Regardless of the sector or location, 2020 has been a trying time for all Upstate entities. As we move into a new year, an uncertain future remains. To help us to better understand some of the ongoing challenges from the pandemic and resulting economic crisis, we have compiled a group of local, regional and state business, government and non-profit leaders who will periodically share their insights on a variety of topics and community issues. By sharing their struggles, successes and continued efforts they will help all Upstate entities better understand and navigate this uncertain future.

To view responses to Question Set Part I click here. To view responses to Question Set Part II click here.

Below are the Focus on the Future panelists:

Justin Benfield, Chief Executive Officer, Prisma Health – Laurens County Hospital

Paul Cain, Council Member, Oconee County

Susan Cohen, President & CEO, Clemson Area Chamber of Commerce

Neal Collins, Representative, S.C. House of Representatives

Mark Farris, President & CEO, Greenville Area Development Corporation

David Feild, Market President, Colliers International

Angie Gossett, Regional Marketing Director, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina

Sara Hazzard, President & CEO, South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance

Madeleine McGee, Executive Director, Together SC

G.P. McLeer, Mayor, City of Fountain Inn; Executive Director, South Carolina Arts Alliance

Kelly McWhorter, Executive Director, Discover Greenwood

Amanda Munyan, President & CEO, Laurens County Chamber of Commerce

Mamie Nicholson, President, Self Family Foundation

Katherine O’Neill, Chief Economic Development Officer, One Spartanburg

Terence Roberts, Mayor, City of Anderson

Chuck Saylors, Trustee, Greenville County School Board; Vice President, MB Kahn

Liz Seman, Council Member, Greenville County; Chief of Staff, Furman University

Minor Shaw, Chairman, Daniel-Mickel Foundation

Katy Smith, Executive Director, Piedmont Health Foundation & Greenville Partnership for Philanthropy

Stephen Steese, City Manager, City of Easley

Paige Stephenson, President & CEO, United Way of the Piedmont

Stephen Taylor, Executive Director, Abbeville County Economic Development

Tim Todd, Executive Director, Discover Upcountry

Trentsie Williams, Director of Finance, Meg’s House