SC Manufacturing Leadership Program Welcomes Third Class of Industry Leaders

(Photo Courtesy of South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance)

The South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA) has announced the 2025–2026 class of the SC Manufacturing Leadership Program (SCMLP), welcoming 22 rising leaders from across South Carolina’s manufacturing community. This year’s participants represent a diverse mix of industry sectors and companies, including some of the state’s well-known manufacturers and global ands.

Launched in 2023 by SCMA and its education foundation, SC Future Makers, in partnership with the Executive Education Center at the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina, the SCMLP delivers a rigorous, high-impact learning experience. Participants engage with internationally recognized faculty, accomplished business executives, and seasoned manufacturing experts to gain fresh insights and practical strategies. The curriculum covers essential areas such as global growth, organizational strategy, emerging technologies, supply chain management, corporate culture, leadership, and personal development, equipping leaders with the skills to navigate an ever-evolving manufacturing landscape.

Since its inception, the SCMLP has graduated 39 manufacturing professionals who are now applying their skills to strengthen companies and communities across the state.

“We are excited to welcome our third class of rising stars in manufacturing to SCMLP," said Sara Hazzard, president and CEO of the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance. "What is special about this group, and each one of our cohorts that has participated in this collaborative effort, is that it includes professionals from the companies driving innovation, creativity and job creation in our growing industry and economy. We can’t wait for participants to share their experience and expertise with each other, and we remain grateful for program partners, stakeholders and investors who continue to inspire South Carolina’s next generation of manufacturing leaders.”

The SCMLP is made possible through the support of The Boeing Company, Dominion Energy, Duke Energy, and Sage Automotive Interiors.

The 2025–2026 SCMLP participants are:

• Tobias Braun – Corporate Controller, SAGE Automotive Interiors
• Joshua Buckley – General Manager, Assembly Production, BMW Manufacturing LLC
• Jerod M. Burghardt – Progress Advisor (5S), Michelin NA
• Heather Coleman – Production Supervisor, Mankiewicz Coatings
• Robert Colley – Level II Automation Supervisor, Nucor Steel Berkeley
• Lauren Cramer – Senior Manager – Supply Chain Planning, JTEKT North America
• Melissa Davis – Manager – Business Operations, JTEKT North America
• Jenna Driver – North American Map Market Analyst, SAGE Automotive Interiors
• Jesus Rodolfo Elizondo Yerena – Product Line Manager, AFL
• Brian Fink – Director of Quality & Continuous Improvement, Spartanburg Steel Products
• Scottie Hayes – Director of Production, Coca-Cola Consolidated
• LaKashia Johnson – Head of Communications, Mercedes-Benz Vans, LLC
• Katelyn Kent, PE – Operations Manager, Milliken & Company
• Drew Klapko – Shop Manager, Michelin
• Chad McAhren – Quality and EHS Manager, A&R Bulk Pak LLC
• Justin Quinn, CPM – Development Program Manager, AFL
• Peter Smith – Chief of Staff to the Head of Global Talent, The Boeing Company
• Chandler Spafford – Collaborative Business Planning Lead – NA, Husqvarna Forest & Garden
• Oana Walls – Supply Chain Manager, Contec
• Evan Wheeler – District Manager, Dominion Energy SC
• Travis Windham – Weld Manager, Production – Honda Powersports (SXS), American Honda South Carolina Manufacturing
• Guido Ygounet – IT Manager, Mercedes-Benz Vans, LLC

Silicon Ranch, Central Electric Partner With Meta to Bring 100 MW of Solar Online in Orangeburg County

Silicon Ranch, a solar facilities provider, to partner with Columbia-based Central Electric Power Cooperative to build 100-megawatt solar farm to support South Carolina Meta data center. Read More »