FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: James Richter
Mobile: 803.528.1288
Email: james@myscma.com
(Columbia, SC) – The South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA) has announced the 2025–2026 class of the SC Manufacturing Leadership Program (SCMLP), welcoming 22 rising leaders from across South Carolina’s manufacturing community. This year’s participants represent a diverse mix of industry sectors and companies, including some of the state’s most well-known manufacturers and global brands.
Launched in 2023 by SCMA and its education foundation, SC Future Makers, in partnership with the Executive Education Center at the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina, the SCMLP delivers a rigorous, high-impact learning experience. Participants engage with internationally recognized faculty, accomplished business executives, and seasoned manufacturing experts to gain fresh insights and practical strategies. The curriculum covers essential areas such as global growth, organizational strategy, emerging technologies, supply chain management, corporate culture, leadership, and personal development, equipping leaders with the skills to navigate an ever-evolving manufacturing landscape.
Since its inception, the SCMLP has graduated 39 manufacturing professionals who are now applying their skills to strengthen companies and communities across the state.
“We are excited to welcome our third class of rising stars in manufacturing to SCMLP,” said Sara Hazzard, President and CEO of the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance. “What is special about this group – and each one of our cohorts that has participated in this collaborative effort – is that it includes professionals from the companies driving innovation, creativity and job creation in our growing industry and economy. We can’t wait for participants to share their experience and expertise with each other, and we remain grateful for program partners, stakeholders and investors who continue to inspire South Carolina’s next generation of manufacturing leaders.”
The SCMLP is made possible through the support of The Boeing Company, Dominion Energy, Duke Energy, and Sage Automotive Interiors. A group photo of the 2025–2026 class is attached and approved for media use.
The 2025–2026 SCMLP participants are:
• Tobias Braun – Corporate Controller, SAGE Automotive Interiors
• Joshua Buckley – General Manager, Assembly Production, BMW Manufacturing LLC
• Jerod M. Burghardt – Progress Advisor (5S), Michelin NA
• Heather Coleman – Production Supervisor, Mankiewicz Coatings
• Robert Colley – Level II Automation Supervisor, Nucor Steel Berkeley
• Lauren Cramer – Senior Manager – Supply Chain Planning, JTEKT North America
• Melissa Davis – Manager – Business Operations, JTEKT North America
• Jenna Driver – North American Map Market Analyst, SAGE Automotive Interiors
• Jesus Rodolfo Elizondo Yerena – Product Line Manager, AFL
• Brian Fink – Director of Quality & Continuous Improvement, Spartanburg Steel Products
• Scottie Hayes – Director of Production, Coca-Cola Consolidated
• LaKashia Johnson – Head of Communications, Mercedes-Benz Vans, LLC
• Katelyn Kent, PE – Operations Manager, Milliken & Company
• Drew Klapko – Shop Manager, Michelin
• Chad McAhren – Quality and EHS Manager, A&R Bulk Pak LLC
• Justin Quinn, CPM – Development Program Manager, AFL
• Peter Smith – Chief of Staff to the Head of Global Talent, The Boeing Company
• Chandler Spafford – Collaborative Business Planning Lead – NA, Husqvarna Forest & Garden
• Oana Walls – Supply Chain Manager, Contec
• Evan Wheeler – District Manager, Dominion Energy SC
• Travis Windham – Weld Manager, Production – Honda Powersports (SXS), American Honda South Carolina Manufacturing
• Guido Ygounet – IT Manager, Mercedes-Benz Vans, LLC
#
South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance
www.myscma.com
The South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance is the only statewide organization dedicated exclusively to the interests of manufacturers. Its mission is to strengthen and advance South Carolina manufacturing by advocating for our members, fostering a world-class workforce, and bringing together manufacturers to connect, share, and solve industry challenges. The SCMA membership is comprised of more than 200 manufacturing companies that represent more than 100,000 associates in South Carolina.