EngenuitySC announces Mayor Steve Benjamin as 2021 Vision Award winner
June 21, 2021
At its annual board meeting, EngenuitySC presented Columbia, S.C. Mayor Steve Benjamin with its 2021 Vision Award. Mayor Benjamin, founding co-chair of the EngenuitySC board, was presented with the award by Elise Partin, Mayor of Cayce, S.C. and current EngenuitySC board chair, on behalf of the EngenuitySC board. The Vision Award is given annually by the nonprofit organization to an individual who exemplifies EngenuitySC’s mission of advancing regional competitiveness and who embodies the spirit of collaboration.
Photo: Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin is presented with EngenuitySC’s Vision Award by EngenuitySC board chair Cayce Mayor Elise Partin.
“As a founding co-chair of EngenuitySC, one of the early leaders in regional cooperation and competitiveness, Mayor Benjamin has embodied the mission of increasing the livability and economic viability of our region,” says Mayor Partin. “His leadership, starting from when he was first elected in 2010, has positively impacted not only Columbia, but the entire region. Along with a board governed by the highest-ranking regional leaders in education, government, and business, he has been committed to advancing progress through partnerships and leaves a lasting legacy for us all.”
Back row: Ted Nissen (Chair-Elect) – First Community Bank; Lee Bussell – Chernoff Newman; Paul Livingston (Secretary/Treasurer) – Richland County Council; President Roslyn Clark Artis – Benedict College; Dr. Keith Shah – Optum. Front row: Lasenta Lewis-Ellis – LLE Construction, LLC; Morgan Crapps – Parker Poe Consulting; Mayor Steve Benjamin (Founding Co-Chair) – City of Columbia; Mayor Elise Partin (Chair) – City of Cayce; Meghan Hickman – EngenuitySC Executive Director; Bill Kirkland – The University of South Carolina, Office of Economic Engagement.
During his tenure as Columbia mayor, Benjamin has served as the President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors; Executive Chairman of Municipal Bonds for America; Co-Chair of the Mayors for 100% Clean Energy campaign; and African-American Mayors Association President. He launched local initiatives like the rebirth of Main Street, introduced the “Justice for All” initiative in 2014, contributed substantial work on behalf of My Brother’s Keeper, and much more.
Benjamin was elected the 36th mayor of Columbia in 2010 and is currently serving his third term. He is the first African American mayor in the city’s history. Before serving as mayor, he worked in the Columbia metropolitan area as an attorney and served on various charitable organizations. He graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1991 and the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1994.
Past recipients of EngenuitySC’s Vision Award:
● Dr. Harris Pastides (2019-20)
● John Lumpkin (2018)
● Dr. Keith Shah (2017)
● JoAnn Turnquist (2016)
● Dr. Sonny White (2014-15)
● Bill Mahoney (2013)
● Larry Wilson (2012)
● Judy Davis (2011)
● Senator Lindsey Graham (2010)
● Former Mayor Bob Coble (2009)
● Dr. Andrew Sorenson (2008)
● Former S.C. Speaker of the House Bobby Harrell (2007)
● Congressman Jim Clyburn (2006)
The Vision Award is presented annually by EngenuitySC’s board, many of whom were present for the recent award presentation. EngenuitySC board members include the following:
● Mayor Elise Partin (Chair) – City of Cayce
● Ted Nissen (Chair-Elect) – First Community Bank
● Paul Livingston (Secretary/Treasurer) – Richland County Council
● Mayor Steve Benjamin (Founding Co-Chair) – City of Columbia
● Interim President Harris Pastides (Founding Co-Chair) – The University of South Carolina
● President Roslyn Clark Artis – Benedict College
● Lee Bussell – Chernoff Newman
● Todd Cullum – Lexington County Council
● Morgan Crapps – Parker Poe Consulting
● Scott Graves – BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina
● Ben Green – Insurance Advantage
● Bill Kirkland – The University of South Carolina, Office of Economic Engagement
● Edna Langley – Langley 3, LLC
● Dr. Greg Little – Lexington County School District One
● Lasenta Lewis-Ellis – LLE Construction, LLC
● John Lumpkin
● Chakisse Newton – Richland County Council
● President Ron Rhames – Midlands Technical College
● Dr. Keith Shah – Optum
About EngenuitySC
Governed by high-ranking regional leaders in education, government and business, EngenuitySC is a nonprofit that works to make the Columbia, S.C., region a standout choice for top talent and competitive companies. Structured as a neutral and independent project management team, EngenuitySC is known for achieving progress through partnerships using a unique, highly effective process. Whether it is equipping K-12 students with career-ready skills, elevating quality of life with the Midlands Business Leadership Group, or producing the Competitiveness Series and the annual Midlands Regional Competitiveness Report, EngenuitySC is a trusted force, working behind the scenes to build a community cultivated for living, working, playing and learning. Learn more at www.engenuitysc.com.
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