Riley Institute at Furman selects 24th class of Upstate Diversity Leaders

Forty-three leaders from the Upstate and surrounding area have been selected to participate in the Riley Institute at Furman’s Diversity Leaders Initiative (DLI) this fall.

“In a time of considerable division both nationally and locally, it is increasingly important to work together to find ways to foster a thriving economy and break down barriers that hinder progress,” said Donald Gordon, executive director of the Riley Institute.

DLI class members are identified through a rigorous process including a nomination, application and interview. Individuals are selected to join the class based on their capacity to impact their organizations and communities.

Over the course of five months, participants will learn about diversity and inclusion “blind spots” and how to suspend assumptions. Participants will also work in small, cross-sector groups to respond to real issues and opportunities in their communities through service projects. The classes are facilitated by Juan Johnson, an independent consultant and former Coca-Cola vice president.

“DLI is unique among South Carolina’s leadership programs. In addition to the opportunity to develop new relationships and take part in positive action in their communities, participants gain deep knowledge of how to effectively manage and lead diverse workers, clients and constituents,” said Johnson.

In addition to the Upstate, DLI classes are selected annually in the Midlands and Lowcountry. Each class is crafted to reflect the diverse demographics in South Carolina.

“We now have 1,824 Riley Fellows statewide. Each new class further extends the reach and impact of leaders willing to work together to make South Carolina a better place to live and work for all its residents,” said Gordon.

DLI graduates become Riley Fellows, members of a powerful, cross-sector, statewide leadership network that includes CEOs of corporations, mayors, city and county council members, legislators, school superintendents, pastors and rabbis, non-profit heads, chamber of commerce directors, and community leaders.

The full roster of Riley Fellows is available online at riley.furman.edu. The fellows selected for the 24th Upstate DLI class:

 

Melanie Armstrong

Director, Emerging Public Leaders

The Riley Institute at Furman University

Greenville

 

Matt Bitner

Vice Chair, Emergency Medicine

Greenville Health System

Greenville

 

Alecia Brewster

GoodGuides Program Manager

Goodwill Industries of the Upstate/Midlands

Greenville

 

Kevin Brown

Director of Information Technology

Spartanburg Water

Spartanburg

 

Amy Canosa

Manager of Clinical Pastoral Education Program

Greenville Health System

Greenville

 

Ken Cummings

Vice President/Senior Commercial Relationship Manager

SunTrust Bank

Greenville

 

Jim Dant

Senior Minister

First Baptist Church

Greenville

 

Marcus Davenport

Major

Greenville County Sheriff’s Office

Greenville

 

Anthony Dicks

Senior Pastor

Mt. Zion Church

Greenville

 

Yvonne Duckett

Executive Director

Greenville County Human Relations Commission

Greenville

 

Tom Evelyn

Vice President, University Communications

Furman University

Greenville

 

Jennifer Faner

Director of Homeowner and Community Engagement

Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County

Greenville

 

Karen Fradua

Director, Community Health Improvement

Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System

Spartanburg

 

Tracie Frese

Executive Director

Upstate International

Greenville

 

Ed Good

President

Hampton Development Co., Inc.

Greenville

 

Constance Gray

Consultant

Winston-Salem, NC

 

Walt Gregory

Department Manager Paint/Quality and Technical Planning

BMW Manufacturing, LLC

Greer

 

Rodrigo Gutierrez

VP Logistics and Customer Service

Michelin North America

Greenville

 

Rich Hagins

CEO/President

US&S, Inc.

Greenville

 

Katrice Hardy

Executive Editor for the Greenville News and USAT Regional Southeast Editor

Gannett

Greenville

 

CoCo Harris

Writer, Publisher, Photographer

Telling Our Stories Press

Greenville

 

Ricaye Harris

Talent Acquisition Specialist

Milliken & Company

Spartanburg

 

Kathy Keiser

Section Manager Compensation/Organization Management

BMW Manufacturing, LLC

Greer

 

Nancy Kennedy

Director, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Furman University

Greenville

 

Jeri Kleckley

Director of Volunteer Engagement

United Way of Greenville County

Greenville

 

Derek Lewis

Executive Director

Greenville First Steps

Greenville

 

William McMillian

Director: Commercial Business, SE Zone

Michelin North America

Matthews, NC

 

Amy Mundt

OE Development Leader

Michelin North America

Greenville

 

Stacey Owens

Investigations Captain

Greenville Police Department

Greenville

 

Scott Porter

Vice President: Equity and Inclusivity

Greenville Health System

Greenville

 

Altheia Richardson

Executive Director

Clemson University Gantt Multicultural Center

Clemson

 

Bill Roach

Superintendent

Union County Schools

Union

 

Rick Roberts

President

KMC Benefits Inc.

Greer

 

Ann Robinson

Market President

HomeTrust Bank

Greenville

 

Burke Royster

Superintendent

Greenville County Schools

Greenville

 

Carol Samofal

Empowerment Leader, North America

Michelin North America

Greenville

 

Gary Scheide

Industrial Director MAT/SF

Michelin North America

Greenville

 

Kirsten Small

Member

Nexsen Pruet, LLC

Greenville

 

Lee Tennent

Chief Information Officer

Greenville Technical College

Greenville

 

Vanessa Thompson

Director: Behavioral Health Services

Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System

Spartanburg

 

Rob Torres

Vice President, Corporate Responsibility Officer

Bon Secours St. Francis Healthcare System

Greenville

 

Jeff Walker

Shareholder

Elliott Davis

Greenville

 

Lud Weaver

Pastor

Westminster Presbyterian Church

Greenville

 

For more information about the Riley Institute and its programs, visit riley.furman.edu.