After nine months of learning about the Salkehatchie region, the Leadership Salkehatchie group reported their findings to South Carolina's congressmen during a trip to Washington, D.C.

“The trip to Washington D.C.  is always a highlight for each Leadership Salkehatchie class,” said Jackson Alexander, director of the USC Salkehatchie Leadership Institute. “These meetings are a great opportunity to convey areas of concern for the Salkehatchie region, as well as to relay good news from the area.”

This year the class was able to meet in person with Senator Lindsey Graham and Representative James Clyburn,  the House Majority Whip.  The group also met with staff members from Senator Tim Scott’s and Representative Joe Wilson’s offices.

Leadership Salkehatchie is a year-long, intensive leadership program sponsored by the USC Salkehatchie Leadership Institute and the SouthernCarolina Regional Development Alliance.  The program empowers its emerging leaders to improve their communities.  Since its inception, more than 200 men and women have participated in the program with most of those participants currently residing in the area.

This year’s cohort includes 12 professionals from businesses and organizations within the region. They are: Michelle Altman (Hampton), William Barnes (Hampton), Maryann Blake (Colleton), Austrai Bradley (Barnwell), Nathan Catoe (Barnwell),  Leslie Holman-Brooks (Bamberg), Natalia Johnson (Barnwell), Marilyn Myrdal (Allendale), Kevin Smalls (Colleton), Dawn Stuckey (Hampton), Walter (Bo) White (Jasper), and Elizabeth Wooten (Hampton).

If you are interested in participating in Leadership Salkehatchie or nominating someone to participate, please visit contact Jackson Alexander at (803)-812-7354 or ja89@mailbox.sc.edu.