Leadership South Carolina announces new executive director
March 14, 2025
Jody Jernigan Named Executive Director of State’s Most Respected Leadership Program
Jody Jernigan has been named executive director of Leadership South Carolina, South Carolina’s oldest and most-recognized leadership development program. Jernigan will join the organization on March 24 and formally assume all responsibilities of the role on July 1.
Jernigan brings a wealth of experience in management of nonprofits to his new role. He most recently served as director of development for the Girl Scouts of South Carolina – Mountains to Midlands. He previously served in executive and CEO roles with both the YMCA and National Safety Council. Jernigan received his bachelor’s degree in communications and public relations from UNC-Wilmington in 1998 and is a 2018 graduate of Leadership South Carolina.
Jody Jernigan
“I am honored to lead Leadership South Carolina, which has the unique ability to make a lasting impact on leaders – past, present, and future – while driving our great state forward,” said Jernigan.
M. Neil Jones, chairman of the Leadership South Carolina board of trustees, said, “We are delighted to welcome Jody as our next Executive Director and very excited for him to leverage his talents, South Carolina connectivity and Leadership South Carolina class experiences to further the mission and continue the growth and legacy of South Carolina’s most recognized state-wide leadership development program.”
Jernigan succeeds Helen Munnerlyn, who has served as Leadership South Carolina’s executive director since 2004. She will continue to work part time as a special advisor to Leadership South Carolina. Over the course of Munnerlyn’s tenure, more than 1,000 business and community leaders have graduated from the program with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively address the challenges faced by the state. In addition, Munnerlyn instituted annual class projects, which to date have raised more than $700,000 for underserved communities, affecting thousands of South Carolinians.
Established in 1979 by the Governor’s Office and the South Carolina business community, Leadership South Carolina is the oldest and most respected statewide leadership program, providing gifted and highly motivated South Carolinians an opportunity to advance their leadership qualities while broadening their understanding of issues facing the state. Each year, approximately 50 South Carolinians across all employment sectors, geographic areas, and demographic segments are selected to participate in the comprehensive leadership program.
“We are thankful for the vision and leadership Helen brought to the Executive Director role over these many years,” said Jones. “This program would not be what it is today without her tireless dedication to promoting the interests of the State of South Carolina and its current and future leaders. We appreciate all that she has accomplished to ensure the continued reputation and sustainability of Leadership South Carolina.”
About Leadership South Carolina
As South Carolina’s most enduring and recognized leadership development program, Leadership South Carolina, a registered 501(c)(3) organization, is dedicated to educating and enlightening highly motivated people who have demonstrated commitment and service to their community and are striving to reach a higher level of service to the benefit of the Palmetto State. To learn more about Leadership South Carolina and its mission, visit www.leadershipsc.com.
