Communities In Schools of South Carolina announces new Board to advance student success statewide
July 29, 2026
Communities In Schools of South Carolina (CISSC), the state’s leading nonprofit dedicated to surrounding students with the relationships and resources they need to succeed in school and in life, has announced its 2026-2027 board of directors. The board brings together accomplished leaders from business, education, health care, finance and community development who share a commitment to ensuring every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
The executive committee is led by Chair Merriweather Mulé of Beacon Pointe Advisors and includes Vice Chair Tim Cotter of The Beach Company, Treasurer Lindsay Ball of Elliott Davis, Secretary Katherine Watts of Lexington Health and Immediate Past Chair Amir Abdullah of The Hartford Insurance Group.
“The strength of Communities In Schools of South Carolina comes from the partnerships we build across our state,” said Jamie Cooper, president and CEO of Communities In Schools of South Carolina. “Our board members bring diverse expertise, strong community connections and a shared passion for helping students overcome barriers to success. Their leadership will help guide our organization as we continue expanding our impact and creating brighter futures for South Carolina students.”
The 2026-2027 Board of Directors includes:
- Merriweather Mulé, CFP®, CDFA®, FCEP, Chair, Beacon Pointe Advisors
- Tim Cotter, Vice Chair, The Beach Company
- Lindsay Ball, CPA, Treasurer, Elliott Davis
- Katherine Watts, LMSW, ACM-SW, Secretary, Lexington Health
- Amir Abdullah, Immediate Past Chair, The Hartford Insurance Group
- Dr. Christian Barrientos, Clemson University
- Dr. Baron Davis, The Noegenesis Group
- Mark Fell, AIF®, Conte Fell Advisors, LLC
- Porter Johnson, BHE GT&S
- Dr. Renee Linyard-Gary, Roper St. Francis Healthcare
- Rachel Parker, Commercial Banker
- Kameron Quick, AIA, LS3P
- Terry Schmoyer, Schmoyer and Company, LLC
- James Starling, Dominion Energy
- Betsy Strott, AgentOwned Realty
- Janisha Thomas, The Ritedose Corporation
Communities In Schools of South Carolina works alongside schools, families and community partners to remove barriers that stand between students and academic success. Through integrated student supports, the organization connects young people with the resources, relationships and opportunities they need to stay in school, graduate and prepare for life beyond the classroom.
“Our board members represent organizations and industries from across South Carolina, but they are united by a common purpose: ensuring every child has the support they need to succeed,” said board chair Merriweather Mulé. “It is an honor to serve alongside this dedicated group as we continue advancing the mission of Communities In Schools across our state.”
About Communities In Schools of South Carolina
Communities In Schools of South Carolina is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to surrounding students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. Working directly inside schools across South Carolina, CISSC connects students and families to critical resources and relationships that remove barriers to success and help young people thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. For more information about Communities In Schools of South Carolina, visit www.cisofsc.org.
