2024 Workforce Heroes Recognized at Workforce Development Symposium

Columbia, S.C. – As part of Workforce Development Month, the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) and the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce partnered to host the annual Workforce Development Symposium on September 12, 2024, at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.

The event included multiple panel discussions featuring state business and education leaders, public officials, youth, and other key figures engaging in meaningful conversations about some of South Carolina’s workforce challenges, opportunities, and successes. At the Symposium, Governor Henry McMaster presented the Workforce Development Month proclamation to DEW Executive Director William Floyd, and hundreds of registrants in attendance also had the chance to tour the SC Works Career Coach and experience skills trade activities in the Be Pro Be Proud SC mobile unit.

During the event, the State Workforce Development Board (SWDB), with support from DEW, publicly recognized twelve “Workforce Heroes” nominated by their Local Workforce Development Boards for their contributions to the workforce system. The honorees have profoundly impacted the lives of thousands of jobseekers at SC Works centers across the state and are recognized for their acts of service and exceptional achievements, such as helping veterans with disabilities and dislocated workers find work in our most rural communities.

“While workforce development is bigger than any one person, it only takes one person to make a big difference. Our Workforce Heroes are shining examples of this sentiment, providing critical services to their local communities that ultimately impact our state’s economy and the quality of life of our citizens,” said DEW Executive Director William Floyd. “I congratulate them all on this well-deserved recognition.”

“These individuals truly demonstrate what it means to go above and beyond in their work. Their resourcefulness, innovation, and care make a difference in the lives of others on a daily basis, whether it’s a jobseeker in search of work or a business in need of employees,” said SWDB Chair Thomas Freeland. “We are grateful for their commitment to helping others and extend our congratulations to all honorees.”

The 2024 Workforce Heroes are as follows:

• Catawba Workforce Development Board: Estaphani Juarez
• Greenville Workforce Development Board: Deanna Renick
• Lowcountry Workforce Development Board: Stephaine Wright
• Lower Savannah Workforce Development Board: Charlie Furtick, Jr.
• Midlands Workforce Development Board: Sharon K. Salley
• Pee Dee Workforce Development Board: Charles Bernard Moses
• Santee-Lynches Workforce Development Board: Kendra Hannibal-Murphy
• Trident Workforce Development Board: Robbie Lahmon
• Upper Savannah Workforce Development Board: Tiffney Smith
• Upstate Workforce Development Board: Rose Cortes
• Waccamaw Workforce Development Board: Thenthy Wilson Anderson
• WorkLink Workforce Development Board: Cynthia Sprinkle

To see photos of the twelve honorees and learn more about the great work that they have accomplished, please click here.

Members of the press can reach out to communications@dew.sc.gov with any inquiries or interview requests regarding DEW, the SWDB, and SC Works.