Greater Columbia Community Relations Council welcomes Tacara Carpenter to Board of Directors ahead of 62nd Annual Luncheon and Awards Presentation
June 9, 2026
The Greater Columbia Community Relations Council (CRC) announced the appointment of award-winning marketing and communications strategist Tacara Carpenter to its Board of Directors. Carpenter was recently appointed to a three-year term and joins a distinguished group of community leaders committed to advancing the CRC’s mission of advocacy, mediation, and education throughout the Midlands.
The appointment comes during an exciting season for the organization as it prepares for its 62nd Annual Luncheon and Awards Presentation, the CRC’s signature community event, scheduled for Thursday, June 18, 2026, at noon at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.
“Tacara brings a wealth of experience in strategic communications, community engagement, marketing, and relationship building,” said Dr. Larry K. Salley, Executive Director of the Greater Columbia Community Relations Council. “Her professional accomplishments, passion for service, and proven ability to connect people and organizations make her an outstanding addition to our Board of Directors. We are excited to welcome her leadership and energy as we continue our work to strengthen communities and improve the quality of life throughout the area.”
The CRC Board is led by Chair Councilman Tyler Bailey, whose leadership has guided the organization for the past several years.
Carpenter currently serves as Media Relations Strategist for Richland Library, where she develops and executes strategic communications initiatives that elevate community awareness and engagement. She is also the founder and principal strategist of Church Girl Media, a marketing and communications firm that helps nonprofits, educational institutions, faith-based organizations, and community organizations tell their stories and increase their impact. Her career spans nearly two decades in marketing, public relations, journalism, digital communications, and brand strategy. Among her accomplishments are securing national media placement on CBS Evening News, earning multiple Public Relations Society of America awards, redesigning and leading media training programs, and providing strategic communications leadership for numerous nonprofit and community-focused organizations.
Founded in 1964, the Greater Columbia Community Relations Council serves as a bridge builder within the Midlands, bringing together residents, businesses, faith leaders, educators, government officials, and community organizations to address challenges, foster dialogue, and create solutions that promote equity, understanding, and opportunity for all.
The organization’s upcoming 62nd Annual Luncheon and Awards Presentation will celebrate individuals whose leadership, philanthropy and service have made a significant impact on the Midlands and the State of South Carolina.
This year’s honorees include:
- Honorable Clifton B. Newman, South Carolina Circuit Court Judge
- Robert “Bob” Livingston Jr., Chief Executive Officer, Gregory Electric Company, Inc., and former South Carolina Adjutant General
- Anthony Jackson, Senior Vice President, Prisma Health
- Major General Robin B. Stilwell, South Carolina Adjutant General
- Honorable Tameika Isaac Devine, South Carolina State Senator
About the Greater Columbia Community Relations Council
Founded in 1964, the Greater Columbia Community Relations Council works to advocate, mediate, educate, and foster positive community relations throughout the Midlands. Through partnerships, public dialogue, community initiatives, and civic engagement, the CRC strives to build stronger, more connected communities where all residents can thrive.
