Marilyn Hemingway earned her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of South Carolina before founding the Gullah Geechee Chamber Foundation Inc and Gullah Geechee Chamber of Commerce, where she serves as CEO and president.

Hemingway received a presidential appointment to the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission National Heritage Area and was elected chair of the Commission’s Economic Development and Tourism Alliance committee in 2024. She serves on multiple boards including the SC Energy Coalition, Just Transition Advisory Board Santee Cooper and SC Seagrant Consortium Advisory Board.

In 2024, Hemingway partnered with 7 Dimensions Outreach and Solar United National to develop South Carolina’s first renewable energy project of its type led by two Black women-operated organizations—a solar-powered electric vehicle charging station paired with a workforce development OSHA 10 certification course in Georgetown.

Her recent certifications include sustainability leadership from Furman University and economic development from the SC Department of Commerce. Hemingway credits her mother’s guidance: “You have the right, honor and responsibility to question authority.”

Karen R. Jenkins holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Business Administration from Webster University. As President and CEO of KRJ Consulting, LLC, she leads a 27-person organization specializing in business consulting with an innovative approach to helping organizations adapt to change while keeping people at the center.

Jenkins made history as the first African American woman to chair the Columbia Chamber of Commerce in its 121-year history. She serves on the Executive Board of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, where she chairs the Small Business Committee, and is a member of the National Small Business Association Leadership Council.

In early 2025, Jenkins founded The Synerverse, a professional development community for entrepreneurs and leaders navigating change, fear and uncertainty with courage and clarity. She is also a TEDx speaker on the topic of Leveraging the Power of Energy Within.

“Your mindset determines your momentum,” Jenkins said. “Where your mind goes, your energy flows and what you focus on grows.”

Kevin Sheilley earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Union University before beginning his career with the Tennessee General Assembly, working for the leadership of the House Agriculture Committee. Over more than 30 years in chamber and economic development work, Sheilley has led organizations across six cities in four states.

As president and CEO of the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, Sheilley leads a 25-person team focused on business engagement and economic development. He serves on the board of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and the South Carolina Military Advisory Council. His previous volunteer leadership includes serving as vice chair of United Way of Marion County and board member of Kids Central Inc.

Sheilley holds the Certified Chamber Executive designation from the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, where he also serves on the board. His professional recognitions include Florida Chamber Executive of the Year and the U.S. Department of Commerce Excellence in Economic Development honoree.

“Success is a business environment which is more successful and dynamic than when you started,” Sheilley said.

Neita Wiese brings extensive expertise in international affairs, government relations and economic development to her role leading Charleston Sister Cities International. Her career spans Fortune 500 companies including Hospital Corporation of America, Solvay Pharmaceuticals and Price Waterhouse Coopers, where she developed skills in communications, sales, marketing and management consulting.

Wiese has also contributed to the nonprofit sector through her work with the American Heart Association. She expanded her international business portfolio through export ventures in the specialty food sector, becoming a charter member of the South Carolina Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Food Association.

In her current position, Wiese led a 2018 trade mission to Panama City, Panama, in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Commerce, to promote economic growth and trade opportunities. She regularly hosts international business delegations and foreign dignitaries.

Wiese has served on numerous community boards including Charleston Women in International Trade as programs chair, the South Carolina Specialty Food Association as public relations chair and the Gibbes Museum of Art.