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/8f3636e3-729f-4d6f-a5d6-fe7565fe7e87/Prenita+Mack.png Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2023 - Make it stand out Prenita Mack Business Development Coordinator, CRDA Prenita is the Business Development Coordinator at CRDA, responsible for planning, coordinating, and supporting strategic objectives. Previously, she served as the Director and Asset Manager at South Carolina Community Capital Alliance, where she led efforts to build an entrepreneurial ecosystem through partnerships and expand affordable capital access for underserved entrepreneurs. Prenita also initiated South Carolina's first CDFI venture capital fund, focusing on minority and women-owned businesses. She holds a Political Science degree from Furman University and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP®) through PMI. Prenita resides in Summerville, SC with her husband, two sons and black golden doodle. She enjoys exploring her cooking skills and catching up on the latest home improvement shows. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/b38719ea-fbc1-4242-90c8-a6f3d850ba91/Michael-Marshall-headshot.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2023 - Make it stand out Michael Marshall Senior Advisor, The Halifax Group Michael recently moved from Raleigh, NC, to Charleston, SC, with his wife, Amy. Prior to moving to SC, he spent 23 years as a senior partner and CFO of The Halifax Group, a private equity fund with over $1.5 billion under management. Prior to Halifax, Michael was a Senior Manager at KPMG and then ran the Middle Market practice in Raleigh for Pricewaterhouse Coopers. Currently, he is working with a couple start-up companies–Aikons Holdings Group and Aston Labs Co. He is a CPA and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and NC Association of CPAs. Michael and Amy have three wonderful children: Thomas, Tyler, and Claire. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/1d1e5059-3806-4b66-9694-c8038ac69c6d/Andy-McCarthy.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2023 - Make it stand out Andy McCarthy Director of Organizational Design, The Building People With over 10 years of experience in scaling and exiting businesses, Andy McCarthy is an accomplished Director of Organizational Design at The Building People. As an organizational consultant for the past 6 years, Andy has worked with hundreds of businesses across various industries, utilizing his expertise in visioning, value development, and tactical planning to drive growth. Andy's transition to organizational advising was natural, following his ownership and operation of several food companies in the southeast, including King of Pops and Perfect 10 Foods. He currently serves on the board of Lowcountry Local First and is a member of the Association for Talent Development & Lowcountry Leaders Executive Group. Andy holds a degree in Biology from the University of Georgia and enjoys exploring the outdoors with his wife, two boys, and their dog, Sonny. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/78607686-8ba7-4ea2-97b0-5934c6217f85/Brandon-Mendez_Headshot_April-2022.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2023 - Make it stand out Brandon Mendez Clinical Assistant Professor of Finance, Darla Moore School of Business Dr. Brandon Mendez is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Finance at the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina. He joined the University in the fall of 2022 and applies his education and corporate experience to the classroom while getting involved with start-ups in the Columbia area. Previously, Dr. Mendez has advised state governments as a management consultant, worked in banking risk management and internal audit, and served as a Naval Flight Officer in the U.S. Navy. He obtained his BA in Business Administration from the College of Charleston, his MBA from the University of North Florida, and his Ph.D. in Finance from Florida State University. Dr. Mendez resides in Columbia, SC, with his wife, Scarlett, and their two sons, Harrison and Harden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/b167a3d5-a784-4d67-a46c-8c9bf9e55421/Wayne+Nelson.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2023 - Make it stand out Wayne Nelson Founder, Convergalytics, LLC As founder of Convergalytics LLC, Wayne provides technology consulting and management to a varied market of professionals and small businesses. With over 35 years of experience in construction, environmental management, chemical production process design and deployment, technology change management, and workflow integration, he brings the ability to think outside the box for his clients. Wayne understands what's happening in the field from a hands-on perspective. He knows how to bring the theoretical to reality from a real-world engineering standpoint. Wayne is passionate about startups and diving in to help bring others' visions to reality. An avowed gadget geek, he can hardly restrain himself when looking at the next new thing. After living in Charleston for 40+ years, the Citadel graduate now resides on the shores of beautiful Lake Keowee. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/d9ebd860-8491-4092-aab5-b72351254fe2/Tony_Perricelli_V2.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2023 - Make it stand out Tony Perricelli CPA, Bauknight Pietras & Stormer, P.A. Tony is a tax professional with 25 years of experience serving individuals and business owners in industries such as real estate, hospitality, technology, and professional services. Tony has mentored and provided tax and accounting guidance to start-up companies through both the USC Incubator and Growco Columbia. He enjoys educating business owners on tax topics by speaking to business groups and has written numerous articles on various tax topics. He is a graduate of the Leadership Columbia program, a member of ULI South Carolina, and recently served multiple terms on the Board of Directors of the South Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association, working to support hospitality businesses across South Carolina. Tony is a native of Columbia where he lives with his wife, two sons, and daughter. He enjoys recreational sports, good food, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/fe160bfe-d36b-4594-8b41-fb38fdd5e282/Thomas+Rhodes.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2023 - Make it stand out Thomas Rhodes Co-Owner, Rhodes Companies Thomas Rhodes is a values-driven entrepreneur and business leader with experience in running and growing businesses. He is the co-owner of Rhodes Companies, a holding company with multiple businesses in the Southeast. Thomas is also an active investor in startup and growth-stage companies both nationally and internationally. Born and raised in rural South Carolina, Thomas learned the value of hard work and entrepreneurship from his small business owner parents. He graduated from Clemson University. In addition to his business pursuits, Thomas is passionate about advocating for various causes, including education, homelessness, and tax reform. He believes in the positive power of free commerce and capitalism to drive economic growth and prosperity. Outside of work, Thomas enjoys spending time with his wife and three children. He is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys hunting, fishing, boating, and flying airplanes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/38436c32-e1b1-47be-849e-fe4b674cc1ff/Alyssa+Richardson.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2023 - Make it stand out Alyssa Richardson Founder & CEO, Palmetto Community Developers Alyssa Leigh Richardson is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Palmetto Community Developers, a company providing creative solutions for developing and financing community-impact projects across the state, with an emphasis on affordable and workforce housing. Previously, Alyssa served as Deputy Chief of Staff and State Director to United States Senator Tim Scott. This role included legal counsel, policy recommendations, and on-the-ground advocacy in South Carolina and in Washington, D.C. Alyssa is a graduate of Harvard Law School, serving early in her legal career as a federal prosecutor for the Department of Justice with a focus on civil rights and public corruption, to include misuse of federal funds and tax fraud. She also holds a summa cum laude economics degree from Furman University. Alyssa is a proud native of the Pee Dee region, claiming both Dillon and Marion as home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/697d1067-901d-411b-8650-91f89ce5fee9/Barb+Royal--2.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2023 - Make it stand out Barb Royal Founding Executive Director, eMYRge Barb Royal is the founding Executive Director of eMYRge at the HTC Aspire Hub, Myrtle Beach’s entrepreneur organization for scalable startups. She spent more than two decades in public education teaching, coaching, and mentoring youth before jumping into the tech startup world. She founded Kids Can Give Too, Inc., a company that made it easy for kids to share half of their birthday gift money with the charity of their choice through an automated online invitation and crowd-funding platform. Barb has spent the last decade in the tech startup world developing a deep knowledge of what it takes to support entrepreneurs as they ideate, build, and grow their scalable companies. In her newest position with eMYRge, Barb is keenly focused on building community and implementing strategies to connect and strengthen relationships between the public, private and non-profit sectors to create a thriving entrepreneur ecosystem in the new Arts and Innovation District in downtown Myrtle Beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/6768dc48-c594-4185-a08f-33a3db6ce880/Keith-Sauls.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2023 - Make it stand out Keith Sauls Senior Vice President, Farther Keith is a senior vice president at Farther, a Bessemer Ventures-backed fintech based in California. He has over 25 years of experience advising fiduciary and trust clients, entrepreneurs, family offices, endowments, and foundations. Keith is an active member/investor in the Southeastern tech community and is a board member of RiseIT Solutions in Dallas, TX. He is currently vice-chair of the CofC Foundation, finance chair for Charleston Promise Neighborhood, and a YES Carolina mentor. Keith holds a finance degree from College of Charleston and an MBA from Emory's Goizueta Business School. An avid expeditioner, Keith summited Kilimanjaro twice and recently completed his third expedition to Antarctica. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/acceab9a-9609-43ec-bd54-013d3f0abdac/Neel+Shah.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2023 - Make it stand out Neel Shah Principal/President, NMR Hospitality Management Group Neel is a second-generation hotelier and the Principal/President of NMR Hospitality Management Group, an award-winning company that has received Marriott International's prestigious Horizon Award. With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Neel owns and manages four Marriott-branded hotels in Aiken and Charleston, SC. He graduated from Clemson University in 1997 with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and currently serves on the Board of Directors for St. Mary's School and the USCA Business Advisory Council in Aiken, SC. As a thyroid cancer survivor, Neel hosts an annual Thyroid Cancer Tournament to raise awareness and funds. In his free time, he enjoys playing tennis and doing Crossfit. Neel is married and has a son. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/bd83f266-e62f-404c-817c-e61df7986fe3/Nicholas+Stemkowski.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2023 - Make it stand out Nick Stemkowski Entrepreneur Nick Stemkowski is a native Charlottean and now resides with his wife, Laura, in Charleston, SC. As the son of educators, Nick prioritized a career in the sports entertainment industry before starting a small business analytics company that combined data, video, and educational planning methods to serve sports organizations and their players. After several years of operating the business and teaching English, Nick currently leverages his entrepreneurial skills in a consultancy that streamlines the GTM strategies for novel B2B tech innovations. In addition, he is an active member of the Venture South Charleston chapter, having sat on several diligence teams thus far. He holds a B.A. in Philosophy and Classical Studies, an M.Ed. in Leadership, and an M.B.A. Nick is an avid outdoorsman, and keen on learning about climate solutions and climate technologies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/961dbd0f-28f8-4b67-8358-3405a44dac79/Diana+Parr.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2023 - Make it stand out Diana Parr StMarie Cybersecurity Advisor and Strategist Diana StMarie is a Cybersecurity Advisor and Strategist with extensive experience in senior positions with the government, financial, and technology industries. She currently serves as a senior principal cyber advisor to US Cyber Command, informing decision makers on threats to protect the nation and bolster defenses. Her previous work took her to the Pentagon and Capitol Hill while working for the National Security Agency and the Office of the Director of NationalIntelligence. Diana recently moved to Chapin, South Carolina and joined the faculty at the University of South Carolina as an adjunct, teaching cybersecurity classes. She serves on the Security Leadership Exchange Advisory Board and is an angel investor in the startup community. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/78c7b739-bdb0-4e2f-9b95-86daf9825ab1/Sam+Teden.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2023 - Make it stand out Sam Teden Investor, Anthos Capital Sam Teden is an investor at Anthos Capital, which is a $1.5B minority growth equity firm. Anthos is a generalist fund where they have investments in consumer internet, consumer products, gaming, and enterprise software. Sam helps co-lead Anthos’s enterprise software team where they focus on high growth Series A, B, & C companies. Sam is a graduate of Hampden-Sydney College with a B.A. in economics. He and his wife, Meredith, have one daughter named Parker. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/7d04dfb4-43e8-488d-a93a-edae4d412a16/Molly+Vinkler.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2023 - Make it stand out Molly Vinkler Venture Associate, VentureSouth Molly is an experienced professional in investment management, operations, and project management. She has a demonstrated track record of success in identifying investment opportunities, partnership development, and implementing new processes. Molly has her Bachelor’s of Business Administration of the University of Michigan–Dearborn and holds certifications from the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) and Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce Leadership Discovery class. She is also a recipient of the Charleston’s Best & Brightest 35 & Under Award. Molly is passionate about building a collaborative community of investment partners and founders to drive growth and innovation in the Southeast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/4debe7cf-d673-4680-b979-a46aadac8598/Shannon+Williams.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2023 - Make it stand out Shannon Williams Revenue Growth Leader Shannon Williams is a revenue growth leader with deep experience across modern marketing, sales, and operations. She is passionate about building and leading highly productive teams and is driven by innovation and speed to market, all with the ultimate measures being customer delight and strong revenue growth. From working with a wide range of companies including Fortune 500 companies to start ups, she has a deep understanding of the day-to-day demands of consistently delivering positive customer experiences across marketing, sales and services. Her experience spans multiple geographies including North America and EMEA, as well as multiple industry sectors including technology,non-profit, financial/information services, and CPG. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/9d360946-3ede-4be7-bbcd-f2904a212290/Timothy+Zwerner.png Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2023 - Make it stand out Timothy Zwerner Attorney, Burr & Forman LLP Tim has represented clients in a broad range of commercial real estate and business transactions. His real estate practice focuses on the representation of privately held sponsors, private equity investors and institutional lenders in complex opportunities with a particular emphasis on development, acquisitions and dispositions, leasing, and financing (debt and equity) in the multi-family/single-family purpose-built rental sector, the agricultural and forestry industry, grocery-anchored and in-line retail centers, and the hospitality industry. His engagements regularly include the negotiation of joint venture agreements, property management agreements, and other development and asset management arrangements. Tim leads Burr’s multifamily housing team and has provided assistance on commercial real estate transactions in excess of $3 billion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/20ae0819-9d14-4298-bfa4-fcaa64ee9e72/Venture-Carolina+FinalLogo-01-1.png Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2023 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/d67d6783-83db-487d-842a-f1cb41033c0d/DOC_logo_2c_highres-scaled.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2023 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/2485bea6-e7c7-45e4-9fe4-661e6c8f39ad/Venturesouth_Logo-1024x254.jpeg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2023 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/3a05ea93-4473-494e-ac78-719ea9487968/jeda-logo-tmp.png Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2023 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.venturecarolina.org/donations daily 0.75 2024-09-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/1538507113189-5Y25M0TFX770A1JL1Z2D/alphagamma-19-must-attend-conferences-for-business-students-entrepreneurship-1021x580.jpg Donations https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/ef2721ca-55b6-40c5-9347-7cda6635d32d/upstate_upstart_transparent.png Donations https://www.venturecarolina.org/upstate-upstarts daily 0.75 2024-09-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/ab8a6b8a-5595-4b8d-9a35-4ed63d9763ea/upstate_upstart_transparent.jpg Upstate Upstarts - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/4c570a90-162b-4bb7-8a58-4350deaeebc0/upstate-hero.jpg Upstate Upstarts - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.venturecarolina.org/palmetto-venture-fellowship-class-of-2024 daily 0.75 2025-01-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/1638467382500-YGCR26XREYUS8LVL2HS9/Palmetto+Venture+Fellowship+%281920x1080%29.png Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024 - Venture Carolina Announces 2023 Class of the Palmetto Venture Fellowship https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/013b5f1b-c701-43f0-b19a-165c61a9267b/john+brice.jpeg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024 - Make it stand out John Brice Managing Partner, Poseidon Capital Ventures Brice is a strategic advisor and growth catalyst for organizations. He is an experienced entrepreneur having founded or been a co-founding member of 11 ventures over the past 20 years. He is the Managing Partner of Poseidon Capital Ventures, providing venture advisory support to seed and series A companies and structured capital solutions and acquisition services for privately held businesses. Currently, Brice advises a number of early stage and growth organizations in industries that include wellness, HR-tech, fin-tech, medical device, media and climate tech. He is also the founder of Basho Walden, a boutique coaching and retreat business supporting founders, teams and business owners in transition. He lives in the greater Charleston area with his wife and four children. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/c4394a39-075a-4b8c-bf6f-7d084e6ecc74/Shauna+Cooper.jpeg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024 Shauna Cooper Executive Director, Benedict College Women’s Business Center Shauna R. Cooper is an experienced leader with 20+ years of management experience. She currently serves as the Executive Director of Benedict College Women’s Business Center, working to create impactful programming, partnerships, and resources for minority women-owned businesses and entrepreneurs in South Carolina. In addition to advising national non-profit organizations on increasing capital, capacity, and strategic partnerships, she is also an entrepreneur and board member of the South Carolina Community Loan Fund, a non-profit community development financial institution that provides capital to under-resourced and minority communities. Shauna holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Master of Public Health degree in Health Promotion and Education. She resides in Orangeburg County with her son. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/d38f4804-c65e-44f7-8b72-b4a1b2e4dbe8/Patrick+Coyle.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024 Patrick R. Coyle Founder and CEO, Novus Proximus LLC C-Suite executive and catalyst for growth who builds business for sustainable impact. Founder and CEO of Novus Proximus LLC, an advisory firm helping organizations evolve to improve financial outcomes. Most recently the Vice President and CFO of Eisai Inc. responsible for leading financial operations across the Americas. A seasoned financial professional with more than two decades of increasing responsibility at Fortune 500 companies Novartis and Bayer Health Care Pharmaceuticals and spanning both Pharma and Information Technology industries. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/8aab94d8-7683-47ba-935b-5c626685451b/BryanDavis.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024 Bryan Davis Executive Director, The Hill Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Bryan is a startup catalyst and has spent his career launching and growing high-impact innovation platforms within dynamic environments ranging from real estate to universities and multi-billion-dollar healthcare centers. Bryan currently serves as the Executive Director at The Hill Institute forInnovation and Entrepreneurship at Furman University, a nationally awarded entrepreneurship center focused on equipping first-time founders for success, contributing to the regional innovation economy, and ultimately creating entrepreneurially minded leaders. Bryan has worked closely with over 500 founders and startups to-date, has co-founded several businesses himself, and serves on numerous boards and committees. He volunteers as a coach/mentor for multiple startup programs and frequently speaks to groups around the country on how to build inclusive, vibrant communities through entrepreneurship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/24bfccab-4df9-42e5-9d0a-4f8254c1232c/Ben+Ellsworth.jpeg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024 Ben Ellsworth Founder, Gigpro Ben Ellsworth is a graduate of The Art Institute of Charleston, where he earned his associate degree in the Culinary Arts in 2009. Ben has since dedicated over two decades to the restaurant industry, creating memorable experiences through food. As a former executive chef and restaurant consultant dealing with the challenges of keeping restaurants adequately staffed, Ben had a lightbulb moment. This led him to create Gigpro, an app that connects open shifts in the hospitality industry with workers looking for extra shifts. Gigpro has expanded to multiple states since launching in 2020. When not working to solve the restaurant industry’s staffing issues, Ellsworth is the proud father to Nathan, 15, a varsity wrestler, and Lulu, 9, a budding gymnast and scholar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/68708e8e-e82a-4096-99db-4739a94b519c/Alex+Gallup.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024 Alex Gallup Attorney, Daabon USA Alex has spent the last 6 years at Daabon USA driving national food companies to successfully integrate sustainable palm oil into their supply chains. However, her experience with the Daabon Group spans a lifetime as a 3rd generation member of the family that owns and operates Daabon. Alex enjoys building collaborative relationships with clients through identifying creative solutions for companies that champion organic and sustainable practices within the natural food industry. Prior to joining Daabon, Alex was a practicing attorney in Columbia, SC. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Florida and a Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina. Originally from Fort Walton Beach, FL, she now resides in Chapin, SC with her wonderful husband and son. When not working, you can find her cooking lavish spreads for her family and friends. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/071baf50-b51e-4262-81d0-9909ef9d1bf8/Jonathan+Goldfarb.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024 Jonathan Goldfarb Founder and Owner, Riverland Builders, LLC For 20 years Jon has been the founder and owner of Riverland Builders, LLC, a construction firm that specializes in custom homes in the Charleston and Kiawah Island markets. He has also developed numerous commercial projects throughout the State, including new developments and the redevelopment of existing historic properties. Jon is a graduate of The Citadel and Tulane Law School. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/abe6aaa1-6e72-4cb4-afbf-09b85408ec39/Rozalynn+Goodwin.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024 - Make it stand out Rozalynn Goodwin VP and Lobbyist, SC Hospital Association Rozalynn Goodwin is a proud native of Mt. Carmel, SC. She is the Vice President and Lobbyist for the SC Hospital Association where she leverages her expertise to advocate for improved healthcare services and policies. Furthermore, Rozalynn is a distinguished Liberty Fellow, a prestigious leadership program that has honed her skills and broadened her perspectives. Rozalynn is also the founder of Confidence, a consumer brand that focuses on providing innovative hair solutions for curly-haired girls. This venture was inspired by her seven-year-old daughter, Gabby, who became the catalyst for the creation of Gabby Bows, a venture-backed company that created anti-slip double-face double-snap barrettes that have revolutionized the hair accessory industry, bringing joy and convenience to countless curly-haired individuals. In addition to her entrepreneurial pursuits, Rozalynn undertakes the important role of managing the career of her husband, Comedian Mike Goodwin. Rozalynn and her husband, along with their son, Michael, and their daughter, Gabby, live in Columbia, SC. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/ba8dd61c-8452-40ff-9751-34ef3622b068/Shay+Gregorie.jpeg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024 - Make it stand out Shay Gregorie Co-founder, Wolfbane Books Shay Gregorie, a native of Mount Pleasant, SC, is a driven individual with a diverse array of accomplishments. After graduating from Newberry College, he embarked on a successful career as a commercial real estate developer, specializing in projects such as car washes and campgrounds. Shay’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found Wolfbane Books, a dynamic publishing company that has quickly made a name for itself in the industry. Wolfbane Books is known for its commitment to publishing thought-provoking and captivating literature across various genres, nurturing both established and emerging authors. Alongside his professional endeavors, Shay also takes great pride in being a dedicated father to his nine children, demonstrating his passion for family and maintaining a well-rounded life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/d402122d-f485-4017-b8c4-3965e6a15b6a/Terrence+Jefferson.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024 - Make it stand out Terrence Jefferson Hospitality Commercial Realtor, DDM Hotels Terrence Jefferson joined Marcus & Millichap as a Hospitality Commercial Realtor on the DDM Hotels team in 2023, a six-person team of hotel advisory and brokerage experts. The DDM Hotels team has recently completed over $265 Million in hotel transactions, and 36 closed sales in 2022. His competitive spirit and strive for excellence are shown through his multiple records and championships as a track athlete. Born and raised in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, Terrence obtained a BS in finance from the College of Charleston with a minor in real estate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/6ebd0359-380f-41a9-9ac2-b0c5da6614a9/Douglas+Johnson.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024 - Make it stand out Douglas J. Johnson Chief Strategy Officer, Clinical Care Medical Centers Doug is a seasoned healthcare leader, investor, and board member with 19+ years of experience in healthcare, leadership, and finance. He is currently the Chief Strategy Officer of a PE-backed medical center organization and a senior advisor to McKinsey & Company. Previously, he served as the President and CEO of four Medicare Advantage plans, where he and his teams served over 250,000 seniors and generated over $5 billion in revenue. Doug is also a board member of two healthcare start-ups and Easterseals of South Florida. Throughout his healthcare tenure, he has led exponential market growth and improvement, expanded value-based payment models, improved operational efficiency, and built sustainable partnerships. Doug holds a bachelor's degree inEconomics from Clemson University and has built a reputation for developing and executing new business strategies, turning around failing operations, and building deeper partnerships with provider populations and local communities. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/9e5ea180-1faf-4d68-9558-3200fde67a70/John+Johnston.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024 - Make it stand out John Johnston Attorney, Johnston Law John is a highly experienced overseas investment strategist and corporate specialist in cross-border investments and international business expansions. He also has worked with numerous clients in corporate litigation, business formation and structure, corporate finance, government contracting, and intellectual property. In addition to representing international business, John, as acting general counsel, has established two Native Hawaiian Organizations as well as their wholly owned 8(a) for-profit business, where John currently serves as president.John has a proven track record of advising, organizing, and operating for-profit as well as non-profit entities of various sizes located throughout the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/a71876a5-da39-48e3-8577-0a5c78b602c9/Lasenta+Lewis-Ellis.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024 - Make it stand out Lasenta Lewis-Ellis President & CEO, LLE Construction Group, LLC Lasenta Lewis-Ellis is the President and CEO of LLE Construction Group, LLC, a Woman and Minority-Owned Small Business focused on general contracting, real estate investment, and development. With expertise in facility maintenance, sustainability, program and project management, and construction support, LLE specializes in owner representation and consulting services. Lasenta is also involved in community and real estate investment projects in South Carolina. She holds degrees in Architectural Engineering Technology, Human Resources Development, and has established LLE Consulting to provide strategic development, consulting, and educational training for small businesses and entrepreneurs in various areas such as entrepreneurship, project management, and federal government contracting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/8f3636e3-729f-4d6f-a5d6-fe7565fe7e87/Prenita+Mack.png Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024 - Make it stand out Prenita Mack Business Development Coordinator, CRDA Prenita is the Business Development Coordinator at CRDA, responsible for planning, coordinating, and supporting strategic objectives. Previously, she served as the Director and Asset Manager at South Carolina Community Capital Alliance, where she led efforts to build an entrepreneurial ecosystem through partnerships and expand affordable capital access for underserved entrepreneurs. Prenita also initiated South Carolina's first CDFI venture capital fund, focusing on minority and women-owned businesses. She holds a Political Science degree from Furman University and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP®) through PMI. Prenita resides in Summerville, SC with her husband, two sons and black golden doodle. She enjoys exploring her cooking skills and catching up on the latest home improvement shows. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/b38719ea-fbc1-4242-90c8-a6f3d850ba91/Michael-Marshall-headshot.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024 - Make it stand out Michael Marshall Senior Advisor, The Halifax Group Michael recently moved from Raleigh, NC, to Charleston, SC, with his wife, Amy. Prior to moving to SC, he was a Senior Partner and CFO of The Halifax Group for the past 23 years, a private equity fund with over $1.5 billion under management. Prior to Halifax, Michael was a Senior Manager at KPMG and then ran the Middle Market practice in Raleigh for Pricewaterhouse Coopers. Currently, he is working with a couple start-up companies–Aikons Holdings Group and Aston Labs Co. He is a CPA and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and NC Association of CPAs. Michael and Amy have three wonderful children: Thomas 27, Tyler 24, and Claire 21. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/1d1e5059-3806-4b66-9694-c8038ac69c6d/Andy-McCarthy.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024 - Make it stand out Andy McCarthy Director of Organizational Design, The Building People Andy McCarthy is an accomplished Director of Organizational Design at The Building People, who brings over 10 years of experience in scaling and exiting businesses. As an organizational consultant for the past 5-6 years, Andy has worked with hundreds of businesses across various industries, utilizing his expertise in visioning, value development, and tactical planning to drive growth. Andy's transition to organizational advising was natural, following his ownership and operation of several food companies in the southeast, including King of Pops and Perfect 10Foods. He currently serves on the board of Lowcountry Local First and is a member of theAssociation for Talent Development & Lowcountry Leaders Executive Group. Andy holds a degree in Biology from the University of Georgia and enjoys exploring the outdoors with his wife, two boys, and their dog Sonny. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/78607686-8ba7-4ea2-97b0-5934c6217f85/Brandon-Mendez_Headshot_April-2022.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024 - Make it stand out Brandon Mendez Clinical Assistant Professor of Finance, Darla Moore School of Business Dr. Brandon Mendez is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Finance at the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina. He joined the University in the fall of 2022 and applies his education and corporate experience to the classroom while getting involved with start-ups in theColumbia area. Previously, Dr. Mendez has advised state governments as a management consultant, worked in banking risk management and internal audit, and served as a Naval Flight Officer in theU.S. Navy. He obtained his BA in Business Administration from the College of Charleston, his MBA from the University of North Florida, and his PhD in Finance from Florida State University. Dr. Mendez resides in Columbia, SC with his wife, Scarlett, and their two sons, Harrison, and Harden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/b167a3d5-a784-4d67-a46c-8c9bf9e55421/Wayne+Nelson.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024 - Make it stand out Wayne Nelson Founder, Convergalytics, LLC As founder of Convergalytics LLC, he provides technology consulting and management to a varied market of professionals and small businesses. With over 35 years of experience in construction, environmental management, chemical production process design and deployment, technology change management, and workflow integration. With this diverse background he brings the ability to think outside the box for his clients. Wayne understands what's happening in the field from a hands-on perspective. He knows how to bring the theoretical to reality from a real-world engineering standpoint. Wayne is passionate about startups and diving in to help bring others' visions to reality.An avowed gadget geek, he can hardly restrain himself when looking at the next new thing. After living in Charleston for 40+ years, the Citadel graduate now resides on the shores of beautiful Lake Keowee. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/d9ebd860-8491-4092-aab5-b72351254fe2/Tony_Perricelli_V2.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024 - Make it stand out Tony Perricelli CPA, Bauknight Pietras & Stormer, P.A. Tony is a tax professional with 25 years of experience serving individuals and business owners in industries such as real estate, hospitality, technology, and professional services. Tony has mentored and provided tax and accounting guidance to start-up companies through both the USC Incubator and Growco Columbia. He enjoys educating business owners on tax topics by speaking to business groups and has written numerous articles on various tax topics. He is a graduate of the Leadership Columbia program, a member of ULI South Carolina, and recently served multiple terms on theBoard of Directors of the South Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association working to support hospitality businesses across South Carolina. Tony is a native of Columbia where he lives with his wife, two sons, and daughter. He enjoys recreational sports, good food, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/fe160bfe-d36b-4594-8b41-fb38fdd5e282/Thomas+Rhodes.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024 - Make it stand out Thomas Rhodes Co-Owner, Rhodes Companies Thomas Rhodes is a values driven entrepreneur and business leader with experience in running and growing businesses. He is the co-owner of Rhodes Companies, a holding company with multiple businesses in the Southeast. Thomas is also an active investor in startup and growth-stage companies both nationally and internationally. Born and raised in rural South Carolina, Thomas learned the value of hard work and entrepreneurship from his small business owner parents. He graduated from Clemson University. In addition to his business pursuits, Thomas is passionate about advocating for various causes, including education, homelessness, and tax reform. He believes in the positive power of free commerce and capitalism to drive economic growth and prosperity. Outside of work, Thomas enjoys spending time with his wife and three children. He is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys hunting, fishing, boating, and flying airplanes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/38436c32-e1b1-47be-849e-fe4b674cc1ff/Alyssa+Richardson.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024 - Make it stand out Alyssa Richardson Founder & CEO, Palmetto Community Developers Alyssa Leigh Richardson is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Palmetto Community Developers, a company providing creative solutions for developing and financing community-impact projects across the state, with an emphasis on affordable and workforce housing. Previously, Alyssa served as Deputy Chief of Staff and State Director to United States Senator Tim Scott. This role included legal counsel, policy recommendations, and on-the-ground advocacy in South Carolina and in Washington, D.C. Alyssa is a graduate of Harvard Law School, serving early in her legal career as a federal prosecutor for the Department of Justice with a focus on civil rights and public corruption, to include misuse of federal funds and tax fraud. She also holds a summa cum laude economics degree from Furman University. Alyssa is a proud native of the Pee Dee region, claiming both Dillon and Marion as home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/697d1067-901d-411b-8650-91f89ce5fee9/Barb+Royal--2.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024 - Make it stand out Barb Royal Founding Executive Director, eMYRge Barb Royal is the founding Executive Director of eMYRge at the HTC Aspire Hub, Myrtle Beach’s entrepreneur organization for scalable startups. She spent more than two decades in public education teaching, coaching, and mentoring youth before jumping into the tech startup world. She founded Kids Can Give Too, Inc., a company that made it easy for kids to share half of their birthday gift money with the charity of their choice through an automated online invitation and crowd-funding platform. Barb has spent the last decade in the tech startup world developing a deep knowledge of what it takes to support entrepreneurs as they ideate, build, and grow their scalable companies. In her newest position with eMYRge, Barb is keenly focused on building community and implementing strategies to connect and strengthen relationships between the public, private and non-profit sectors to create a thriving entrepreneur ecosystem in the new Arts and Innovation District in downtown Myrtle Beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/6768dc48-c594-4185-a08f-33a3db6ce880/Keith-Sauls.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024 - Make it stand out Keith Sauls Senior Vice President, Farther Keith is a Senior Vice President at Farther, a Bessemer Ventures backed FinTech, based in California. He has over 25 years of experience advising fiduciary and trust clients, entrepreneurs, family offices, endowments, and foundations. Keith is an active member/investor in the Southeastern Tech community and is a board member of RiseIT Solutions in Dallas, TX. He is currently Vice-Chair of the CofC Foundation, Finance Chair for Charleston Promise Neighborhood, and a YES Carolina Mentor. Keith holds a Finance degree from College of Charleston and an MBA from Emory's Goizueta Business School. An avid expeditioner, Keith summited Kilimanjaro twice and recently completed his third expedition to Antarctica. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/acceab9a-9609-43ec-bd54-013d3f0abdac/Neel+Shah.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024 - Make it stand out Neel Shah Principal/President, NMR Hospitality Management Group Neel is a second-generation hotelier and the Principal/President of NMR Hospitality Management Group, an award-winning company that has received Marriott International's prestigious Horizon Award. With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Neel owns and manages four Marriott-branded hotels in Aiken and Charleston, SC. He graduated from Clemson University in 1997 with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and currently serves on the Board of Directors for St. Mary's School and the USCA Business Advisory Council in Aiken, SC. As a thyroid cancer survivor, Neel hosts an annual Thyroid Cancer Tournament to raise awareness and funds. In his free time, he enjoys playing tennis and doing Crossfit. Neel is married and has a 10-year-old son. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/bd83f266-e62f-404c-817c-e61df7986fe3/Nicholas+Stemkowski.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024 - Make it stand out Nick Stemkowski Entrepreneur Nick Stemkowski is a native Charlottean and now resides with his wife, Laura, in Charleston, SC. As the son of educators, Nick prioritized a career in the sports entertainment industry before starting a small business analytics company that combined data, video, and educational planning methods to serve sports organizations and their players. After several years of operating the business and teaching English, Nick currently leverages his entrepreneurial skills in a consultancy that streamlines the GTM strategies for novel B2B tech innovations. In addition, he is an active member of the Venture South Charleston chapter, having sat on several diligence teams thus far. He holds a B.A in Philosophy and Classical Studies, an M.Ed in Leadership, and an M.B.A. Nick is an avid outdoorsman, and keen on learning about climate solutions and climate technologies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/961dbd0f-28f8-4b67-8358-3405a44dac79/Diana+Parr.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024 - Make it stand out Diana Parr StMarie Cybersecurity Advisor and Strategist Diana StMarie is a Cybersecurity Advisor and Strategist with extensive experience in senior positions with the government, financial, and technology industries. She currently serves as a Sr.Principal Cyber Advisor to US Cyber Command, informing decision makers on threats to protect the nation and bolster defenses. Her previous work took her to the Pentagon and Capitol Hill while working for the National Security Agency and the Office of the Director of NationalIntelligence. Diana recently moved to Chapin, South Carolina and joined the faculty at theUniversity of South Carolina as an Adjunct, teaching cybersecurity classes. She serves on theSecurity Leadership Exchange Advisory Board and is an Angel Investor in the startup community. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/78c7b739-bdb0-4e2f-9b95-86daf9825ab1/Sam+Teden.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024 - Make it stand out Sam Teden Investor, Anthos Capital Sam Teden is an investor at Anthos Capital, which is a $1.5B minority growth equity firm. Anthos is a generalist fund where they have investments in consumer internet, consumer products, gaming, and enterprise software. Sam helps co-lead Anthos’s enterprise software team where they focus on high growth Series A, B, & C companies. Sam is a graduate of Hampden-Sydney College with a B.A. in economics. He and his wife, Meredith, have one daughter named Parker. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/7d04dfb4-43e8-488d-a93a-edae4d412a16/Molly+Vinkler.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024 - Make it stand out Molly Vinkler Venture Associate, VentureSouth Molly is an experienced professional in investment management, operations, and project management. She has a demonstrated track record of success in identifying investment opportunities, partnership development, and implementing new processes. Molly has her Bachelor’s of Business Administration of the University of Michigan–Dearborn and holds certifications from the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) and Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce Leadership Discovery class. She is also a recipient of the Charleston’s Best & Brightest 35 & Under Award. Molly is passionate about building a collaborative community of investment partners and founders to drive growth and innovation in the Southeast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/4debe7cf-d673-4680-b979-a46aadac8598/Shannon+Williams.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024 - Make it stand out Shannon Williams Revenue Growth Leader Shannon Williams is a revenue growth leader with deep experience across modern marketing, sales, and operations. She is passionate about building and leading highly productive teams and is driven by innovation and speed to market, all with the ultimate measures being customer delight and strong revenue growth. From working with a wide range of companies including Fortune 500 to start ups, she has a deep understanding of the day-to-day demands of consistently delivering positive customer experiences across marketing, sales and services. Her experience spans multiple geographies including North America and EMEA, as well as multiple industry sectors including technology, nonprofit, financial/information services, and CPG. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/9d360946-3ede-4be7-bbcd-f2904a212290/Timothy+Zwerner.png Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024 - Make it stand out Timothy Zwerner Attorney, Burr & Forman LLP Tim has represented clients in a broad range of commercial real estate and business transactions. His real estate practice focuses on the representation of privately held sponsors, private equity investors and institutional lenders in complex opportunities with a particular emphasis on development, acquisitions and dispositions, leasing, and financing (debt and equity) in the multi-family/single-family purpose-built rental sector, the agricultural and forestry industry, grocery-anchored and in-line retail centers, and the hospitality industry. His engagements regularly include the negotiation of joint venture agreements, property management agreements, and other development and asset management arrangements. Tim leads Burr’s multifamily housing team and has provided assistance on commercial real estate transactions in excess of $3 billion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/20ae0819-9d14-4298-bfa4-fcaa64ee9e72/Venture-Carolina+FinalLogo-01-1.png Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/d67d6783-83db-487d-842a-f1cb41033c0d/DOC_logo_2c_highres-scaled.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/2485bea6-e7c7-45e4-9fe4-661e6c8f39ad/Venturesouth_Logo-1024x254.jpeg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/3a05ea93-4473-494e-ac78-719ea9487968/jeda-logo-tmp.png Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.venturecarolina.org/palmetto-venture-fellowship-class-of-2024-25 daily 0.75 2025-02-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/1638467382500-YGCR26XREYUS8LVL2HS9/Palmetto+Venture+Fellowship+%281920x1080%29.png Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024-25 - Venture Carolina Announces 2024-25 Class of the Palmetto Venture Fellowship https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/fb97da3e-938e-462d-aa10-be6e4fe632b3/Paul+A+new.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024-25 - Make it stand out PAUL ANUSZKIEWICZ As founder of Palmetto Technology Associates LLC, Paul provides technology and management consulting across a varied array of clients in various technology verticals. Over his 35 year career, he has held senior roles in Network Engineering, Network Operations and as Chief Technical Officer. Previously, he served as the CEO of Caten McGuire, where he and his teams served most of the wireless carriers and satellite providers across Europe and the Americas with SaaS-based solutions. Paul is a board member of four startups, including two VentureSouth portfolio companies, Iconic Moments and CADChat. Paul holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from California State University and an MBA from the University of Dallas. Paul and his wife, Kim, are active in philanthropy with MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children Hospital, the Kiawah Island Conservancy, and Sea Islands Habitat for Humanity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/388d2a18-995d-45da-a6c7-527b1dd5c884/Ahaz+Armstrong.jpeg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024-25 AHAZ ARMSTRONG Ahaz Armstrong, CPA is a seasoned finance professional with 20 years of experience in banking, corporate finance, and public accounting. He has expertise advising on capital structure, managing loan portfolios, and driving sales growth while advising with some of the world’s largest and most prominent real estate companies. Ahaz is Director of Finance for the North Carolina Housing Foundation, a nonprofit affordable housing developer. He oversees the financial planning, management, reporting, risk management, and strategy of the Foundation. Ahaz is a graduate of Wake Forest University in Winston Salem, NC and East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN. Ahaz lived in Naples, Italy for nearly three years and enjoys cooking, basketball, and travel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/35b03819-42ef-4f5b-86af-56d838e43ddb/Jennifer+Axmacher+Headshot.jpeg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024-25 JENNIFER AXMACHER Jennifer is a senior executive with 25+ years of experience working in global corporate environments and early-stage start-ups. Her diverse background combines the vision and innovation of an entrepreneur, the analytical and outside-of-the-box mindset of a strategy consultant, and the discipline and execution of a “big consulting” veteran. She is an independent consultant, focusing on helping entrepreneurs launch their businesses and navigate the challenges that companies face in the early stages of growth. She served as the Chief Strategy Officer & President of Technology at Enspira, a human capital consulting start-up. Jennifer is also a coach and mentor at the Harbor Entrepreneur Center. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science & French from Duke University. Jennifer lives in the Charleston area with her husband, Mark, her son, Wynn, and their dog, Tucker. She enjoys cooking, traveling & playing tennis. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/7f147e33-e86d-47f9-a4ab-99aea4cf94c8/James+Burns+new+headshot.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024-25 JAMES BURNS James Burns is a partner at Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP where he is an experienced litigator in the areas of toxic torts/asbestos, consumer financial services litigation, FINRA broker dealer litigation, and business litigation. A chief of staff to former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and a past chairman of the State Ethics Commission, James has counseled and represented clients in administrative law matters before state governmental bodies and in state attorney general investigations. In response to COVID-19, Governor Henry McMaster appointed James to lead his COVID response and economic recovery team, AccelerateSC. James is a 28-year veteran of the United States Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps having served overseas in and at the Pentagon. James is very active in his community having served as President of the Chapin Eagle Club and chair of the School Improvement Council for Chapin Middle School. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/08ee4da8-3014-478b-9d84-04c74ce8e5ed/Matt+Butler.png Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024-25 MATT BUTLER Matt is an early-stage investor, a 3x founder (2 successful exits and 1 priceless set of lessons), a seasoned real estate investor and trusted advisor to businesses across the country at all stages of growth. His journey with growth firms began in 2002 as the dot.com bubble was bursting where he was an early employee of a telecom startup that went from VC to PE to IPO to Exit, and he’s been fascinated with growing and scaling businesses ever since. Matt enjoys getting to know good people who have cool ideas and the determination to bring them to life. Coaching is in his DNA - whether on the field or in the boardroom, he is passionate about guiding people and organizations to succeed in both business and life (and have fun doing it). Building meaningful relationships and living life with purpose is the cornerstone of his approach to business. Most importantly, Matt is faithful, a loving husband and devoted father, and as authentic as they come. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/ebe699b5-dd8f-42ce-9978-67a64c4b477c/Sara+Caudle.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024-25 SARA CAUDLE Sara joined the team at Anchor Management in 2021 and, after working several years with both institutional and personal investment portfolios, she enjoys the collaborative culture at Anchor that places clients above commissions. Sara believes long-term investment strategies deliver positive results more often than approaches with short-term focus, and her greatest source of professional satisfaction happens when she shares with clients that their financial dreams have come true or that they have turned around a struggling portfolio. Upon graduating from Roanoke College in 2012, Sara landed in Greensboro, NC and spent two years working for an independent Registered Investment Advisor before moving to Columbia, SC to work with an institutional investment consulting firm. She hoped to return to private wealth management and, when an opportunity at Anchor presented itself, she felt compelled to join their team. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/6976aad6-3173-4caf-86a7-4c0af74b8114/aaron+clark+new.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024-25 AARON CLARK Aaron Clark is an accomplished risk advisor working with commercial and personal insurance portfolios. In 2024, he accepted a role with Risk Strategies as a Vice President with the goal to drive growth in the Atlantic region. Under his leadership, Risk Strategies will grow from the 14th largest insurance brokerage in the nation, to the 5th largest in the next 5 years. Aaron brings value to two of South Carolina’s biggest current areas of need: the real estate and construction sectors. After 8 years as an advisor, Aaron brings education, passion, and clarity to protection of physical assets both commercial and personal. Currently serving on the East Cooper Community Outreach development committee in Mount Pleasant, Aaron and his wife live in the Charleston area, enjoy the beach, and are avid pickleball players. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/1cb4ecd9-bffb-4c11-9adb-cf390bd06f10/Russel+Cochrane+new.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024-25 - Make it stand out RUSSELL COCHRANE Russell is a PhD candidate at the Medical University of South Carolina, focusing on developing next-generation immunotherapies through innovative approaches to immunology and cell engineering. A graduate of Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science in Genetics, Russell is passionate about translating complex scientific discoveries into impactful therapies that improve patient lives. Beyond his research, Russell is Vice President of the Financial Literacy Interest Group at MUSC, helping students enhance their financial literacy and explore the intersection of science and entrepreneurship. With a deep interest in venture capital, he is committed to bridging the gap between groundbreaking research and successful commercialization, contributing to the growth of life sciences and entrepreneurial ecosystems in the Southeast, fostering collaboration between scientists and entrepreneurs to drive innovation and meaningful impact. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/d9c5e6c0-ce17-47c2-a6f8-bf31da59090f/allen+creighton+new+02.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024-25 - Make it stand out ALLEN CREIGHTON Allen has been an attorney for over 30 years. During that time, he was a partner in the McNair Law Firm (Burr & Foreman) and later served as Vice President and General Counsel for Fujifilm North America. While in private practice, Allen represented numerous small and medium size companies in manufacturing, distribution, and telecommunications. His practice areas included regulatory, international transactional, and general mergers and acquisitions. In 2014, he founded NovaLight Telecom Supply, a telecommunication distribution company, which was sold to a private equity firm in 2022. Allen received a Bachelor of Science degree from Emory University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia. Allen is also very involved with the local community and has served on the board of the State Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Upstate Forever, and other civic organizations. He enjoys spending time with his family and traveling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/faa77ab5-3e05-4bd9-9a1c-9f7d1669f93d/harry+cromer+new+headshot.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024-25 - Make it stand out HARRY CROMER III Harry is a financial planner with 17 years of experience. Originally from Newberry, he has lived in the Chapin community since 2012. Harry graduated from The Citadel in 2004 with a Business degree. After school, he served as an infantry officer in the United States Army with a 15-month deployment to Iraq. As an active member in the Chapin Community, Harry serves as a member of the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and F3 Chapin, as a board member of the Greater Chapin Community Foundation, and other organizations, as well as coaching youth athletics. When he is not working, his hobbies include a passion for playing the guitar, working on his '65 Mustang, golf, hunting, and enjoying Lake Murray. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/b8e03532-1598-447b-8c25-ad47e41bc30d/austin+dandridge+new+02.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024-25 - Make it stand out AUSTIN DANDRIDGE Austin is a CEO and digital marketing expert with over 14 years of experience in the e-commerce and luxury space. The Founder of Cobble Hill, a Charleston-based digital marketing agency, Austin has propelled the company to the forefront of the industry. Specializing in brand growth through paid advertising and email marketing, Cobble Hill has garnered acclaim for its work, serving esteemed clients such as Draper James, Le Creuset, Frances Valentine, and Cynthia Rowley. Austin also hosts "The Marketing Factor," a podcast and content series dedicated to unveiling the art and science of intentional marketing. Through actionable insights and real-world case studies, he aims to empower brands at every stage of growth, fostering a community of like-minded entrepreneurs, marketers, and thought leaders. At the core of his work is a commitment to authenticity, helping brands stay true to their values and thrive in a competitive market. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/322b2bbe-b9ed-4239-962d-091230f74997/meghan+fleming+new+02.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024-25 - Make it stand out MEGHAN FLEMING With 10 years of experience in the HR space, Meghan Fleming is a top producer at Insperity, specializing in helping businesses optimize their performance and achieve their goals. Born and raised in North Carolina, Meghan has spent the last five years in South Carolina, blending her country roots with a passion for city life. As a Certified Business Performance Advisor, Meghan is dedicated to serving clients with tailored HR solutions, driving both growth and efficiency for businesses of all sizes. Beyond her professional achievements, Meghan is an active member of the American Heart Association Heart Ball, a cause that is close to her heart. Volunteering and giving back to her community are central to Meghan’s values, and she is passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of others. Outside of work, Meghan enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, creating lasting memories and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/d7e22ec7-3144-4c17-906a-558de16cadef/Will+Frierson+new+headshot.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024-25 - Make it stand out WILL FRIERSON Will Frierson is the Executive Vice President and Chief Government Affairs Officer for the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce. As a member of the organization’s executive leadership team, he is responsible for the development and management of the organization’s overall government affairs, public policy, and communications strategies, and its day-to-day lobbying activities. Before joining the SC Chamber in 2021, Frierson was the Government Relations Manager for the National Cotton Council of America (NCC) in Washington, DC where he assisted in coordinating the Washington activities of the NCC and oversaw the organization’s political activities. A native of Orangeburg, SC, Will attended Wake Forest University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in politics and international affairs. He and his wife Emily live in Columbia with their Boykin Spaniel Auggie. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/5a82371c-5ed7-4579-a098-1bf676a40dbd/Mary+Gallivan+new.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024-25 - Make it stand out MARY GALLIVAN Mary is the founder of Just So Mary, an award-winning professional organizing company. Before launching her business, Mary spent over 20 years in the education, startup, and nonprofit sectors, where she continues to consult. She previously served as Executive Director at CNM Ingenuity of Central New Mexico Community College and as Vice President at Foundation For The Carolinas. She began her career in motorsports philanthropy, as the founding Executive Director of the Jimmie Johnson Foundation and in building the Victory Junction Gang Camp, founded by Kyle and Richard Petty and Paul Newman. She serves on several boards and committees, including the Women’s Impact Fund, Philanos, and Women Executives, and is an Investing Member of Portfolia. She holds a B.A. in psychology from Duke University and an MBA from Queens University. Mary lives in Mount Pleasant with her husband, Sean, and rescue lab, Quinn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/97f98f2f-626b-4b20-af48-395241b53721/ben+glenn+new+02.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024-25 - Make it stand out BEN GLENN Ben began his career with BPS in 2005 and became a shareholder in 2019, bringing over 20 years of experience in tax compliance and planning for individuals, corporations, and partnerships. A Certified Public Accountant and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, Ben works closely with businesses transitioning ownership or moving toward an exit. He is the lead tax professional for BPS' Insurance Industry Group and serves on the BPS Telecommunications Industry Group. Additionally, he leads the State and Local Tax (SALT) Service Division, specializing in income tax, sales tax, franchise tax, and property tax planning and compliance. Ben earned a bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University and is a member of the South Carolina Captive Insurance Association, and The Friendly Society Restored. After hours - and after tax season - he enjoys spending time with his wife, Kara, and their two children. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/fde28722-c6ef-46c0-819c-1ff6668d4b0f/luke+godwin+02.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024-25 - Make it stand out LUKE GODWIN Luke, a 3rd-generation entrepreneur, is the owner of Godwin Motors Inc., a thriving dealership in Columbia, SC. With over 20 years of experience, he has grown the business from a small operation to a 20-employee enterprise, building a Buy Here Pay Here portfolio of 900+ accounts with industry-leading repo rates under 12%. The dealership, along with its 14-bay service and recon facility, has proved a trusted local institution earning over 1,500 5-star reviews. Luke has also served as Past President of the Carolinas IADA, a 2016 CIADA Quality Dealer of the Year, and as a member of the National Independent Automobile Dealership Association’s Services and Foundation Board. As an angel investor, Luke supports startups in automotive tech, financial services, real estate, and community ventures. He also co-hosts The Independent Dealer Podcast, a resource for industry professionals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/d7de620c-a807-48e7-8d87-9d072c7bd918/michael+goodwin+headshot+new+02.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024-25 - Make it stand out MIKE GOODWIN Mike Goodwin is a refreshingly funny comedian, speaker, and humor coach. His signature bowtie represents his expectation-defying brand of comedy that leaves a variety of audiences laughing hysterically and completely inspired, without a foul word spoken. Mike holds a master’s degree in Education from USC, is a veteran of the U.S. Army, and a former primary and secondary education professional. He infuses his varied life experiences into his act, making him relatable to audiences from all walks of life. Mike is a powerful communicator whose primary goal is to leave places and people better than he found them. He’s appeared on America’s Got Talent, Dry Bar Comedy, Amazon Prime, and SiriusXM. Mike has inspired the leadership of Delta Airlines and Oklahoma University and Mississippi State University football teams. A southern gentleman with a heart for God, Mike resides in Columbia with his wife, Rozalynn, and their two children. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/141bb246-d6e4-4f73-991a-ecc43eea6d6e/addison+hammer+new.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024-25 - Make it stand out ADDISON HAMMER Addison is a technology leader with over 10 years of experience in advanced automation and robotics. He currently leads automation programs at Google, implementing robotic systems and solutions for data centers globally. Additionally, he applies his expertise to early-stage companies, leading technology development at X1 Pipeline, which leverages AI to streamline startup due diligence. He also led technology development at VisionAnchor, taking a consumer electronics product from concept to launch in 18 months. Addison's expertise spans mechanical, electrical, and software development. He holds an MS in Mechanical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech. Addison is passionate about supporting technology startups through mentorship and consulting, with a focus on technology, engineering, and product development. He lives in Charleston, SC with his wife and two boys. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/9c960b42-5ff2-498a-9455-3f4eada677a5/john+harris+new.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024-25 - Make it stand out JOHN HARRIS John is the former co-owner of John Harris Body Shop, a family-owned business founded in 1975, which grew to include 16 locations and three mobile units across South Carolina and Georgia. Under his leadership, the company became known as the “ONLY collision repair chain to be ISO 9001-2015 Certified,” demonstrating a commitment to continuous process improvement and high-quality standards. In 2021, the company was acquired by Gerber Collision. John now focuses on his portfolio of real estate investment properties. A lifelong resident of Chapin, SC, John graduated from Presbyterian College with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Biology. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time on Lake Murray with his wife and four children. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/c6615cfb-b59e-4987-b3f2-e4b9edc88ad5/Lillia+Holmes.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024-25 - Make it stand out LILLIA HOLMES With over 25 years in the life sciences industry across both profit and non-profit sectors, Lillia leverages her scientific research background to support companies with complex operations. Currently, as COO of Palmetto InnovaSphere, she continues her commitment to advancing healthcare innovation and improving patient outcomes, aligned with her passions for growing life science companies in SC, oncology, and blood donation. Previously, as COO of Kiyatec, she led strategic execution, operational expansion, and established a CLIA-certified lab, advancing functional precision oncology diagnostics. Earlier roles at The Blood Connection, the Oncology Research Institute of Greenville Hospital System, and Greenwood Genetic Center honed her expertise in operations and regulatory affairs. Lillia holds an MS in Biomedical Sciences from East Tennessee State University and serves on the board of Women, Life and Science. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/16338c89-75c3-4d62-8255-d3a6b1bf66ca/carson+howard+new.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024-25 - Make it stand out CARSON HOWARD Carson serves as an investment analyst for Objectivity Squared, an independent, registered investment advisory firm on a mission to help the people they serve live with greater meaning and impact. Born from the belief that trust is the source from which prosperity flows, they do things differently, thoughtfully, sustainably, and creatively, empowering clients to make conscious, informed decisions. In Carson’s role as investment analyst, he participates in portfolio management, fund due diligence, hedging strategies, and assists with trading. Carson holds a BS in Finance from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. In his free time, Carson enjoys reading, strength training, swimming, and golf. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/e872654f-5479-4506-993b-332627578a66/Shontavia+Johnson+headshot+new.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024-25 - Make it stand out SHONTAVIA JOHNSON Shontavia has helped hundreds build personal brands, businesses, and intellectual property portfolios. Twice named one of America’s top young lawyers, she was the first African-American woman to receive full tenure and an endowed chair at Drake University Law School. She currently serves as intellectual property counsel for the Savannah River National Laboratory. Her Brand and Business Company provides entrepreneurship access to women & people of color with free education through media platforms. She also leads the From Ground Zero movement, guiding entrepreneurs from idea to execution. She has presented at Google, the Smithsonian, SXSW, TEDxAtlanta, and globally. Featured in The Rolling Stone, The Washington Post, and NPR, she is also one of 200 Black women in tech to follow on Twitter/X. She is an Aspen Global Leadership Network Fellow and served as a Fulbright Specialist to Uzbekistan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/7f81fa86-8c17-4e32-96d5-873153c67732/Beau+new.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024-25 - Make it stand out BEAU KANEFT Beau joined Colonial Packaging in 2002 after graduating from Clemson University. He spent 15 years traveling the NE, MW, and SE in packaging sales before becoming VP in 2008. In 2017, he took on the role of President & CEO, leading the company through a period of rapid growth (60% in 8 years) and innovation. With over 20 years experience in the packaging industry, Beau has been instrumental in expanding Colonial Packaging’s market presence and building strong relationships throughout the US. His passion is the company’s philanthropic outlook on charitable giving and donations. Colonial works closely with villages in Malawi, Africa to help build infrastructure with housing, clean water and food. The company is actively engaged with Young Life programs, supporting their efforts to foster spirituality in teens across the Midlands and abroad. Beau lives in Columbia, SC with his beautiful wife, Alle, and their 3 children. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/5d5f9b01-494f-49d5-9d87-51b0972c24e9/peter+lamotte.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024-25 - Make it stand out PETER LAMOTTE Peter LaMotte is a seasoned communications executive with over two decades of experience in marketing, reputation management, and public relations. Before joining Chernoff Newman, he spent ten years in D.C., managing complex reputational issues for Fortune 500 corporations, international associations, foreign governments, and high-profile individuals. His experience includes work on Supreme Court cases, government data breaches, and anti-trust litigations. Previously, he led an online advertising agency creating rich media content for global brands. A contributor to the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and Forbes, LaMotte has taught at prestigious Georgetown, Vanderbilt, and American University. He holds a BA in International Business from Rhodes College and an MBA from Vanderbilt's Graduate School of Management. Originally from Beaufort County, he now lives in Charleston with his wife and children. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/e1772c58-940e-4557-ba6f-8553c3c0c4aa/brent+lovell+new.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024-25 - Make it stand out BRENT LOVELL Originally from Myrtle Beach, Brent is a versatile professional whose career spans sports, entertainment, digital media, and entrepreneurship. After a career largely driven by soccer, he transitioned from the field to the screen, working as a professional actor and media producer in New York. He co-founded The Digital Dailies, a pioneering network delivering 60-second serialized content. Brent later launched Break Media (formerly Break BIG Entertainment) with an emphasis solely on collaboration and content creation for sports, music, and entertainment-related endeavors. Recently, Brent expanded his entrepreneurial portfolio by founding Twozie, LLC - an early-stage company offering chic cooler bags designed for active and social lifestyles. He is a Clemson University alum with a BS in Finance and a minor in marketing and currently resides in Murrells Inlet with his wife, Alison, their two children, and their Boston Terrier. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/770cf9b7-5d8f-433b-803c-0bd5f38bf9d7/Gavin+McDonald.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024-25 - Make it stand out GAVIN MCDONALD Gavin McDonald is a results-oriented professional with experience in project management, financial analysis, and business development, focused on driving economic growth and sustainable development. With a strong track record of managing multi-million-dollar projects, securing funding for community initiatives, and optimizing business processes, Gavin is now pursuing his aspiration to invest in small businesses and multi-family real estate. He is passionate about revitalizing urban communities and supporting entrepreneurs by blending strategic financial planning with purpose-driven investments. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts from Greensboro College and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Finance and Analytics at Queen’s University. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/fded5f4c-d4b8-49b1-9b48-d5bbefbd518b/mike+mosel+new+headshot.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024-25 - Make it stand out MIKE MOSEL Mike is the Founder and Principal of Pelarity, an Organizational Development Consulting Firm in Charleston. Driven by a passion for helping organizations understand how people influence business performance, Mike leverages his hands-on experience as a CEO and business owner, having successfully owned and exited several small to mid-cap companies. For the past six years, he has focused on using behavioral science and data to help senior leaders uncover hidden areas of their businesses. Mike specializes in solving challenges related to hiring, team-building, leadership development, and creating thriving cultures. An active member of the local business community through the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, Mike continues his personal growth by participating in CEO and business owner peer groups. Outside of work, he enjoys golf, working out and spending time with his wife, Brett, and their two daughters in Mount Pleasant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/3c5bc300-9aae-4ef8-bf71-ca71257636d1/Gustavo+Nieves.png Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024-25 - Make it stand out GUSTAVO NIEVES Gustavo Nieves is a seasoned leader in venture capital, private equity, and economic development with over 15 years of experience, spanning finance entrepreneurship, and advocacy. As co-founder and CEO of Rogue Assembly, he leads a venture studio that uses technology to tackle challenges in underrepresented communities. Gustavo also consults with startups on corporate finance, business model innovation, and scaling operations. Through Echo Base Expeditions, South Carolina’s first Latino-led private equity firm, he supports Latino-led companies in both the lower middle market and early-stage ecosystems. He has built companies across industries, facilitated over $10 million in fundraising, and serves on advisory boards in tech, fintech, and SaaS. With 15 years of non-profit leadership and experience in the CDFI space, Gustavo combines financial expertise and an entrepreneurial mindset to create lasting community impact. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/4bdcd9c0-9e86-4dc4-a373-024c7e592437/gary+nihart+new.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024-25 - Make it stand out GARY NIHART Gary Nihart is a seasoned entrepreneur and business leader with a proven track record of building and scaling successful companies. As a founder and Chief Operating Officer of Atlas Organics, he helped grow the company from a startup into a nationally recognized leader in sustainable waste management, ultimately leading to its acquisition by a major industry player. Now serving as Managing Partner at Ataraxia, a strategic growth firm, Gary leverages his expertise in operational strategy, mentorship, and sustainability to help portfolio companies achieve long-term success. Known for his collaborative leadership style and dedication to innovation, Gary is committed to creating lasting positive impact in the business world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/84a40400-f2af-4345-8c7b-9237e46536d3/paul+pizzutti+headshot+new.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024-25 - Make it stand out PAUL PIZZUTI Paul is a proud native of Florence, SC. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and investment advisor providing multi-disciplined financial solutions for business owners, families, and individuals. He is fascinated by the impact local investment and successful partnerships have on families, cultures, and communities. Paul lives in Greenville County with his wife, Claire, and their three children. He currently partners with Broadstreet Family Office and Innovative Investment Management. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/32d067c4-6e6a-4377-a8f2-78a27479f363/richard+slater+new.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024-25 - Make it stand out RICHARD SLATER Richard is the SVP of Sales and Marketing at Southeastern Freight Lines, a privately held LTL trucking company in Columbia, SC. Southeastern operates in 13 states with 8,500 associates. He has been with the company since 2011, holding various roles in operations, human resources, and sales. In his current role, he is responsible for sales strategy, marketing, customer service, and shipment forecasting. Richard graduated from the University of South Carolina and earned his MBA from the Darla Moore School of Business at USC, with a focus in Marketing and Finance. He is an active member of the Venture South Columbia chapter. Richard and his wife Molly reside in Columbia and have 3 children. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/e96a1b3d-90ad-493d-ae51-a052cf160e74/sherri+new.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024-25 - Make it stand out SHERRIE SNIPES-WILLIAMS Sherrie Snipes-Williams has 25+ years of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, board governance, strategy advancement, faith-based programming, performance management, planning, external communications & marketing, political campaigning and fundraising, and more. Currently, she is the CEO of Charleston Promise Neighborhood, an organization supporting under-resourced communities and elementary schools. Charleston Promise provides and facilitates comprehensive programs and services that support children, strengthen families, and mobilize residents to action. Previously, she served in leadership roles with The Atlanta Women’s Foundation, Samaritan House, CityCares (now Points of Light Foundation), Hands On Atlanta, and CityYear. A graduate of the University of South Carolina, she actively serves on local, statewide, and international nonprofit boards of directors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/61c15fdf-6758-41dd-91dd-2db0d8f57646/hampton+thomas+new.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024-25 - Make it stand out HAMPTON THOMAS Hampton, born in Austin, TX, is the middle child of three boys in an entrepreneurial family that moved frequently to support his father’s business ambitions. Raised with the support of a stay-at-home mom, Hampton attended James Island High School and later graduated from Elon University, where he was social chair of his fraternity and captain of the cheerleading team. After briefly working for a competitor of his father’s logistics business, he joined the family business in Atlanta, helping to expand it across the southeast. Hampton later formed a partnership to create PFP Logistics, and after seven years, he bought out his partners and now solely manages the business with his team. In his spare time, he has become a pilot, bought a business plane, runs triathlons, and competes in CrossFit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/da924f1a-e14d-4a65-a2f7-48990788be52/eric+thome+new02.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024-25 - Make it stand out ERIC THOME Eric is the Vice President of Talent and Operations at Broadtree Partners. An entrepreneur himself, Eric acquired Folbot, a folding kayak company, in 2012. Eric currently serves as the director of the angel investing group, VentureSouth Charleston. Eric holds a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson University and an MBA from the Darden School at the University of Virginia. He is the board chair of the American Red Cross of the Lowcountry, the board chair of Empower Charleston, and an advisory board member for Clemson Honors College. Eric and his wife, Eloise, live in Charleston, SC with their daughters. He runs half marathons, practices mindfulness and meditation, loves to read and stinks at golf. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/1b1e196b-8877-45ca-b4ed-72826dca97de/rina+zattam+new+headshot+02.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024-25 - Make it stand out RINA ZATTAM With a background as a serial entrepreneur, Rina has worked with early-stage companies to drive commercial success and scalability. Her professional experience spans accounting, investment, and operations, and now enriching the New Canaan Impact Capital team with her versatile expertise. Rina earned a degree in Business Administration, concentration in accounting, from USC Upstate. While initially pursuing a career in accounting, she chose to explore opportunities that aligned more closely with her passions and strengths, focusing on making a meaningful impact both professionally and personally. Bilingual in Arabic and English, Rina holds dual citizenship in the United States and Israel. She is deeply committed to her faith and actively supports organizations like XPan Global and Haggai International through her time, talents, and resources. Outside of her professional and philanthropic endeavors, Rina has a passion for aviation, often spending her free time flying and deepening her knowledge in the field. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/aeaacebe-bd53-4464-a0d4-101530f6ab0e/Untitled-1.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024-25 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/20ae0819-9d14-4298-bfa4-fcaa64ee9e72/Venture-Carolina+FinalLogo-01-1.png Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024-25 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/d67d6783-83db-487d-842a-f1cb41033c0d/DOC_logo_2c_highres-scaled.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024-25 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/2485bea6-e7c7-45e4-9fe4-661e6c8f39ad/Venturesouth_Logo-1024x254.jpeg Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024-25 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/3a05ea93-4473-494e-ac78-719ea9487968/jeda-logo-tmp.png Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2024-25 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.venturecarolina.org/palmettobeaconventurefellowship daily 0.75 2025-10-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/c6fb1c2c-b464-45ad-a303-aaf3fc568d0a/Beacon+Header.png Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/359057ca-80c2-4dc3-80ee-af7d82fe1324/1.png Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship The Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship (PBVF) is a first-of-its-kind program designed to educate and empower a new wave of investors in early-stage life sciences ventures. Through an immersive experience led by top industry experts, Fellows will gain the tools and knowledge to strengthen investor ecosystems across the Southeast and Northeast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/de71df1b-bf64-4292-b67d-3332a7b62b79/PBVF+Header+2.png Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship - Why It Matters “We believe there is an important, foundational proficiency that every investor needs in order to be effective at investing in early-stage life sciences companies. The Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship’s bespoke curriculum is designed to educate attendees on the complexities of investing in this space, creating an informed investor base eager to support an exciting asset class.” — Charlie Banks, Executive Director, Venture Carolina https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/06a60b3d-87af-49a0-bbae-58d3487fdf98/5.png Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship - Thank you to our partners for helping bring this first-of-its-kind program to life—educating and empowering a new wave of investors in early-stage life sciences ventures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/a7b56ccf-d988-42f1-b611-22989a27fafe/2.png Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship - To apply for the 2026 cohort, complete the application HERE. https://www.venturecarolina.org/palmetto-beacon-venture-fellowship-2025-class daily 0.75 2025-09-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/5576e0f4-4e3b-4c32-b268-8dda5278271f/PBF+Logo.png Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship 2025 Class - Venture Carolina Announces 2025 Class of the Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/4ce25a27-0df3-40c7-8240-eb7a56efeeba/wjajr+headshot+3.jpg Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship 2025 Class - Make it stand out BILL ADAMS Bill Adams is the owner and CEO of ACS, a leading Managed-IT services firm in the Northeast. He joined the company in 1996, acquired it from his father in 2018, and has led its growth through a strong culture, top talent, and a focus on client success. Bill is committed to fostering a values-driven, family- friendly workplace, and under his leadership, ACS has earned honors like the Inc. 5,000 and CRN Fast Growth 100. ACS is proud to serve companies of all sizes, from 20 to 500 employees. He and his team use the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to run the business, and he is a member of Vistage, a group of executive-level leaders who provide each other with support and advice as they pursue their unique business objectives. Outside of work, he spends time with his two sons and serves on the boards of the Room to Dream Foundation and Wide Horizons for Children. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/893bc52c-ba73-489b-b9e5-9f88a30326da/2.png Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship 2025 Class RANDY BEAVERS Randy Beavers brings over 15 years of experience in finance, development, and operations, with a focus on scaling commercial ventures. He is the former owner-operator of Culture Labs, a commercial real estate firm he led for eight years, and currently serves as COO of The Flyway Companies, a vertically integrated commercial development, construction, and management firm. Randy has also served as launch COO for Aspire Medical Partners and Range Brands, where he specialized in building teams, securing financing, and developing operations for growth. Currently at Veil, he applies this cross- functional expertise to align underwriting, operations, finance, HR, marketing, and sales to position the company for sustainable success. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/abf9013d-6bfb-4b2b-aaee-26616f4968e4/3.png Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship 2025 Class WARREN BROWNE Warren Browne is the Founder and CEO of Browne Consulting, a boutique 60-person finance and accounting advisory firm supporting early-stage venture-backed biotech companies. Since launching the firm in 2016, Warren has grown the team significantly, offering clients hands-on financial strategy and operational support from incorporation through Series A and beyond. With over two decades of experience, Warren has held leadership roles across industries, including CFO of Service Point USA, and Director of Finance at SSH Communications Security. His approach blends the personalized service of a small firm with the expertise of a seasoned finance executive. Warren holds an MBA from Bentley University, is an inactive Certified Public Accountant, and serves on the Board of Advisors for Life Science Cares, reflecting his ongoing commitment to the biotech ecosystem and community impact. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/9c2c0a99-5f48-4aa9-a84c-9ce30286b88c/4.png Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship 2025 Class JAMES CHAPPELL Dr. James Chappell is President and CEO of SCbio, South Carolina’s life sciences economic development organization, where he leads efforts to grow the state’s rapidly expanding life sciences sector through strategic partnerships, talent development, and innovation investment. Prior to joining SCbio in 2021, he spent nearly a decade at Louisiana Economic Development, where he led major initiatives including a $100 million venture capital fund and supported bioscience growth through the Louisiana MediFund. He holds a B.S. and M.S. from Clemson University, a Ph.D. from Louisiana State University, and completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Stem Cell Biology at Harvard Medical School. A former varsity football player at Clemson, he is married with two children. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/b0b0f5d8-38dd-43c2-98b9-510714ae67d1/Cordeiro+Jason.jpg Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship 2025 Class JASON CORDEIRO Jason is the Chief Operating & Innovation Officer at MassBio. He began at the company in September of 2018 as the Vice President of Consortium Operations. In his current role, Jason is responsible for helping drive MassBio’s strategic vision and ensuring the organization is always positioned to support the industry. He is responsible for leading the membership organization and focuses on industry partnering and early- stage company support through Pharma Day, MassBioDrive, and Edge programs. Jason received a B.S. in Biology from Emmanuel College. He had worked at BIDMC researching the effects of NSAIDS on ovarian, prostate, and breast cancers and had spent nine years with Thermo Fisher Scientific in various commercial roles. Jason combines his professional talents and love for the outdoors as he sits on the board of Elevate Youth, a local organization. He currently resides on the South Shore with his wife and two children. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/ac341725-01b7-4410-a3ff-9a4baa6cf315/6.png Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship 2025 Class ROBERT COUGHLIN Robert Coughlin is a Managing Director at JLL, leading the Life Science and Healthcare Practice Group in New England. He specializes in lab, GMP manufacturing, and tech space strategy, aligning real estate solutions with scientific business goals. Previously, he served as President & CEO of MassBio, championing Massachusetts’ leadership in the life sciences. His background spans both public and private sectors, including roles as Undersecretary of Economic Development and as a three-term State Representative. He has also held senior roles in environmental services, capital management, and venture capital. His board roles include Vice Chair of the Franciscan Children’s Hospital, Board of Directors at Team Impact, MassBio, BA Sciences, Anagram, Nuvara, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and Schwartz Center for Compassionate Care. Robert earned a B.S. in Marine Engineering from Mass Maritime Academy, and was recognized for Leadership in Biotechnology by the Massachusetts Society for Medical Research. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/9ae2f0ae-a1f9-451e-9704-35cac8e16e87/7.png Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship 2025 Class STEPHEN J. CUTLER Dr. Cutler is Vice President for Economic Development and Dean of the College of Pharmacy at the University of South Carolina, where he also served as Interim Provost. A natural products medicinal chemist and behavioral pharmacologist, his research focuses on drug discovery for CNS disorders, with expertise in psychotropic plants and agrochemicals. He has founded three companies with successful exits and secured over $40 million in funding from agencies including NIH, NSF, DoD, and NASA. Dr. Cutler holds 50 patents, has authored over 130 peer-reviewed papers, and contributed to numerous books and scientific presentations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/67230116-d0e9-475d-b4fa-872a99cf74fe/Chris+DeLorey+%281%29.jpg Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship 2025 Class - Make it stand out CHRIS DELOREY Chris is a seasoned expert in health insurance and employee benefits, specializing in alternative funding strategies, pharmacy carve-outs, and captive arrangements. He began his career in life insurance and quickly expanded into complex health benefits to better serve clients. Appointed in 2006 to Massachusetts’ Governor’s Quality & Cost Council, Chris contributed to the state’s first healthcare reform and transparency initiatives. He spent over a decade with Marsh McLennan Agency and joined Alera Group in 2023 to focus on advanced health strategies and complex casework. He is passionate about educational equity, serving as former Board Chair of Excel Academy Charter Schools and a current board member of the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/210d5006-51c3-4ccc-88dd-4d3a3f2a95cb/9.png Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship 2025 Class - Make it stand out CHRIS FRASER As Managing Director of Avison Young’s South Region, Chris is a passionate leader and problem solver for his clients and colleagues, and is focused on empowering others to succeed. Chris is heavily involved in the community with volunteer leadership roles throughout the region including education, arts, and economic development. Within Avison Young, he is a member of the Global Diversity and Inclusion Council and the US Business Continuity Committee. With decades of office leasing, development and management experience, he provides sound experience-based advice to his clients. As an early adopter of technology tools and processes, Chris uses data and analytics to inform his work and his team. As a producing member of an experienced office team with over 75 years of commercial real estate experience, Chris and his colleagues provide exemplary service and results across the region. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/3b12dc54-0ba3-4502-9cc7-5aa794582ec8/10.png Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship 2025 Class - Make it stand out THORNTON KIRBY Thornton Kirby is President & CEO of the South Carolina Hospital Association. Before joining SCHA, Thornton practiced law as a healthcare attorney and worked as a hospital executive. He also served as Executive Secretary to the Board of Trustees for Clemson University. This unique combination of experiences has combined to make him a well-respected thought leader on state and federal healthcare policy issues. Thornton also has extensive experience with governing boards. He has served on more than 50 boards, leading ten of them as chairman. His board service includes the board of Joint Commission International, including two years as Chair. Thornton studied Government at the University of Virginia, and he earned his law degree at the University of South Carolina. He is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives and a frequent speaker on healthcare issues. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/2d498308-c593-47a7-bb48-d9ad91d5ec78/Lowery%2C+Fred.jpg Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship 2025 Class - Make it stand out FRED LOWERY Fred is Executive Vice President and President of Laboratory Products and BioProduction at Thermo Fisher Scientific, overseeing Laboratory Products, Customer Channels, and BioProduction. Since joining the company in 2005, he has held multiple leadership roles across operations, life sciences, and consumables, including President of Customer Channels and Life Sciences Solutions. Earlier in his career, Fred worked at Maytag and General Motors. He serves on the boards of DuPont, Boston Medical Center, and Tennessee Technological University. He holds a master’s in manufacturing management from Kettering University and a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from Tennessee Technological University. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/23e01c53-291c-4912-9eca-ce2bb21c2d82/12.png Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship 2025 Class - Make it stand out GREG MARSHALL Greg is a seasoned executive with over 30 years of experience in senior-level finance, operations, and general management roles. Most recently, he served as Corporate Vice President and General Manager of the Microbial Solutions division at Charles River Labs, where he led significant global expansion. Greg began his career in the semiconductor industry with Motorola and ON Semiconductor, spending over nine years working in Mexico and Japan. He has a strong background in all aspects of financial and operations management, strategy, and business development. Additionally, Greg has served on several corporate boards and was a fiduciary board member for SCbio. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts and a Master’s in International Business from Central Michigan University. Greg resides on Folly Beach, SC, with his family and owns a popular local restaurant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/d4054beb-b0ee-43e2-a706-13b15a50025c/13.png Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship 2025 Class - Make it stand out KIMBERLY MÉTRIS Kimberly Métris, PhD, is a deep tech founder and principal scientist whose work advances genetics, aviation, and environmental intelligence. She founded a startup developing platforms for environmental and biological threat detection and is a faculty scholar at Clemson University. Kimberly specializes in research translation, commercialization strategy, and competitive intelligence to drive innovation and create strategic value. She leverages interdisciplinary expertise in life sciences, aircraft-integrated instrumentation and systems, and AI-augmented discovery to evaluate technologies focused on solving complex challenges in national security, defense, and other sectors. She holds a PhD from Clemson University and an MSc from the University of Pretoria (South Africa). Kimberly is a commercial pilot, flight instructor, and FAA Safety Team representative for the SC flight standards district office. She lives in Clemson, South Carolina with her husband and enjoys aviation, especially flying her Cessna 140, and improving her French. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/6f882577-2dfc-416a-a246-d958326f040e/14.png Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship 2025 Class - Make it stand out DAN NODES Dan has more than 25 years of experience in life science, manufacturing, government, technology, and consulting sectors. His career focus has been helping organizations achieve business efficiency and growth through improved operations, planning, and employee development. Since January 2022, he has served as the COO of Vikor Scientific, a molecular diagnostics laboratory. Prior to Vikor, Dan was an Executive Director for Charles River Laboratories where he helped shape global business growth and operational strategies for its Microbial Solutions business. Additionally, he has worked for global management and consulting companies creating and executing program management offices and business development efforts. Dan has also served as Treasurer and Secretary on the Executive Board of SCbio. He received his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Clemson University and master’s degree in Government from the University of Virginia. He lives in Mt Pleasant, SC, with his wife and three boys who now attend Clemson University. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/6ff44f56-7ba0-4c82-97d6-c9bbc61162e8/15.png Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship 2025 Class - Make it stand out KENDALLE O’CONNELL Kendalle Burlin O’Connell leads MassBio, the world’s largest biopharma membership organization, driving the strategy to grow the industry and support member companies as CEO and president. Kendalle has responded to the needs of emerging companies and founders by expanding the Drive entrepreneurial accelerator, launching a leadership community with The Termeer Institute, and tailoring the Align Summit investor and partnering conference to today’s landscape. She is an outspoken advocate for government policies that enable innovation, unlock patient access to breakthrough medicines, and protect American dominance. Kendalle has earned numerous accolades, including top recognitions from Boston Magazine and the Boston Business Journal, and serves on the boards of The Boston Foundation and the American Cancer Society, where she is Chair for the Eastern New England region, among others. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/fd2dc69f-9f4b-4a3e-9541-0584d31a020f/Dan+Passacantilli+Headshot.jpg Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship 2025 Class - Make it stand out DANIEL PASSACANTILLI For more than 25 years, Dan has been a highly accomplished entrepreneur and technology consultant. In 2002, he founded Blue Front Technology Group, where he pioneered the Trusted Advisor approach to technology consulting. This innovation helped Blue Front become one of New England’s most sought-after firms and earn national recognition as a top channel sales partner. In 2022, Dan co-founded Amplix with two fellow industry leaders, quickly establishing it as a premier Trusted Advisor on a national scale. Amplix’s client-first philosophy fueled rapid growth and ultimately led to its acquisition by Gemspring Capital. Dan now serves on the AmpliX board of directors, where he helps guide the company’s long-term strategy and vision. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/60942a3b-6ade-4321-9105-979b6496317f/Pete_Pedro_Full.jpg Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship 2025 Class - Make it stand out PETER PEDRO Peter serves as President of the Life Sciences Practice at Marsh & McLennan Agency. He works closely with a broad spectrum of Life Science companies on both their domestic and international insurance programs. He is a trusted advisor to the venture capital and private equity community that supports the ecosystem. Over his career, he has held senior management positions with regional insurance companies and along with his partners, successfully built and sold a boutique insurance brokerage firm. Peter is a Corporator for North Shore Bancorp. He serves on the board of the Agganis Foundation, Rodman for kids, Dress for Success and is the Chair of the Life Science Cares Board of Managers in Boston, an organization that leverages the power of the life science industry to solve one of our most intractable social issues – poverty. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University at Albany where he was inducted into their athletic Hall of Fame. Peter is an avid runner and golfer, and he and his family enjoy spending time on Martha’s Vineyard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/5eb3344b-8413-45a8-adbe-cd23eaab23c3/Roberts+Matthew.jpg Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship 2025 Class - Make it stand out MATTHEW ROBERTS Matthew is a healthcare and life sciences attorney at Maynard Nexsen in Columbia, SC, advising providers and life sciences companies on governance, compliance, transactions, and strategic planning. His work spans affiliations, joint ventures, physician/hospital relationships, managed care, Stark/Anti- Kickback compliance, and professional licensing. He leads the firm’s Regulatory Section and its Health Care & Life Sciences Practice Group, and serves on the Board of Directors. Matthew holds a B.A. in International Relations, magna cum laude, and a J.D. from the University of South Carolina, where he was a member of the Law Review and Order of the Wig and Robe. He is also a member of the American Health Lawyers Association. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/5de43935-6f52-481c-8aa1-5118d8f5cf9b/18.png Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship 2025 Class - Make it stand out DAVID SHALABY Dave Shalaby is President of Poly-Med, Inc., a leading bioresorbable medical device company based in Anderson, SC. Since 2010, he has led the company’s growth from a 25-person R&D team to a vertically integrated operation with three sites and over 220 employees. Previously, Dave founded and led InSource Consulting, a strategic consulting firm focused on business process and software design, which was acquired by Virtusa in 2009. He serves on the Fiduciary Advisory Board for SCbio, is an active eCoast Angels member, and advocates for South Carolina’s biotech industry. Dave holds a B.S. in Aeronautical Technology from Purdue University and an MBA from Loyola University Chicago. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/06a60b3d-87af-49a0-bbae-58d3487fdf98/5.png Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship 2025 Class - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.venturecarolina.org/palmetto-venture-fellowship-2025-2026-class daily 0.75 2026-02-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/1638467382500-YGCR26XREYUS8LVL2HS9/Palmetto+Venture+Fellowship+%281920x1080%29.png Palmetto Venture Fellowship 2025-2026 Class - Venture Carolina Announces 2025-2026 Class of the Palmetto Venture Fellowship https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/621988b3-5cd0-42f5-9cc3-32f9e775a95d/Hayden+Albert.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship 2025-2026 Class - Make it stand out HAYDEN ALBERT After serving nine years in the U.S. Navy, Hayden Albert transitioned into real estate, completing over 150 deals in just three years. His work includes home flipping, new construction, and land development — with several large neighborhood projects underway. Founder of Carolina Quality Buyers, Icon Window and Door, Icon Cabinetry, and Southern Acres Land & Homes, Hayden takes a hands-on, mission-driven approach to every project. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/6311c87f-cd3a-4dc9-9e92-eff16c587ff3/Sean+Battle+Headshot.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship 2025-2026 Class SEAN BATTLE Sean Battle, CPA is a Senior Manager with BPS, and currently performs assurance and business advisory services. Sean works with various industries, with an emphasis in mergers and acquisitions diligence and advisory services. As a part of these services, Sean’s role is to ensure buyers or sellers have a trusted advisor, financial results are accurately represented during sale or purchase, and potential financial risks mitigated to the extent possible. Sean serves in leadership roles at BPS, including leading the BPS Innovations Committee and several industry group roles. He also serves on non-profit boards and committees, including as the treasurer of Wholespire and the Salvation Army of the Midlands. Sean earned a bachelor’s degree from University of Connecticut and a master’s from the University of Pittsburgh. He lives in Columbia, SC with his wife and children. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/676b917b-63bd-4818-87b8-a1c4695929d8/Biondi+Sam+%281%29.png Palmetto Venture Fellowship 2025-2026 Class SAM BIONDI Sam Biondi is a real estate finance professional connecting real estate investors and developers—ranging from emerging players to established firms—with the capital they need to bring their projects to life. Sam’s career spans the debt capital markets, advising clients on optimal capital structures and financing strategies. Sam works closely with a wide network of capital partners, cultivating strong relationships while underwriting real estate transactions to ensure sound financing solutions. His expertise spans financial underwriting and business development—skills he leverages to deliver value and drive successful outcomes for clients. Sam earned a B.S. in Economics from the College of Charleston. Outside of work, he enjoys playing golf and pickleball, as well as exploring new destinations through travel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/011d05bb-0afb-4bcc-972c-6655601869d3/Carr+Wes.png Palmetto Venture Fellowship 2025-2026 Class WES CARR Wes Carr, CPA, is a cofounder and managing partner at Ethan Rivers, LLC – a management accounting and business operations firm in Greenville, SC. Wes began his public accounting career with Ernst & Young, LLP and then went on to gain industry experience within manufacturing, life sciences, tech, real estate, service, and non-profit organizations. Wes currently serves a number of businesses as fractional CFO. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Bob Jones University and an MBA from Clemson University. He lives in Greenville with his wife and three children. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/f952692d-cab2-478f-8b33-9039a5b2449c/Rhyno+Coetsee.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship 2025-2026 Class RHYNO COETSEE Originally from South Africa, Rhyno Coetsee is a founding member of C4SM and an entrepreneur with startups in healthcare and real estate. He graduated with a BSPT degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in 1996 and has extensive experience in idea development, strategic thinking, and building productive teams. At C4SM, he focuses on sound money advocacy and integration efforts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/46238615-19c2-469f-8f79-9db475c2cb25/Michael+Costa+pic.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship 2025-2026 Class MICHAEL COSTA For the past 17 years, Michael Costa has served as the Chief Operating Officer of ES Integrated, leading the company’s strategic growth and operational performance across its environmental, industrial cleaning, waste management, and safety service lines throughout the Southeast. Under his leadership, ES Integrated has expanded its capabilities and geographic reach in both the Federal and Commercial sectors while maintaining a strong focus on safety, service quality, and customer partnerships. Prior to joining ES Integrated, Michael built a diverse foundation of environmental consulting and financial sector experience, where he developed hands-on expertise in environmental risk management, project delivery, and business operations. Michael grew up in Virginia Beach, VA and has lived in Charleston, SC for more than 22 years. His daughter is a freshman at the University of South Carolina majoring in biochemistry and his son is a freshman at West Ashley High School. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/fe7377a4-dea6-4144-924c-485e7e65c79a/Cummings+Hal+2018+Professional+Photo+-+Headshot.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship 2025-2026 Class HAL CUMMINGS Hal Cummings is a visionary financial and strategic leader that sets ambitious goals and rallies the organization behind a shared vision. He is a business expert with analytical acumen on finance, accounting, and data analysis. Currently, Hal serves as Chief Financial Officer for Chandler Investment Properties, an entrepreneurial company founded in 2017 that focuses on the construction, development, and management of large residential rental and for-sale communities. Its mission is to build vibrant neighborhoods that offer an unparalleled, value-focused living experience. Prior to joining Chandler, Hal spent more than three decades with a Fortune 500 company, rising to Vice President of Finance and Treasurer. In that role, he led a global team of approximately 500 finance professionals across 28 business units, overseeing corporate FP&A, global treasury activities, and CFO-level special projects. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/a2b297d6-03dc-426d-8c27-90a445e4f51a/Matthew_Decker_Photo.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship 2025-2026 Class - Make it stand out MATTHEW DECKER Matthew Decker is an M&A and startup attorney at Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP. After earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Stanford University, where he was also captain of the baseball team and research assistant to former Secretary of State, Dr. Condoleezza Rice, Matthew moved to the Palmetto State with his wife (a Charleston native) and their three dogs. Matthew has worked extensively on private entity transactions (both buy and sell side), capital raises, and entity structuring. Matthew is also involved with startup, VC, and broader M&A communities across the country. Through both his professional and personal endeavors, Matthew is excited to continue building the scaffolding around the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the Southeast. Outside of work, Matthew enjoys spending time with his family, endurance sports, and writing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/a94f5fd3-b594-400a-99d1-febcb6ea6ad6/Josh+Edwards.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship 2025-2026 Class - Make it stand out JOSH EDWARDS Josh Edwards is a partner at Edcon, Inc., a family-owned construction company located in Peak, SC. He learned the business working as a laborer during his teenage years before studying construction science and management at Clemson University. Josh has worked in a variety of roles and now helps lead the strategic vision of Edcon with a primary focus of making the construction process enjoyable. Edcon has grown to become one of the premiere builders of K-12 facilities in the state of South Carolina. Josh currently serves on the Planning Commission for the Town of Chapin, the Clemson CSM Student Advisory Board, and serves as an IPTAY Representative. Outside of work, Josh enjoys coaching youth sports, running, playing basketball, and serving in a variety of roles at his church, Lake Murray Presbyterian. He lives in Chapin with his wife and three children. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/13a124a3-fafb-4c3d-98ab-8b3b7858f8c4/Helton+Wess.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship 2025-2026 Class - Make it stand out WESS HELTON Wess Helton is an associate attorney in the Charleston office of Burr & Forman LLP. His practice focuses on general corporate and business transactional law with an emphasis on venture financing and private mergers and acquisitions. A Lexington, SC native, Wess earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Mississippi and his J.D. from the University of Georgia School of Law. Before returning to South Carolina, Wess practiced in the NYC office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP, where he advised high-profile sponsors on debt and equity financings across a range of energy and infrastructure transactions. Outside of work, Wess is active in the community, including participating in the “Be a Mentor” program, and he enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, golf and strength training. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/3d333260-f836-40f2-b5ab-a722b0440987/BrittHolstein.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship 2025-2026 Class - Make it stand out BRITT HOLSTEIN Britt Holstein is a second-generation dentist from Chapin, SC, and an owner of Chapin Dental Associates. A graduate of Clemson University and the Medical University of South Carolina College of Dental Medicine, Britt has grown Chapin Dental from a single-doctor practice into a thriving group with four doctors and more than 20 team members. Building on that success, he has since launched and acquired additional practices designed to offer an alternative to the corporate dental model. His focus is on creating mentorship-driven environments where young dentists with an ownership mindset can develop as clinicians, leaders, and future practice owners. Beyond dentistry, Britt is an active investor in start-up ventures and real estate. He is also a two-time past president of the Rotary Club of Chapin Sunrise. Britt is married to Renee Holstein, PharmD, and together they have two children—Anna and Thomas— both students at Clemson University. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/df56f299-07a8-4363-a050-92e494514cde/Brooks+Host+.png Palmetto Venture Fellowship 2025-2026 Class - Make it stand out BROOKS HOST Brooks Host is a real estate investor based in Charleston, SC. He focuses on retail and industrial investments in the Southeast, but has worked all over the country. Brooks has been investing for 15 years and started his own business in 2018. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/df518707-9e03-4d58-a3f7-342aa1243d18/WilsonHeadshot.jpeg Palmetto Venture Fellowship 2025-2026 Class - Make it stand out WILSON HUNTER Wilson Hunter is a partner in Vicinity Ventures. He is an experienced tech founder and real estate investor. His previous ventures include an interactive streaming platform for collectible card games and an e-commerce recommendation engine. Wilson currently resides in Greenville, SC with his wife Lindsey and their six children. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/cba288e1-3315-4bba-b0a5-b8d5148e787c/Deon+Jackson.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship 2025-2026 Class - Make it stand out DEON JACKSON Deon Jackson is a civic leader, and emerging investor focused on the intersection of real estate, education, and community-scale economic development. He serves as Director of Construction and Business Development at Contract Construction, a South Carolina–based commercial general contractor specializing in public-sector projects for K–12, higher education, and municipal clients. Previously, Deon served as Superintendent and Chief Operations Officer of Berkeley County School District, where he led district operations and large-scale capital improvement programs. As founder of JWP Solutions, he focuses on mixed-use and affordable housing development and provides consulting services to organizations navigating growth, capital projects, and strategic planning. His investment interests center on businesses and technologies that strengthen communities—particularly in the built environment, workforce and education, and neighborhood-serving services in high-growth, under-capitalized markets in the Southeast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/0d8006ee-8378-47af-a642-233228511dd3/IanJester_final.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship 2025-2026 Class - Make it stand out IAN JESTER Ian is a global leader in sales and marketing with over 28 years of experience in the life sciences market. Recently retired, Ian started his career at Charles River Laboratories in 1997 and held several sales leadership positions. In 2021, he was appointed Chief Commercial Officer for the Microbial Solutions division of CRL. His experience includes a broad background spanning strategic planning, product commercialization and life-cycle management and M&A integration. He is a collaborative leader who has consistently driven growth while building high-performing teams and navigating complex organizational change. He received a Bachelor of Arts from UCLA and an MBA from the University of San Francisco. He and his wife live on the Isle of Palms and have a daughter who is a freshman at University of South Carolina. Ian is a mentor for the SCORE organization. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/64f4cc89-ca71-40d8-95d1-68929cbd2311/Kyri+Kambanis.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship 2025-2026 Class - Make it stand out KYRI KAMBANIS Born and raised in South Africa, Kyri Kambanis grew up immersed in entrepreneurship. He earned his medical degree from the University of Cape Town in 1993 and completed his internship at Groote Schuur Hospital before moving to the United Kingdom, where he practiced in the National Health Service and served as Medical Director for the largest private laser clinic in London. In 1999, Kyri relocated to the United States and transitioned into real estate, building a portfolio of commercial and residential properties and expanding into land development. His collaborative spirit and appetite for new ideas led him to invest in multiple companies and participate in a range of startup ventures across diverse industries. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/46bf2f7d-99f9-411a-8ed7-a78bfeccd753/AJ+Leone+Bio+Pic+2025+%281%29.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship 2025-2026 Class - Make it stand out AJ LEONE AJ Leone is a seasoned executive and board leader with 30+ years of success across military, commercial real estate, and entrepreneurial sectors, bringing deep expertise in strategic leadership, M&A execution, and large-scale acquisition policy. A retired U.S. Air Force Brigadier General, he culminated his service as Mobilization Assistant to the Air Force Acquisition Deputy, overseeing more than $60 billion in annual acquisition efforts, and previously served as Director of the Joint Reserve Directorate (R&E), Special Operations Navigator, and twice as Commander. In the private sector, he co-founded and scaled a multi-site business to a successful 2015 M&A exit, manages a real-estate portfolio of 65+ properties, and advises Private Equity, Defense, and Healthcare firms on telecom strategy. He holds an MBA from Auburn University and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and serves actively as an angel/PE investor and board member. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/268919a1-9c40-4344-80e9-95bf802de6a3/Matt_Meyer.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship 2025-2026 Class - Make it stand out MATT MEYER Matt Meyer is a seasoned financial leader, leveraging over 20 years of expertise in banking, management, and corporate finance to drive strategic outcomes. As the Portfolio Manager for the Project Rhino family office, he is directly responsible for overseeing the entire portfolio, which includes asset allocation, investment strategy, and performance across both public and private markets. Matt's core focus is on balancing capital preservation with targeted growth and innovation, ensuring that every investment strategy aligns with the family office's long-term legacy goals. A graduate of Pennsylvania State University, Matt currently splits time between Charleston, SC and Pittsburgh, PA with his wife and four children, and he enjoys reading, traveling, playing golf and strength training. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/1900ce2d-829c-42b7-8df2-7f7bbf89c701/Patrick_OMalley.png Palmetto Venture Fellowship 2025-2026 Class - Make it stand out PATRICK O’MALLEY Dr. Patrick O’Malley is an emergency physician with over 20 years of clinical experience and a proven track record as an entrepreneur, healthcare technology consultant, and online educator. He has built multiple ventures that empower clinicians through innovative education and community building, including The Laceration Course and the EM Docs Side Hustle community. Passionate about bridging medicine and business, Dr. O’Malley is eager to deepen his understanding of venture capital and the financial strategies that drive early-stage healthcare and technology startups. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/a792b30c-52d7-4379-a9ee-f9c340673e9e/Pender+Margaret+Ellen+%281%29.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship 2025-2026 Class - Make it stand out MARGARET ELLEN PENDER Margaret Ellen Pender isn’t your typical financial advisor. With a knack for turning complex financial landscapes into clear paths to success, Margaret Ellen has spent over two decades guiding clients through the intricacies of wealth management. But beyond the numbers, there’s a side of Margaret Ellen that speaks to her deep-rooted passions and unwavering dedication. When she’s not helping clients achieve their financial goals, you can find Margaret Ellen in the great outdoors, accompanied by her loyal Boykin Spaniel, Decoy. An avid hunter, Margaret Ellen finds peace and purpose in the stillness of nature, where the thrill of the chase parallels the strategic challenges of her profession. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/412ba57e-5886-4e12-83da-3753ce18afc5/JayRatterree.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship 2025-2026 Class - Make it stand out JAY RATTERREE Born in Columbia and a lifelong South Carolinian, Jay has spent nearly 40 years in commercial banking across the Midlands and Upstate. After purchasing a vacation home on Folly Beach in early 2025, he joined Beacon Community Bank in a Senior Commercial Business Development role. Jay is married to his high school sweetheart and they have an adult daughter and two adult sons. He and his wife enjoy traveling, attending Clemson and South Carolina events, especially USC Women’s Basketball, listening to music, and embracing spur-of-the-moment adventures. Above all, Jay shares a deep passion for serving others. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/83d804d7-2a78-43a4-a4f0-6767bd0de93d/1.png Palmetto Venture Fellowship 2025-2026 Class - Make it stand out MELISSA SMITH Melissa Smith is the founder of OriGen Strategies, where she helps small businesses and nonprofits grow with clarity, structure, and intention. She brings over 20 years of experience to the intersection of strategy, operations, and innovation, supporting visionary leaders across sectors. Her work centers on diagnosing operational gaps, aligning teams with their mission, and guiding organizations toward sustainable, intelligent systems. Melissa’s approach blends calm precision with an ability to connect big-picture vision to practical execution. She is known for intuitive leadership, strong communication, and a talent for translating complexity into clear, actionable strategy. Her belief that structure should liberate, not restrict, guides every engagement. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/c1ff9de8-b6c9-445a-93f4-36eaf3ac19a6/2.png Palmetto Venture Fellowship 2025-2026 Class - Make it stand out JACK TEITEL Jack Teitel is an AI consultant and founder of Title AI (title-ai.com), where he helps businesses build practical, high-impact AI solutions. He has over 10 years of industry experience applying AI, specializing in healthcare AI, computer vision, and GenAI / LLMs. Previously, Jack was an adjunct professor of data science at the University of Rochester, and he now works with organizations nationwide to turn complex AI concepts into real-world results. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/04f1366f-7ea9-4595-bd84-f33c8e94471f/Jewel+Walker.jpeg Palmetto Venture Fellowship 2025-2026 Class - Make it stand out JEWEL WALKER Jewel Walker is a venture capital professional with a decade of experience across investing, diligence, and ecosystem operations. She is a Pipeline & Diligence Associate at VentureSouth, where she evaluates early-stage companies and supports investment decisions across one of the largest angel networks in the U.S. Previously, Jewel led Operations and Community at Goodie Nation, partnering with Google, Amex Ventures, and Lenovo to create over $3M in tech and funding opportunities for founders. She also managed partnerships and programming for Smart City Expo USA, overseeing 75 national and global partners including Mastercard and the National League of Cities. Her background includes roles with Techstars Anywhere and Atlanta Tech Angels, as well as founding Cadencey, a marketing agency supporting early-stage companies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/c20a9040-a346-4867-93f2-ead6e6c70d70/Josh_Watts.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship 2025-2026 Class - Make it stand out JOSH WATTS Josh Watts is an entrepreneur and healthcare executive known for combining innovative leadership with strong operational expertise. A Clemson University graduate, he began his career in pharmaceutical sales and real-estate leadership before founding MedTrust Holdings, which he grew into one of South Carolina’s fastest-growing EMS providers. After MedTrust’s acquisition in 2025, Watts became the company’s VP of Partnerships. His leadership centers on service, growth, and strong hospital relationships —over 90% of MedTrust’s business came from hospital referrals—reflecting a model built on dependable service, transparency, and collaboration. A 2014 Charleston Regional Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree, Watts is recognized as a thought leader in EMS operations and regional healthcare entrepreneurship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/31d172c6-2987-4d75-89db-bf14a5124d7a/Wright+Luke.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship 2025-2026 Class - Make it stand out LUKE WRIGHT Luke Wright is a strategic entrepreneur and industry leader with a track record of scaling businesses, driving innovation, and creating lasting economic impact. With nearly five decades of family legacy in the construction sector, he has spent his career leading transformative growth and fostering operational excellence. Now, as the Founder of Project Rhino, Luke is leveraging his expertise to identify, invest in, and accelerate high-potential businesses. His vision is to unlock untapped markets, disrupt traditional industries, and drive scalable, long-term growth. With a focus on strategic partnerships, operational optimization, and financial backing, Project Rhino is designed to propel businesses beyond their current limits—reshaping industries and redefining success. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/0ab3c02e-7966-4cf7-af30-76d0f8c31a86/Zapata-Harms+Cecilia.JPG Palmetto Venture Fellowship 2025-2026 Class - Make it stand out CECELIA ZAPATA-HARMS Cecilia is a founder, an entrepreneur, and an executive. She has held leadership positions in strategy, joint venture, startup development, and program administration, and has experience with mergers and acquisitions. Her career spans more than 30 years in life science/biotechnology and the healthcare industry. Cecilia held executive leadership roles and tenure at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research for 27+ years including as the Division Program Administrator for the Molecular Pharmacology, Clinical Research Division. In 2017, Cecilia started a new company with scientific partners, 3rdEyeBio, LLC, an accelerator and investor group for early-stage life science/biotech companies. Cecilia is currently the CEO of Palmetto InnovaSphere, Inc., a life science accelerator institute headquartered in Spartanburg, SC. She is the founder and executive director of Women, Life and Science, Inc., and is a board member of the Luskin Family Foundation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/e10299df-c4d5-4a69-a173-d4873000ce6b/JinZhou+headshot.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship 2025-2026 Class - Make it stand out JINXIANG (JIN ZHOU) Jinxiang (Jin) Zhou is an entrepreneur and business leader with over a decade of experience driving innovation and building businesses at the intersection of science, engineering and market needs. As Co- Founder of Purilogics, he pioneered next-generation membrane chromatography solutions for biologics purification, setting new benchmarks for speed and scalability in bioprocessing. Following Purilogics’ acquisition by Donaldson Company, he served as Business Director, leading integration efforts and expanding commercialization of advanced purification technologies within Donaldson Life Sciences. Beyond his technical and business achievements, Jinxiang is deeply committed to innovation, mentorship, and translational science. He has a proven record of bridging technical breakthroughs with commercial applications and is now pursuing new entrepreneurial and investment opportunities. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/98cda4f8-fb4b-43d4-aa74-6a3fd5d695e6/PVF+2025-2026+Headshots+1+%281%29.png Palmetto Venture Fellowship 2025-2026 Class - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/b8ebf2f7-fa83-4c03-91cc-1c82a479ccc4/PVF+2025-2026+Headshots+1+%281%29.png Palmetto Venture Fellowship 2025-2026 Class - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/20ae0819-9d14-4298-bfa4-fcaa64ee9e72/Venture-Carolina+FinalLogo-01-1.png Palmetto Venture Fellowship 2025-2026 Class - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/d67d6783-83db-487d-842a-f1cb41033c0d/DOC_logo_2c_highres-scaled.jpg Palmetto Venture Fellowship 2025-2026 Class - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/2485bea6-e7c7-45e4-9fe4-661e6c8f39ad/Venturesouth_Logo-1024x254.jpeg Palmetto Venture Fellowship 2025-2026 Class - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/3a05ea93-4473-494e-ac78-719ea9487968/jeda-logo-tmp.png Palmetto Venture Fellowship 2025-2026 Class - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.venturecarolina.org/palmetto-beacon-venture-fellowship-2026-class daily 0.75 2025-12-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/5576e0f4-4e3b-4c32-b268-8dda5278271f/PBF+Logo.png Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship 2026 Class - Venture Carolina Announces 2026 Class of the Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/4ce25a27-0df3-40c7-8240-eb7a56efeeba/wjajr+headshot+3.jpg Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship 2026 Class - Make it stand out BILL ADAMS Bill Adams is the owner and CEO of ACS, a leading Managed-IT services firm in the Northeast. He joined the company in 1996, acquired it from his father in 2018, and has led its growth through a strong culture, top talent, and a focus on client success. Bill is committed to fostering a values-driven, family- friendly workplace, and under his leadership, ACS has earned honors like the Inc. 5,000 and CRN Fast Growth 100. ACS is proud to serve companies of all sizes, from 20 to 500 employees. He and his team use the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to run the business, and he is a member of Vistage, a group of executive-level leaders who provide each other with support and advice as they pursue their unique business objectives. Outside of work, he spends time with his two sons and serves on the boards of the Room to Dream Foundation and Wide Horizons for Children. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/893bc52c-ba73-489b-b9e5-9f88a30326da/2.png Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship 2026 Class RANDY BEAVERS Randy Beavers brings over 15 years of experience in finance, development, and operations, with a focus on scaling commercial ventures. He is the former owner-operator of Culture Labs, a commercial real estate firm he led for eight years, and currently serves as COO of The Flyway Companies, a vertically integrated commercial development, construction, and management firm. Randy has also served as launch COO for Aspire Medical Partners and Range Brands, where he specialized in building teams, securing financing, and developing operations for growth. Currently at Veil, he applies this cross- functional expertise to align underwriting, operations, finance, HR, marketing, and sales to position the company for sustainable success. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/abf9013d-6bfb-4b2b-aaee-26616f4968e4/3.png Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship 2026 Class WARREN BROWNE Warren Browne is the Founder and CEO of Browne Consulting, a boutique 60-person finance and accounting advisory firm supporting early-stage venture-backed biotech companies. Since launching the firm in 2016, Warren has grown the team significantly, offering clients hands-on financial strategy and operational support from incorporation through Series A and beyond. With over two decades of experience, Warren has held leadership roles across industries, including CFO of Service Point USA, and Director of Finance at SSH Communications Security. His approach blends the personalized service of a small firm with the expertise of a seasoned finance executive. Warren holds an MBA from Bentley University, is an inactive Certified Public Accountant, and serves on the Board of Advisors for Life Science Cares, reflecting his ongoing commitment to the biotech ecosystem and community impact. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/9c2c0a99-5f48-4aa9-a84c-9ce30286b88c/4.png Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship 2026 Class JAMES CHAPPELL Dr. James Chappell is President and CEO of SCbio, South Carolina’s life sciences economic development organization, where he leads efforts to grow the state’s rapidly expanding life sciences sector through strategic partnerships, talent development, and innovation investment. Prior to joining SCbio in 2021, he spent nearly a decade at Louisiana Economic Development, where he led major initiatives including a $100 million venture capital fund and supported bioscience growth through the Louisiana MediFund. He holds a B.S. and M.S. from Clemson University, a Ph.D. from Louisiana State University, and completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Stem Cell Biology at Harvard Medical School. A former varsity football player at Clemson, he is married with two children. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/b0b0f5d8-38dd-43c2-98b9-510714ae67d1/Cordeiro+Jason.jpg Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship 2026 Class JASON CORDEIRO Jason is the Chief Operating & Innovation Officer at MassBio. He began at the company in September of 2018 as the Vice President of Consortium Operations. In his current role, Jason is responsible for helping drive MassBio’s strategic vision and ensuring the organization is always positioned to support the industry. He is responsible for leading the membership organization and focuses on industry partnering and early- stage company support through Pharma Day, MassBioDrive, and Edge programs. Jason received a B.S. in Biology from Emmanuel College. He had worked at BIDMC researching the effects of NSAIDS on ovarian, prostate, and breast cancers and had spent nine years with Thermo Fisher Scientific in various commercial roles. Jason combines his professional talents and love for the outdoors as he sits on the board of Elevate Youth, a local organization. He currently resides on the South Shore with his wife and two children. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/ac341725-01b7-4410-a3ff-9a4baa6cf315/6.png Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship 2026 Class ROBERT COUGHLIN Robert Coughlin is a Managing Director at JLL, leading the Life Science and Healthcare Practice Group in New England. He specializes in lab, GMP manufacturing, and tech space strategy, aligning real estate solutions with scientific business goals. Previously, he served as President & CEO of MassBio, championing Massachusetts’ leadership in the life sciences. His background spans both public and private sectors, including roles as Undersecretary of Economic Development and as a three-term State Representative. He has also held senior roles in environmental services, capital management, and venture capital. His board roles include Vice Chair of the Franciscan Children’s Hospital, Board of Directors at Team Impact, MassBio, BA Sciences, Anagram, Nuvara, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and Schwartz Center for Compassionate Care. Robert earned a B.S. in Marine Engineering from Mass Maritime Academy, and was recognized for Leadership in Biotechnology by the Massachusetts Society for Medical Research. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/9ae2f0ae-a1f9-451e-9704-35cac8e16e87/7.png Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship 2026 Class STEPHEN J. CUTLER Dr. Cutler is Vice President for Economic Development and Dean of the College of Pharmacy at the University of South Carolina, where he also served as Interim Provost. A natural products medicinal chemist and behavioral pharmacologist, his research focuses on drug discovery for CNS disorders, with expertise in psychotropic plants and agrochemicals. He has founded three companies with successful exits and secured over $40 million in funding from agencies including NIH, NSF, DoD, and NASA. Dr. Cutler holds 50 patents, has authored over 130 peer-reviewed papers, and contributed to numerous books and scientific presentations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/67230116-d0e9-475d-b4fa-872a99cf74fe/Chris+DeLorey+%281%29.jpg Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship 2026 Class - Make it stand out CHRIS DELOREY Chris is a seasoned expert in health insurance and employee benefits, specializing in alternative funding strategies, pharmacy carve-outs, and captive arrangements. He began his career in life insurance and quickly expanded into complex health benefits to better serve clients. Appointed in 2006 to Massachusetts’ Governor’s Quality & Cost Council, Chris contributed to the state’s first healthcare reform and transparency initiatives. He spent over a decade with Marsh McLennan Agency and joined Alera Group in 2023 to focus on advanced health strategies and complex casework. He is passionate about educational equity, serving as former Board Chair of Excel Academy Charter Schools and a current board member of the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/210d5006-51c3-4ccc-88dd-4d3a3f2a95cb/9.png Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship 2026 Class - Make it stand out CHRIS FRASER As Managing Director of Avison Young’s South Region, Chris is a passionate leader and problem solver for his clients and colleagues, and is focused on empowering others to succeed. Chris is heavily involved in the community with volunteer leadership roles throughout the region including education, arts, and economic development. Within Avison Young, he is a member of the Global Diversity and Inclusion Council and the US Business Continuity Committee. With decades of office leasing, development and management experience, he provides sound experience-based advice to his clients. As an early adopter of technology tools and processes, Chris uses data and analytics to inform his work and his team. As a producing member of an experienced office team with over 75 years of commercial real estate experience, Chris and his colleagues provide exemplary service and results across the region. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/3b12dc54-0ba3-4502-9cc7-5aa794582ec8/10.png Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship 2026 Class - Make it stand out THORNTON KIRBY Thornton Kirby is President & CEO of the South Carolina Hospital Association. Before joining SCHA, Thornton practiced law as a healthcare attorney and worked as a hospital executive. He also served as Executive Secretary to the Board of Trustees for Clemson University. This unique combination of experiences has combined to make him a well-respected thought leader on state and federal healthcare policy issues. Thornton also has extensive experience with governing boards. He has served on more than 50 boards, leading ten of them as chairman. His board service includes the board of Joint Commission International, including two years as Chair. Thornton studied Government at the University of Virginia, and he earned his law degree at the University of South Carolina. He is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives and a frequent speaker on healthcare issues. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/2d498308-c593-47a7-bb48-d9ad91d5ec78/Lowery%2C+Fred.jpg Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship 2026 Class - Make it stand out FRED LOWERY Fred is Executive Vice President and President of Laboratory Products and BioProduction at Thermo Fisher Scientific, overseeing Laboratory Products, Customer Channels, and BioProduction. Since joining the company in 2005, he has held multiple leadership roles across operations, life sciences, and consumables, including President of Customer Channels and Life Sciences Solutions. Earlier in his career, Fred worked at Maytag and General Motors. He serves on the boards of DuPont, Boston Medical Center, and Tennessee Technological University. He holds a master’s in manufacturing management from Kettering University and a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from Tennessee Technological University. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/23e01c53-291c-4912-9eca-ce2bb21c2d82/12.png Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship 2026 Class - Make it stand out GREG MARSHALL Greg is a seasoned executive with over 30 years of experience in senior-level finance, operations, and general management roles. Most recently, he served as Corporate Vice President and General Manager of the Microbial Solutions division at Charles River Labs, where he led significant global expansion. Greg began his career in the semiconductor industry with Motorola and ON Semiconductor, spending over nine years working in Mexico and Japan. He has a strong background in all aspects of financial and operations management, strategy, and business development. Additionally, Greg has served on several corporate boards and was a fiduciary board member for SCbio. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts and a Master’s in International Business from Central Michigan University. Greg resides on Folly Beach, SC, with his family and owns a popular local restaurant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/d4054beb-b0ee-43e2-a706-13b15a50025c/13.png Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship 2026 Class - Make it stand out KIMBERLY MÉTRIS Kimberly Métris, PhD, is a deep tech founder and principal scientist whose work advances genetics, aviation, and environmental intelligence. She founded a startup developing platforms for environmental and biological threat detection and is a faculty scholar at Clemson University. Kimberly specializes in research translation, commercialization strategy, and competitive intelligence to drive innovation and create strategic value. She leverages interdisciplinary expertise in life sciences, aircraft-integrated instrumentation and systems, and AI-augmented discovery to evaluate technologies focused on solving complex challenges in national security, defense, and other sectors. She holds a PhD from Clemson University and an MSc from the University of Pretoria (South Africa). Kimberly is a commercial pilot, flight instructor, and FAA Safety Team representative for the SC flight standards district office. She lives in Clemson, South Carolina with her husband and enjoys aviation, especially flying her Cessna 140, and improving her French. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/6f882577-2dfc-416a-a246-d958326f040e/14.png Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship 2026 Class - Make it stand out DAN NODES Dan has more than 25 years of experience in life science, manufacturing, government, technology, and consulting sectors. His career focus has been helping organizations achieve business efficiency and growth through improved operations, planning, and employee development. Since January 2022, he has served as the COO of Vikor Scientific, a molecular diagnostics laboratory. Prior to Vikor, Dan was an Executive Director for Charles River Laboratories where he helped shape global business growth and operational strategies for its Microbial Solutions business. Additionally, he has worked for global management and consulting companies creating and executing program management offices and business development efforts. Dan has also served as Treasurer and Secretary on the Executive Board of SCbio. He received his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Clemson University and master’s degree in Government from the University of Virginia. He lives in Mt Pleasant, SC, with his wife and three boys who now attend Clemson University. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/6ff44f56-7ba0-4c82-97d6-c9bbc61162e8/15.png Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship 2026 Class - Make it stand out KENDALLE O’CONNELL Kendalle Burlin O’Connell leads MassBio, the world’s largest biopharma membership organization, driving the strategy to grow the industry and support member companies as CEO and president. Kendalle has responded to the needs of emerging companies and founders by expanding the Drive entrepreneurial accelerator, launching a leadership community with The Termeer Institute, and tailoring the Align Summit investor and partnering conference to today’s landscape. She is an outspoken advocate for government policies that enable innovation, unlock patient access to breakthrough medicines, and protect American dominance. Kendalle has earned numerous accolades, including top recognitions from Boston Magazine and the Boston Business Journal, and serves on the boards of The Boston Foundation and the American Cancer Society, where she is Chair for the Eastern New England region, among others. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/60942a3b-6ade-4321-9105-979b6496317f/Pete_Pedro_Full.jpg Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship 2026 Class - Make it stand out PETER PEDRO Peter serves as President of the Life Sciences Practice at Marsh & McLennan Agency. He works closely with a broad spectrum of Life Science companies on both their domestic and international insurance programs. He is a trusted advisor to the venture capital and private equity community that supports the ecosystem. Over his career, he has held senior management positions with regional insurance companies and along with his partners, successfully built and sold a boutique insurance brokerage firm. Peter is a Corporator for North Shore Bancorp. He serves on the board of the Agganis Foundation, Rodman for kids, Dress for Success and is the Chair of the Life Science Cares Board of Managers in Boston, an organization that leverages the power of the life science industry to solve one of our most intractable social issues – poverty. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University at Albany where he was inducted into their athletic Hall of Fame. Peter is an avid runner and golfer, and he and his family enjoy spending time on Martha’s Vineyard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/5eb3344b-8413-45a8-adbe-cd23eaab23c3/Roberts+Matthew.jpg Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship 2026 Class - Make it stand out MATTHEW ROBERTS Matthew is a healthcare and life sciences attorney at Maynard Nexsen in Columbia, SC, advising providers and life sciences companies on governance, compliance, transactions, and strategic planning. His work spans affiliations, joint ventures, physician/hospital relationships, managed care, Stark/Anti- Kickback compliance, and professional licensing. He leads the firm’s Regulatory Section and its Health Care & Life Sciences Practice Group, and serves on the Board of Directors. Matthew holds a B.A. in International Relations, magna cum laude, and a J.D. from the University of South Carolina, where he was a member of the Law Review and Order of the Wig and Robe. He is also a member of the American Health Lawyers Association. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/5de43935-6f52-481c-8aa1-5118d8f5cf9b/18.png Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship 2026 Class - Make it stand out DAVID SHALABY Dave Shalaby is President of Poly-Med, Inc., a leading bioresorbable medical device company based in Anderson, SC. Since 2010, he has led the company’s growth from a 25-person R&D team to a vertically integrated operation with three sites and over 220 employees. Previously, Dave founded and led InSource Consulting, a strategic consulting firm focused on business process and software design, which was acquired by Virtusa in 2009. He serves on the Fiduciary Advisory Board for SCbio, is an active eCoast Angels member, and advocates for South Carolina’s biotech industry. Dave holds a B.S. in Aeronautical Technology from Purdue University and an MBA from Loyola University Chicago. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ef8170b8a79b050d4971f6/06a60b3d-87af-49a0-bbae-58d3487fdf98/5.png Palmetto Beacon Venture Fellowship 2026 Class - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.