Literacy SC adds new expertise to Board as program grows regionally
June 25, 2025
Literacy SC welcomed five new members to its Board of Directors this spring, bringing fresh energy and a wider range of expertise at a time of rapid organizational growth. With 15 total seats, this nonprofit board supports a mission focused on expanding access to adult and family literacy help across central South Carolina.
“This is a transformative era for Literacy SC,” said Brittany Smith, the 2025 board chair who devotes her days to literacy as the assistant manager of Richland Library Sandhills. “We’re growing into new counties, launching unique partnerships, and building high quality leadership that can steer this work forward with strength and sustainability. So, I’m thrilled to welcome our new board members. They’re already showing up with vision, momentum, and heart.”
Chelsea Bennett
Founder, Ivey Palmer PR
Strategic communications expert with a focus on branding, messaging, and public engagement.
Dr. Burzin Bharucha
Chief Compliance Officer, Internset; Speridian Technologies
National leader in cybersecurity, digital governance, and AI-integrated systems.
Kate Shay English
Marketing and Real Estate Professional, Blair Cato Pickren Casterline, LLC
Data strategist currently pursuing an MBA and Business Analytics certificate at USC.
Dr. Theresa Harrison
Executive Director for Community Engagement, USC
Educator and researcher with expertise in family engagement, literacy policy, and community-based education.
Suzanne Shire
Retired Early Childhood Educator
Forty-year veteran teacher and two-time Teacher of the Year with deep roots in literacy instruction and curriculum.
The organization currently serves Richland, Lexington, and Aiken Counties, with programming officially expanding into Saluda County on July 1. Multiple new instructors are being hired to support their free small group reading classes, the upcoming Reading Begins Here family literacy program, as well as other free and low cost workshops launching this fall.
Literacy SC operates through 25+ public partner sites and three active branches. Its flagship Turning Pages Adult Reading Program offers free private tutoring and small group reading classes for adults wanting to read well. In any given week, 35+ tutor-learner pairs are working together on reading goals, with nearly 60% of enrolled learners reading below a 4th grade level when they begin the program.
CEO Lisa Cole added, “We are excited to welcome these new leaders. Their commitment to literacy, their professional insight, and their heart for service will help move this work forward in powerful ways.”
To learn more about Literacy SC programs and upcoming job opportunities visit literacysc.org.
