In July, the chapter held its first event of 2021 with the goal of re-energizing and engaging with military and civilian institutions, as well as other community members in the area. The event held in Anderson, South Carolina, drew a diverse audience and a wide variety of speakers, including the lead guest speaker Col. James (Ronnie) Finley, Army National Guard, former South Carolina chief of staff, and the second guest speaker Jim Crawford, AFCEA regional vice president for North and South Carolina Chapters, as well as Chief Warrant Officer 3 Sarah Rees, USA.
The evening's speakers covered interesting and informative topics such as current and ongoing cyber threats, as well as the Colonial Pipeline security incident from May 2021 and its associated fuel shortages and economic impacts.
With the goal of re-energizing the chapter and increasing both membership numbers and diversity, it is critical to engage with institutions and community members from a wide range of industries and backgrounds. The first event of 2021 for the chapter did just that. Out of 21 attendees, there was representation from several organizations, including Clemson University, Anderson University, Fluor Corp, Ciena Government Services, Krydon Corp, C&D Technologies, South Carolina State Guard Cyber, Federal Aviation Administration, First Quality Corp., AFCEA Regional, The South Carolina National Guard and a South Carolina state representative for Union County. With support and representation from these incredible organizations, the chapter was able to bring together representatives from military, corporate and higher education backgrounds to engage in productive discussions and planning to ensure the success of the chapter and steady growth for future events.
The upstate of South Carolina is unique in its regional placement, providing access to established and emerging industries, as well as a number of highly qualified new graduates from universities such as Clemson University and Anderson University. The unique "trifecta" of local industries--military, corporate and academic--provide the chapter with opportunity to engage with community members from all backgrounds, which truly affects change and improvement in the lives of our young and upcoming generation of leaders in the area and across the world. As the chapter continues to grow, it aims to push forward and is determined to continue engaging with additional corporate and academic organizations.
In addition to the incredible panel of speakers at the kickoff event, two new officers were voted into the chapter. Trae King from Clemson University was elected as chief technology officer and Capt. James Reeves of the South Carolina Army National Guard as the chapter's new education/scholarships chair.
At the conclusion of the kickoff event in July, one thing was clear: the chapter is alive and well and will continue to grow and reach additional communities in the area. The chapter looks forward to continuing to engage with corporate and academic partners to provide opportunities that will continue to reinforce industries and economy in the Piedmont region. |
Jim Crawford, AFCEA regional vice president for North and South Carolina's chapters, speaks to (l-r) Col. William Oden, USAF, deputy chief of staff for cyber and intel, South Carolina State Guard (second from l); Randy DeBerry, manager, South Carolina Federal Aviation Flight Standards District Office; Col. Finley; and The Honorable Leon "Doug" Gilliam, South Carolina state representative, at the July event.
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