John wears a lot of hats at Complete PR and in the community. For us, he is our founder and the person who steers the public relations ship. He uses his knowledge of the media industry and his constant desire to learn more to help guide our clients through all of their media relations needs. They say John doesn’t sleep and it may be true. 

He has served as chairman of The Greenville Zoo Foundation, Rebuild Upstate and the Greenville Chamber’s PULSE Advisory Council while also serving on the boards of The Children’s Museum of the Upstate (secretary),  The Greenville Chamber Board of Advisors, the Greenville County Board of Zoning Appeals, the YMCA Caine Halter Board of Advisors, the South Carolina Small Business Development Board (Upstate), Junior Achievement, the City of Greenville's community Development Board, the Laurens Road Corridor Group and Greenville 2040. He was named one of Greenville's Best and Brightest in 2012; is a graduate of Leadership Greenville Class 40, a graduate of the Greenville Health System Medical Scholar program as well as the Greenville Transit Academy. He was named the Greenville Chamber's 2014 Young Professional of the Year. He is the author of four books including Reimagining Greenville. 

As cool as John is, his wife is the amazing Tammy Johnson of High Spirits Hospitality. 

Bryan leads the organization’s efforts to champion the preservation and expansion of affordable housing options across Greenville through broad community engagement and advocacy for effective public policies. 

Previously, Bryan served as the Chief Operating & Development Officer at the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA). Bryan and his team managed the $30 million HUD Choice Neighborhood Implementation grant for the revitalization of the near east side resulting in $120 million of development across five phases with 450 units of mixed-income housing with an additional $200 million in leveraged commitments to support expanded neighborhood development.  Bryan successfully led CMHA efforts to develop $275 million of new construction, producing 1,200 affordable units for the Columbus community, and also executed the $200 million strategy for CMHA to acquire 1,500 units of housing to preserve and expand affordable housing options in neighborhoods of opportunity across Franklin County. 

Bryan brings broad leadership experience to the Greenville Housing Fund from executive roles in the non-profit sector, where he spent many years advocating for funding, program standards, and legislation to improve service delivery to needy children and families. Bryan is a graduate of John Carroll University, attended graduate school at the University of Cincinnati, and also studied at the University of London, the London School of Economics, and Yale University. 

Elizabeth Davis became Furman University’s 12th President on July 1, 2014. Before coming to Furman, she spent 22 years at Baylor University in Texas, where she was a member of the accounting faculty and later held the position of Executive Vice President and Provost. Before beginning her higher education career, she spent three years as an auditor at Arthur Andersen & Co. in New Orleans. 

Innovation is Dr. Davis’s hallmark. Under her leadership, Furman introduced The Furman Advantage, a distinctive approach to higher education that combines classroom learning with immersive experiences, mentoring, reflection and career exploration to create personalized pathways to launch graduates into successful careers and lives of purpose. The Furman Advantage has received more than $75 million in support from The Duke Endowment since its launch in October 2016. 

During President Davis’s tenure, the university has moved from the low 50s into the mid-40s in the U.S. News & World Report best colleges rankings and has been voted a “Most Innovative School” six years in a row. Furman has also been noted for its Pathways Program, being ranked in the top 20 for “Best First-Year Experience” among all universities. The Furman Advantage and Pathways have also been recognized with national awards from NACADA-The Global Community for Academic Advising and the National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition. 

In 2023, the university publicly launched Clearly Furman, the Campaign for Our Third Century with a goal of raising $426 million by 2026. The campaign is on track to exceed this goal well before its conclusion. Major capital projects launched during Dr. Davis’s tenure include the construction of a new residence hall, opened in Fall 2024, the renovation of several other residence halls, and a total reimagination of Timmons Arena, the university’s venue for basketball and entertainment. 

In September 2019, Dr. Davis received the William M. Burke Presidential Award for Excellence in Experiential Education in recognition of her significant contributions to experiential education, including creating The Furman Advantage. She has been recognized as one of Greenville Business Magazine’s “50 Most Influential People,” and is included in the publication’s “Most Influential Hall of Fame.” 

Dr. Davis is a member of the Board of Directors of the United Way of Greenville County and has served on the board of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce. She has also served on the board of the Council of Independent Colleges, the Association of Governing Boards Council of Presidents, and on the American Council on Education’s Women’s Network Executive Committee 

She has addressed numerous organizations in the Upstate and spoken throughout the U.S. on issues involving higher education, university leadership and financial management. She has been quoted in national media, authored multiple op-eds, and participated in radio and television interviews about higher education. 

Dr. Davis received her Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Baylor in 1984 and earned her Ph.D. from Duke University in 1992. She and her husband, Charles, have two adult children, Chad and Claire. 

Before becoming MAC's Executive Director in January 2006, Alan had been Director of Marketing & Development since January 2004. He was previously Director of Donor Research in the Office for Development at Clemson University since December 1991. Prior to returning to Greenville in 1989, he had worked for Ogilvy & Mather Advertising and Henderson Advertising in Greenville. Alan is an alumnus of Vanderbilt University where he received a B.A. in English Literature and Fine Arts. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Visit Greenville SC and the Board of Governors of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce. He is currently on the Board of Directors of Artisphere and the Board of Advisors of the Department of Visual Arts of Greenville Tech.  

In 2010, Alan received the Excellence in Arts Leadership Award from the Chamber of Commerce and the Peace Center for the Performing Arts. In 2018, Alan received the Elizabeth O’Neill Verner Governor’s Award for the Arts. This award is given to an individual in recognition of outstanding contributions to the arts in South Carolina. 

Cheryl is a Greenville native and grew up in neighboring Easley. It has been a joy for her to watch the metamorphosis Greenville is experiencing. She is an avid exerciser who enjoys weightlifting, running, and outdoor activities. Cooking is another passion that her two grown sons appreciate! Reading, listening to podcasts, and audible books keep her engaged during the weekends. 

Career Highlights: 

• Graduated from Gardner Webb University with a B.S. in Physical Education, Furman University with a M.A. in Exercise Science, and Northeastern University with a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership 

• Wide variety of work experience in clinical based health and wellness, K-12 education, higher education, with the last ten years being focused on talent and workforce development for Upstate business and industry. 

Some folks have all the answers. Some folks have all the questions. Hank tends to see himself in the latter category. As part of Greenville’s development scene for more than 20 years, Hank continues to pose the big questions about Greenville through data and community benchmarking. What kind of community are we? What kind of community do we want to be? Hank has a knack for connecting folks who have a passion for seeing Greenville become the best possible version of itself. 

Hank received and graduated from Washington and Lee University with a B.A. in Philosophy (Magna Cum Laude, Lee Scholar, Edward Dodd Award, Phi Beta Kappa.) He and his wife, Melissa, are parents to three very active young people and are soon to be empty-nesters.  Time to travel for some community benchmarking! 

Career Highlights: 

Led Intercity Visit delegations to Austin (twice), Boston, Columbus, Dublin and Galway (Ireland), Orlando, Pittsburgh and Raleigh/Durham. 

Created the first Regional Economic Scorecard report in the state. 

Developed Community Insights, an online platform for engaging the community in conversations around data. 

Our president and CEO, Sam Konduros, guides business recruitment, investor relations, and collaboration with economic development partners. Konduros is a licensed attorney, certified economic developer, and realtor. He's held multiple business leadership roles regionally and statewide, including serving as the founding President/CEO of Upstate SC Alliance and President/CEO of SCBio (South Carolina Biotechnology Industry Organization). 

Konduros began his career at the SC Department of Commerce, helping recruit a wave of international companies to the state. A graduate of Clemson University and the University of South Carolina School of Law, Sam was designated as a "Knowledge Economist" by South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) and was awarded the Governor's Order of the Palmetto in 2018. 

Shannon Lavrin serves as the city manager for the City of Greenville, South Carolina, one of the Southeast’s most dynamic and rapidly growing cities, where she leads a talented team of public servants dedicated to delivering high-quality services and creating a vibrant, inclusive community.  

With over 20 years of experience in municipal planning and administration, Shannon serves as the City’s chief executive officer and is responsible for executing City Council priorities and overseeing day-to-day operations. She is the first woman to hold that role and is known for her commitment to smart growth, strategic investment, and community-centered governance. 

Shannon played a central role in shaping GVL2040, Greenville’s comprehensive plan, which guides growth through a shared vision that prioritizes affordable housing, open space preservation, and increased mobility. She also led the development and implementation of the Greenville Development Code, a modern land-use and zoning framework designed to align City policy with GVL2040’s forward-looking goals. 

City officials and Theo Mitchell holding a street sign bearing his nameCity Manager Shannon Lavrin celebrated state Sen. Theo Mitchell at a street naming ceremony in his honor. A passionate advocate for strong neighborhoods, her collaborative and equity-focused approach ensures that all neighborhoods share in the city’s success. Shannon oversaw the development and adoption of neighborhood plans for the historically underserved Haynie-Sirrine and Greenline-Spartanburg communities and facilitated the purchase of over six acres in Haynie-Sirrine to preserve the neighborhood character, encourage high-quality development, and promote the creation of affordable housing.  

Her leadership also extends to major public investments in parks and civic spaces. Shannon played a pivotal role in the construction of the Honor Tower at Unity Park and is guiding the redevelopment of Mayberry Park to honor its rich history in the Southernside community.  

With a deep respect for public service, Shannon is dedicated to fostering a positive organizational culture where staff at all levels feel valued and supported and have opportunities to grow. Shannon believes that when employees thrive, the entire community benefits, and she works tirelessly to ensure the City of Greenville is a great place to work and build a career. 

Shannon holds a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from the University of Kentucky at Lexington and a Master of Public Administration from Tennessee State University in Nashville. She is a Certified Planner (AICP) and a member of the American Planning Association (APA). 

John Lummus serves as the President & CEO for the Upstate SC Alliance. In this role, he is responsible for driving the overall direction of the Alliance as well as developing relationships and supporting collaboration throughout the region. 

Prior to his current position at the Upstate SC Alliance, Lummus served as vice president of Economic and Institutional Advancement at Tri-County Technical College, a position he held for eight years. Lummus also served as director of the Anderson County Office of Economic Development and worked to recruit new industry while supporting existing industry throughout the county. 

A native of Anderson, John is a graduate of Wake Forest University and received his master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of South Carolina (USC). He is also a graduate of the South Carolina Economic Developer’s School, USC’s Higher Education Leadership Program, and the national Executive Leadership Institute conducted by the League for Innovation in Community Colleges. In May of 2015, John received his SCCED (South Carolina Certified Economic Developer) certification. 

Dr. Larry Miller became the third president of Greenville Technical College on July 1, 2025. He previously served as vice president of learning and workforce development at GTC, where he led transformative efforts with strong results, including a 238% increase in credentials awarded in one year. He also elevated GTC’s online offerings from unranked by Newsweek in 2022 to first in the state for two consecutive years, and expanded access through a major partnership with Greenville County Schools. 

With over 25 years in academia, President Miller brings deep experience in teaching, research, and leadership. He holds a PhD in Public Administration from The Maxwell School at Syracuse University and has served as assistant professor, research fellow, superintendent, and dean. Widely published in education finance and policy, he is known for data-driven leadership, operational excellence, and student-centered innovation. 

A champion for economic mobility and access for all students, President Miller has built strong partnerships with employers and the community. He serves on leadership boards for the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, Greenville Chamber of Commerce, On Track Greenville, and the University Center Greenville, and formerly served as vice-chair of Greenville County’s Workforce Development Board. 

Beth Moats is Vice President of Marketing & Communications at VisitGreenvilleSC, where she leads brand, PR, content, and advertising to grow tourism’s economic impact for the Greenville community. Since joining in 2021, she has built a more integrated marketing operation, deepened collaboration with partners and agencies, evolved the destination’s brand and voice, and simplified performance reporting to focus on metrics that drive decisions. Previously, Beth spent more than a decade at ad agency EP+Co as Account Director for brands like Verizon, Chick-fil-A, and Denny’s before moving into a VP operations role. She also served as Marketing Director for Elliott Davis, a southeast based accounting and business consulting firm. 

Bob moved to Greenville in December of 1999 to become President of the Community Foundation of Greenville. Bob attended Wake Forest University, earned his JD/MBA in 1986, and became a member of the North Carolina Bar. He began his career in Trust Banking before joining the Foundation For The Carolinas as its Vice President for Development in 1996. 

Bob is a member of the Greenville Downtown Rotary Club, the Greenville Estate Planning Council, and is a Paul Harris Fellow. He is a volunteer for the OnTrack Greenville Middle Grades Success Initiative, Triune Mercy Center, and the CEO Build Task Force for Habitat for Humanity. Bob is a graduate of Leadership Greenville and the Diversity Leadership Institute. He has been recognized in the Upstate Business Journal’s “Who’s Who” of Greenville. 

Carlos Phillips is the impact-driven chief executive of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, the 136-year-old business services organization working to achieve a globally competitive regional economy where businesses succeed, and people prosper. He’s a trusted community leader and a believer in the value of inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems and economies. He drives the Chamber’s business advocacy, connections, leadership development, economic development, and diversity and economic inclusion initiatives. Through his leadership, the Greenville Chamber earned 5-Star Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, improved its balance sheet and financial position, developed three 3-year strategic plans, led the statewide expansion of its minority business accelerator initiative, developed a diversity and economic inclusion-specific strategic plan, and influenced legislation that provides second-chance job opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals. 

Phillips has been recognized for his business achievements and community leadership, including being named one of Greenville’s “Top 50 Most Influential” by the Greenville Business Magazine and inducted into its Hall of Fame. He has served on numerous community boards, including the Community Foundation of Greenville, Urban League of the Upstate, Visit GreenvilleSC, and the United Way of Greenville County, where he was recognized as its Advocate of the Year in 2018. He has chaired numerous initiatives, including the UNCF Upstate Mayor’s Masked Ball Leadership Council and the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, and is a current U.S. Chamber of Commerce board member. 

Phillips holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Kentucky, a Master of Arts in Organizational Communications from Western Kentucky University and earned Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) designation in 2023.

Tracy Ramseur is the Cultural Arts Manager for the City of Greenville’s Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, a position she has held since 2020. Tracy oversees the City’s public art program and manages its collection of more than one-hundred and fifty works of art. Additionally, she serves as liaison to the City’s Arts in Public Places Commission and assists them in evaluating and recommending the placement of art throughout the city. 

Tracy began her career with the City of Greenville in 2007. Prior to transitioning to her current role, she served as Senior Economic Development Project Manager, and her primary areas of focus included the revitalization of commercial corridors, business recruitment and retention, master plan development and implementation, and public-private partnerships. 

As the CEO of the Greenville Area Economic Development Corporation, Stewart and his team are in charge of building a resilient Greenville County. In addition to fostering local growth, we facilitate domestic and international expansion opportunities to the Greenville Area. By forging connections with global markets, they  empower Greenville Area businesses to thrive on an international scale. 

Having spent 12 years in state and local economic development organizations, Stewart has  worked on a number of successful economic development projects. He helped build a new product sector (Aviation) which has seen a very successful first 5 years including a number of company announcements and educational partnerships.  

With a background steeped in international trade and nonprofit leadership, Stewart brings a wealth of senior management expertise. His track record includes successful collaborations with esteemed entities such as the US Department of State, Department of Commerce, US Embassies, and Foreign Governments. He has offered consultancy services encompassing government compliance, regulatory affairs, export and import promotion, business development, and strategic insights into international markets. 

Greenville’s tremendous quality of life and entrepreneurial spirit convinced Gage to move from New York City with his family in 2010. Since then, the City’s charm and sense of community has made it his adopted hometown. 

Gage is passionate about making the most of Greenville’s remarkable growth to benefit us all by removing the systemic barriers that hold people back and strengthening the pathways that propel people forward. As President & CEO, he is responsible for aligning all of Hollingsworth Funds assets in pursuit of a Greenville where equitable opportunities exist for all to advance and thrive. Gage has spent two decades advocating for meaningful community impact in the field of philanthropy, most recently as a director and strategist at Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors. He is a Liberty Fellow and currently serves on the board of OnTrack Greenville. 

Gage received a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Richmond and a Masters in Business Administration from Fordham University. 

Weissman specializes in building and revitalizing organizations that drive entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic growth. From corporate roles at Fifth Third Bank and Disney to leading startup support at Cintrifuse and NextGEN, he brings a 360-degree view of what it takes to scale companies and communities. Weissman is passionate about supporting founders, fostering corporate-startup collaboration, and shaping the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders. 

Mayor White has served on City Council since 1983 and as mayor since December 1995. A native of Greenville, Mayor White is a graduate of Christ Church Episcopal School and Greenville High School and attended Wake Forest University and the University of South Carolina Law School. He was a partner in the law firm of Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, where he led the firm’s immigration and customs practices. 

His tenure as mayor has been defined by neighborhood revitalization, economic development, and transformational projects for downtown. Over the past two decades, Greenville has earned national acclaim for its livability and pro-business environment and has become an award-winning destination. If you ask Mayor White what makes Greenville so unique, he’ll tell you that it’s due in large part to good planning and even greater partnerships.  

Key projects and initiatives that have occurred under his leadership include the removal of the Camperdown Bridge, the creation of Falls Park and the Liberty Bridge, development along the Reedy River, including Unity Park, construction of a baseball stadium downtown, development of the Swamp Rabbit Trail, installation of public art, and record annexations.  

The City has also invested in its neighborhoods with initiatives such as sidewalk expansion and street resurfacing programs, reinvestment in neighborhood parks, traffic calming, master plans for commercial corridors, and an affordable housing strategy. 

Mayor White and his wife, Marsha, have two children and two grandchildren.