Sumter Chamber to honor educators, spotlight new leaders at seminar

Celebrating outstanding educators and highlighting new educational leadership will take center stage at the Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce's State of Education seminar on Friday, Nov. 20, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Christ Community Church, 320 Loring Mill Road.

The morning will feature the Educator of the Year Awards, presented by Pinnacle Financial Partners + Synovus Bank, honoring exceptional educators and their contributions to local students and schools. Attendees will also hear from four leaders stepping into new roles across Sumter's educational institutions, offering fresh perspectives on the future of education in the community.

Part of the Feed Your Mind Breakfast Series presented by Prisma Health, the seminar will connect the celebration of today's educators with a conversation about the leadership, partnerships and opportunities shaping tomorrow's classrooms and workforce.

The event will also serve as a culmination of the Chamber's recognition of American Education Week, during which educational institutions throughout the community, including public, private and charter schools, colleges and universities will be spotlighted. The initiative celebrates the educators and institutions serving students across Sumter.

Featured panelists include:

- Brenda Hafner, superintendent of Liberty STEAM Charter School, brings nearly 30 years of public education experience spanning classroom teaching, school administration and district leadership. She now leads Liberty's three-academy network as it builds toward a full K-12 pathway. With deep ties to Sumter and a longstanding familiarity with Liberty's mission, Hafner brings both experience and a fresh perspective to this next season of growth.

- Gerald Gary, superintendent of Sumter School District, a Sumter native and Sumter High School graduate, brings 19 years of experience as a principal, along with leadership in district operations and strategic planning. He previously served as chief operations officer for Lexington-Richland School District Five. Gary's professional experience, commitment to educational excellence and personal connection to Sumter reflect his dedication to preparing students for success and strengthening the community he calls home.

- Eric Reisenauer, campus dean of the University of South Carolina Sumter, joined the campus as an assistant professor of history in 1997. Following service in academic administration, he was appointed interim campus dean in 2024 and named campus dean in March 2026. Reisenauer has experienced the world of higher education from virtually every perspective: classroom instructor, academic researcher, university administrator and chief executive officer.

- Jennifer Wilbanks, president of Central Carolina Technical College, brings more than 25 years of higher education experience. Her work focuses on innovative academic programs, student success, institutional growth and business partnerships that support economic development.

Brenda Gardner, regional workforce advisor with the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce, will moderate the discussion. For 17 years, Gardner has worked to connect education and industry across Sumter, Clarendon, Kershaw and Lee counties to strengthen the region's workforce pipeline.

Together, the panelists will discuss the opportunities ahead as they lead their institutions into new chapters, offering attendees a chance to hear how their individual priorities connect to the community's shared future.

Breakfast, sponsored by Thompson Construction, and networking begin at 7:30 a.m., followed by the program at 8 a.m. The event will conclude at 9:30 a.m.

Community members, business leaders and educators are invited to attend. Registration is available at SumterChamber.com.