USC Salkehatchie Reveals Leadership Class of 2026 Members

The Leadership Institute at USC Salkehatchie has named its Leadership Salkehatchie Class of 2026, drawing educators, business leaders, and local government officials from across Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper counties into a six-month program designed to build the next generation of regional leaders.

The program kicked off on January 22 with an orientation session titled "Leading with Purpose" held at the Atrium on the university's Allendale campus. Dr. Linda Salane, CEO of Why Not Now Consulting & Executive Coaching, delivered the opening keynote, "Your Brain Rules: Thinking and Acting Like a Leader," offering participants a deep dive into the neuroscience of leadership.

Shelby Broomfield, Director of the Leadership Institute, framed the program's ambitions in broad terms. "We are thrilled to welcome this talented group of individuals into the Leadership Salkehatchie family," Broomfield said. "Our mission is to cultivate a network of informed, connected, and motivated leaders who are prepared to drive positive change. By examining the unique challenges and opportunities within our six-county region, these participants will develop the collaborative skills necessary to strengthen our communities and ensure a prosperous future for the Salkehatchie area."

Over the coming months, cohort members will engage with subject-matter experts on economic development, education, and healthcare, with previous program cycles also covering topics such as the judicial system, diversity, and legislative advocacy. The class will also complete a community service project intended to leave a tangible impact on the Lowcountry.

The program traditionally culminates with a day trip to Washington, D.C., where participants meet with South Carolina's full federal delegation. Past cohorts have boarded early-morning flights to the capital for back-to-back meetings with senators and representatives, including a visit to the House floor to observe legislative votes. According to one participant account from a prior class, the Washington trip spanned more than fourteen hours and included individual conversations with members of the state's congressional delegation and their staffs.

Leadership Salkehatchie is sponsored in part by SouthernCarolina Alliance alongside USC Salkehatchie, and draws participants who live or work within the program's six-county service area. The cohort's professions span manufacturing, education, journalism, public service, and nonprofit work, reflecting the economic and civic diversity of the region the program aims to strengthen.