With the mission to provide comprehensive, statewide education about Santee Cooper, the Economic Development and Local Government team welcomed the inaugural class of the ENVOY Program.
“Outside of our service territory, a lot of people have heard about Santee Cooper, but few fully understand the scope of what we do every day,” said Manager of Economic Development and Local Government Mike Cool. “Over time, the program will cultivate a group of envoys, who are both knowledgeable about and appreciative of Santee Cooper’s impact on the people of South Carolina.”
While the economic development and local government team leads the program, its success is a true organization-wide effort. Experts from across Santee Cooper’s departments have contributed through presentations and tours, offering participants a well-rounded understanding of the company’s operations.
Participants in the program were nominated by members of Santee Cooper’s Board of Directors. Additionally, President and CEO Jimmy Staton and members of the C-staff selected one additional external participant.
“The goals for the first class – and every class to follow - is to make the program both fun and educational,” added Cool.
ENVOY Participants
- Roy Costner, Vice Chairman of Pickens County Council and President of the South Carolina Association of Counties
- Debbie Connor, City of Myrtle Beach County Council
- Willliam Pryor Tatum, President RH Moore Company
- John Lummus, President/CEO, Upstate SC Alliance
- Ashley Powell, Berkeley County Deputy Supervisor
- Rusty Burns, Anderson County Administrator
- Erika D. Williams, Manager, Communications and Strategic Initiatives, TheLINK, Lee and Sumter Counties
- Rob Wiggins, City of Goose Creek Economic Development Director
- Jason Brown, Director of Stakeholder Relations, Charleston Regional Development Alliance
- Latorie S. Lloyd, Town of Moncks Corner Council
- Dan R. D’Alberto, Managing Director, Purpose Equity
- Leann Hutto, Vice President of Human Resources, Newberry Electric Cooperative
- Troy Simpson, Vice President of Member Services, Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative
- Philip Cavatoni, Chief Financial Officer, JW Aluminum
The first of four sessions took place in September at Wampee Conference Center, where participants received an overview of Santee Cooper’s rich history, dating back to the creation of lakes Marion and Moultrie. The session also featured a boat ride through the Pinopolis Lock, a tour of Old Santee Canal Park, and a visit to the Regional Water System on Lake Moultrie.
In November, the second session focused on key infrastructure, including dams and dikes, power generation and Camp Hall Industrial Park.
The final two sessions, scheduled for 2025, will explore transmission, distribution, the industrial customer base and resource planning. The program will culminate in a special event celebrating the inaugural graduating class.