SCMC announces experienced senior staff of business community champions
January 6, 2026
South Carolina Manufacturers and Commerce (SCMC) announced its senior staff.
The group of key leaders has experience working with the business community to advance pro-growth, pro-jobs policies. They will be mission-focused on ensuring companies – from manufacturers to small businesses – and families – in communities from the mountains to the coast – have strong foundations to thrive and grow in South Carolina.
The South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA) and the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce announced the formation of SCMC, formally combining entities, last fall. The merger was effective January 1, 2026.
The new organization is one of the largest and most powerful advocacy organizations in the history of South Carolina. Merging SCMA and the SC Chamber allows the business community across the state to speak with one unified voice, bolster its presence in Columbia, expand its reach across South Carolina and align its goals.
“We set out to find the right team for the right time, and we found it,” said SCMC Chairman of the Board Grant Burns. “These champions will work hard every single day – with stakeholders and policymakers alike – to make sure SCMC demonstrates it has the firepower needed to make a difference for businesses, employees and families. We can’t wait to get started.”
The SCMC leadership team includes:
- Sara Hazzard: President and CEO
- Sunny Philips: Vice President of Member Relations, Strategy, and Programming
- Cynthia Bennett: Vice President of Commerce Councils and Philanthropy
- Amy Tinsley: Vice President of Manufacturing Councils and Secretary to the Board
- Will Frierson: Vice President of Government Affairs
- Susan O’Neal: Vice President of Finance, Operations, and Administration
Click here read about our entire team.
“An expanded organization calls for an expanded team, and we have an all-star lineup of leaders who members of the business community, lawmakers and other stakeholders have known as the best of the best for years,” said Sara Hazzard. “This group – one with a depth and breadth of experience from both of the organizations that consolidated to become SCMC – will speak with one, clear voice for our members. That is invaluable.”
