SC Future Makers

South Carolina Future Makers

About Us

What is the Goal of
South Carolina Future Makers?

The goal of the South Carolina Future Makers initiative is to expose and connect the next generation in the state of South Carolina to all of the opportunities it has to offer, close the STEM skills gap, and ultimately retain talent for future economic development and regional prosperity.

SC Future Makers was created by the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance.

In 2013, a report conducted by the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance revealed that finding skilled workers was the top challenge for manufacturers, exacerbated by an aging workforce and the state’s success in growing and attracting industry.

Recognizing that South Carolina can train a workforce as effectively as any state, we aimed to inspire the state’s children and their parents about manufacturing and technology careers. Our solution: the South Carolina Future Makers program.

Future Makers is a first-in-the-nation initiative for South Carolina’s manufacturing and technology sectors with students. Collaborating with Tallo, state agencies, technical colleges, and workforce development leaders, we showcase the vast career opportunities in manufacturing and tech, guiding students to achieve their dreams and secure their futures.

Our Partners

BMW Group
Boeing
Caterpillar
Honda
Lockheed Martin
Michelin
Milliken
Nucor
Samsung

Our Investors

It takes a village to build the future in South Carolina. FutureMakers is possible due in no small part to financial and strategic investments made by the following organizations commited to developing the next generation of talent in South Carolina.

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Our Team

Elisabeth Kovacs

Elisabeth Kovacs

Executive Director

Elisabeth is an experienced professional in economic, workforce and community development. With an extensive background in advancing South Carolina’s economy and workforce, Elisabeth previously served as the manager of Workforce Development for the S.C. Department of Commerce and worked at the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce and the S.C. Office of the Governor, as well as a two-year stint in the private sector.

Lee Middeke

Lee Middeke

Marketing Manager

Lee Middeke majored in Visual Communications at the University of South Carolina and graduated with a BA from the School of Journalism and Mass Communications. She minored in Studio Art and was actively involved in student media and the National Press Photographers Association. Before coming to SCMA, Lee worked in advertising and e-learning.
James Richter

James Richter

Director of Communications & Research

He is responsible for member relations, research, and workforce development activities for the SCMA. He previously served as the Deputy Communications Director for the South Carolina House Republican Caucus. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a Master of Arts in Public Administration from the University of South Carolina.
Sunny Philips

Sunny Philips

Vice President of Member Relations

Philips is responsible for membership development, overseeing conferences and events, and fund development for SC Future Makers. Philips has a strong background in association event management, membership recruitment, and political and nonprofit fundraising.
Tammy Kesby

Tammy Kesby

Director of Administrative & Financial Services

Before coming to SCMA, Tammy worked at Palmetto GBA, where she has served four years as a Senior Accountant. Tammy is an accounting professional with over 20 years of experience in for-profit and non-profit organizations where she specialized in budgeting, internal audit, external audit, financial accounting, cost accounting, and forecasting.

Our Work

In addition to SCFM’s mission of connecting students with opportunities, we collaborate with partners to tell the stories about people and places in SC and highlight the opportunities that are a part of manufacturing.

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