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