Scout Motors Inc. names design officer in advance of Blythewood plant opening

By Christina Lee Knauss cknauss@scbiznews.com

Chris Benjamin has been appointed chief design officer for Scout Motors Inc.

With his appointment, Scout is accelerating development of its all-purpose, all-electric truck and SUV, slated to be in production by the end of 2026, according to a news release.

e Virginia-based EV startup hopes to break ground later this summer on 1,100 acres in the Blythewood Industrial Park where it will manufacture electric trucks and

People in the News CONSTRUCTION

Paul Mashburn, CEO of Mashburn

Construction, is one of ve industry professionals who will receive the 2023 Hall of Fame Award by Carolina

Associated General Contractors at the organization’s 2023 Summit & Expo in Asheville this summer.

Geotechnical engineer Stephen Nickerson has joined Goodwyn Mills Cawood as regional geotechnical leader for the Carolinas and southern Georgia. He is responsible for overseeing growth of the geotechnical division. During his career, Nickerson has managed ground improvement and deep foundations design-build construction projects, including preconstruction, estimating, design and project management. He graduated from Clemson University with a bachelor’s in civil engineering and is a registered professional engineer in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and California.

Design

New at LS3P is marketing specialist Melissa Brown

A graduate of the University of South Carolina with a bachelor’s in journalism and mass communi-

SUVs. e Scout project, announced early in March, is the largest economic investment in the history of Richland County.

Benjamin will oversee interior and exterior design of the Scout vehicles, as well as concept development, user experience and overall integration of design and technology, the release said.

“Chris’ work is proli c — for nearly 25 years he’s brought to life vehicles that stand cation, Brown also has a graduate studies certi cate in marketing strategy from Cornell University. She brings more than six years of marketing experience from architectural and real estate rms, with a focus on responsive e orts and brand implementation through advertising and social media management.

Education

At Benedict College, Leon Geter has become interim dean for the School of Communication, Arts and Social Sciences. He had been chair of the department of criminal justice administration and social sciences and director of the Center for Cybersecurity. Prior to joining Benedict’s faculty in 2014, Geter chaired the department of criminal justice at the New York campus of Berkeley College. In his new role, Geter provides leadership for the students, faculty, sta and programs in the department of communication and arts as well as the department of criminal justice administration. A Benedict graduate, he earned a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York, a master’s in cybersecurity operations and leadership from the University of San Diego, and a Doctor of Management in Organizational Leadership at the University of Phoenix.

Financial Services

First Reliance Bank has promoted Sarah Baldwin to senior vice president of retail mortgage sales at its mortgage division.

out on the road,” said Scout Motors CEO and President Scott Keogh. “His thumb prints are all over many of the most beloved o -road vehicles in the market today. I’m con dent that Chris will build on that experience as he de nes the next chapter of design for Scout and electric utility vehicles.”

A er graduating from Detroit’s College for Creative Studies, Benjamin launched his automotive design career by joining the design team at Mercedes-Benz. In succeeding years, Benjamin pushed design and creativity at brands including BMW, Volvo, and Stellantis, spending time in both Europe and the U.S. Most recently, Benjamin led interior design at Stellantis North America, serving the Jeep, Wagoneer, Chrysler, Dodge, and Ram Truck brands.

“I’ve been fortunate in my career to shape many o -road focused products that appeal to a broad range of American car buyers,” said Benjamin. “Classic Scout vehicles have always exerted a magnetic pull on me. ey created the archetype for the modern SUV in the ‘60s and proved that a daily driver could also be a weekend adventurer. My task now is to balance the iconic design language of the past with all of the innovative possibilities that electri cation unlocks.” it organizations. Since joining Bank of America as part of a South Carolina predecessor bank, Frierson has served in a number of leadership positions in commercial banking, commercial credit and the private bank. He graduated from Wake Forest University with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

She is responsible for developing and managing relationships with referral partners and working with a team of mortgage loan o cers. In addition, Baldwin recruits talent and expands the retail mortgage footprint.

Vicki Boylston is the new vice chair of the Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union board of directors, and Jenais Y. Means is the new board secretary. Boylston worked in the labor market information department at the South Carolina Department of Employment & Workforce for more than 30 years. Boylston was on the board of SCESC Credit Union when it merged with Palmetto Citizens in 2006; at that time she was appointed to the supervisory committee and served in that role until joining the board in February 2021. Means is a National Certi ed Counselor and licensed in North and South Carolina. She joined the supervisory committee in 2021 and was elected to the board in February 2023

Bank of America Private Bank has named Gregg N. Frierson as its South Carolina market executive. In this role, he leads the e orts of the bank’s teams in Charleston, Columbia and Greenville to deliver the right solutions and products to high-net-worth individuals, families, family foundations, and endowments and other nonprof-

Rick Redden has been named to the First Reliance Bank board of directors. Redden’s experience includes working with banks, public and private companies, nonprofits and higher educational institutions. He has assisted clients with acquisitions, major investments, capital structure decisions and succession strategies. Redden earned a Bachelor of Science in Business from Appalachian State University, an MBA from Georgia Tech, and is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Executive Leadership program.

Government Services

At the O ce of the State Treasurer, Leann Miller has been promoted to director of banking and Mike Addy to director of investment management. Miller joined the State Treasurer’s O ce a er working with the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs. Her division coordinates and provides banking services for state agencies, colleges and universities to respond to their needs in selecting and implementing appropriate banking solutions as well as ensure they have adequate collateral to secure state funds. Addy rejoined the State Treasurer’s O ce in 2020 as senior portfolio investment analyst. He has more than 30 years of institutional investment experience. Previously, he worked for the SC Retirement System Investment Commission, where he managed the internal xed income portfolios. He also worked for the State Treasurer’s O ce in investments as well as with AgFirst Bank.

South Carolina’s new deputy state treasurer is Melissa D. Simmons. She replaced Tonia Morris, who recently retired. Simmons oversees the agency’s banking, investment, and treasury management divisions. She joined the State Treasurer’s O ce in 2016, initially leading the banking division. In addition, Simmons was a nancial adviser with Ameriprise Financial Advisors and served the state of South Carolina for 27 years in various auditing, management and nancial roles at the State Auditor’s O ce and at the Department of Health and Human Services. A graduate of the University of South Carolina, she has a bachelor’s in accounting.

Law

Brian Critzer has joined Wyche’s Columbia o ce as a litigation associate. He focuses his practice on appeals and complex litigation, representing plainti s and defendants in state and federal courts. Prior to joining Wyche, Critzer served as senior law clerk to Kaye Hearn at the Supreme Court of South Carolina. He is a summa cum laude graduate of Greensboro College and a cum laude graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law, where he served as articles editor of the South Carolina Law Review and was inducted into the Order of the Wig and Robe, an honor for students with outstanding academics.

Marketing And Public Relations

Flock and Rally has expanded its creative team by adding Forrest Clonts as senior creative strategist and Rebecca Rebl as graphic artist. Clonts serves as an account supervisor and creative expert for such clients as Experience Columbia, Motor Supply Company

Bistro, Disability Rights South Carolina, Carolina Ale House, e Comet, and Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. He was a Flock and Rally contractor for more than 10 years. Clonts also served as the public information director for USC’s vice president for research and ran his own business, Forrest Clonts Studio. Rebl designs essential brand and campaign assets, print publications, social graphics, advertisements, and other deliverables. She supports the agency’s work with such clients as e Comet, Peak Dri Beverages, the University of South Carolina, York Technical College, St. Pat’s in Five Points, and the Municipal Association of South Carolina. Rebl has a Bachelor of Music with a performance emphasis from the University of South Carolina.

Nonprofit

LRADAC has promoted Wendy Hughes to president and CEO from chief financial o cer, Hughes has 20 years of experience in nonpro t and health care administration, including 13 years as vice president and chief nancial o cer at LRADAC. A graduate of the University of South Carolina, Hughes earned her MBA from USC. She is also a graduate of Leadership Columbia. In addition to her work at LRADAC, Hughes is a surveyor for the Council on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.

Real Estate

John Coleman has joined Trinity Partners Columbia as a brokerage associate. Previously, he worked in commercial real estate for a regional industrial development group. Coleman graduated from Duke University with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy Studies and a Master of Arts in Political Science. He then received his international MBA from the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business, where he also received certi cates in data analytics and global strategy. In addition, he completed internships with Baker & Baker and Cason Development Group.

Alyse Howard has joined Magnus Development Partners as marketing director. Prior to joining Magnus, she served in a similar role for a full-service commercial real estate rm. Howard graduated from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor’s in public relations.