SCC Announces Three New Commission Members

Today, Spartanburg Community College is pleased to announce the addition of Mrs. Katherine O’Neill, Mr. Charlie King, and Mr. Carter Smith as official members of the Spartanburg County Commission for Technical & Community Education, the College’s governing body.

"Spartanburg Community College is fortunate to have outstanding leaders dedicated to driving our communities forward as we endeavor to become the most affordable, accessible, and relevant institution of higher education in the country," said Dr. Michael Mikota, President of SCC. "As commissioners, Mrs. O’Neill, Mr. King, and Mr. Smith each bring unique and impactful perspectives that have been gained through their own personal experiences and their acquired knowledge, skills, and abilities that will prove to be indispensable to the College and the communities of which we serve. Specifically, having individuals on our commission that have played such an integral role in the economic development of our community will help ensure the College meets the economic opportunities of the future today. With their leadership and guidance the College will continue to lead efforts ensure prosperity today and drive the growth of tomorrow."

Katherine O’Neill serves as the Chief Economic Development Officer of OneSpartanburg, Inc, and has more than three decades of experience in Human Resources, economic development, and leadership. Mrs. O’Neill formerly served as the Spartanburg County Administrator from 2012-2018, where she was responsible for managing a budget in excess of $200 million and facilitating negotiations for more than $5 billion in new economic development. Prior to moving to Spartanburg, Mrs. O’Neill served Lexington County, SC for 16 years across various roles, including six years as County Administrator. She graduated with her BA in Economics from the University of Mary Washington in 1989 and earned her Master’s in Public Administration from the University of South Carolina in 2007.

Charlie King serves as the Chief Financial Officer for OTO Development, LLC where he is responsible for overseeing accounting procedures and controls, financing, cash management, and financial and tax reporting. Prior to joining OTO Development, LLC, Mr. King held several positions with Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc., including Vice President-Controller and Vice President-Retail Licensee Program. Mr. King is also a former partner with McMillan, Pate, and King, CPA’s and began his career at Coopers and Lybrand. He graduated cum laude from Washington and Lee University with a BS in Business Administration and obtained his CPA designation in 1988. Additionally, Mr. King serves as Senior Warden of the Episcopal Church of the Advent and as a member of the Board of Directors of the United Way of the Piedmont. He lives in Spartanburg with his wife, Michaelle, and their three children: Agnes, Rob, and Charlotte.

Carter Smith spent more than 30 years working to position Spartanburg County as a statewide economic development leader. As the Executive Vice President of the Spartanburg Economic Futures Group, Mr. Smith played an integral role in bringing BMW Manufacturing Co., Amazon, Adidas, Extended Stay Corp., Keurig Dr. Pepper, Kobelco, Michelin, Today Industries, and many others to Spartanburg County. Over the course of his career, Mr. Smith has helped recruit more than $16 billion in new investment and over 50,000 jobs, securing his position as one of the most economic developers in South Carolina history. He is a 1975 graduate of Baptist College at Charleston.

Commission officers are elected to serve a four-year term. The following individuals serve as commission members of the Spartanburg County Commission for Technical & Community Education:

Officers:
Mr. Eugene (Sonny) Anderson - Chairman
Mr. Gregory M. Tate
Mr. William G. Sarratt
Mr. Tracy W. Keller
Mrs. Tracey Hill
Mr. Anthony D. Bell
Ms. Kimberly A. Fowler
Mr. Kenny Blackwood

Ex-Officio

Mr. J. Whitner Kennedy, Jr.

South Carolina State Board for Technical and Comprehensive

E. Grantland Burns

SCC commissioners are appointed by the governor upon recommendation of the legislative delegations representing Spartanburg, Union, and Cherokee counties. Responsibilities of commissioners are to establish policy for governing the College, oversee and guide the president in the administration of the College, and help establish a favorable and supportive environment for the College.