July 21, 2015 | Erin Bluvas, bluvase@sc.edu
With an eye for recognizing individual potential, the Columbia Chamber’s Leadership Columbia program views the collective talents of existing and emerging leaders as the region’s greatest asset and an important driver of economic growth. Founded in 1973, Leadership Columbia boasts more than 1,600 alumni serving communities across the United States. Participants in the 10-month program learn about regional issues and civic engagement opportunities, while developing critical leadership skills.
The Arnold School’s Kerry McIver, a research assistant professor in the Department of Exercise Science and the measurement coordinator for the Children’s Physical Activity Research Group, has been invited to join their ranks as a member of the 2015-2016 class. “Leadership Columbia is a great opportunity for rising leaders in a variety of industries and careers to come together as a team to develop leadership skills and improve our community,” she says. “The program also facilitates networking that can serve the community in traditional and perhaps some non-traditional partnerships that will ultimately make Columbia a better place.”
McIver is no stranger to public service—holding leadership roles in various community organizations since she was in middle school. Her passion for children’s health began when she directed an after school activity program after earning a Master’s in Exercise Physiology from East Carolina University. She came to the Arnold School to work with Russell Pate, who is an internationally recognized authority on children’s physical activity and fitness, and pursue a Doctor of Philosophy in Exercise Science.
“Since then I have had the fortune to work on several international, national, regional and local programs that have focused on understanding physical activity in children and improving opportunities for children to be active in a variety of settings,” McIver says. “I have spent most of my time focused on working with and in schools as a setting for influencing child health.”
She looks forward to gaining leadership skills through Leadership Columbia, particularly effective communication and relationship building. “I think the experience will provide me with some valuable tools to continue to work effectively in our community, especially schools, with a focus on child health,” McIver says.