Jeff Ayers In 2010, Jeff moved to Charleston (where he still lives) and with the encouragement of Linda Ketner, founder of SC Equality, he joined the board in 2011. Shortly after, in 2012, he became board chair and during his leadership, SC Equality has grown into the largest LGBT equality organization in South Carolina and was instrumental in the implementation of the Post DOMA Litigation Task Force and the TransAction Task Force. Most recently, Jeff lead the charge and was a vital part behind the strategy of the now historic lawsuit filed in the federal courts
which brought marriage equality to South Carolina for the first time in history in November of 2014. In 2015, he was a permanent fixture at the South Carolina State House, successfully fighting anti-LGBT legislation and supporting pro equality bills that would protect LGBT South Carolinians in the workplace, housing and public accommodations. “My goal has always been that, at some point in my lifetime, marriage equality would be the law of the land and would not be an issue any longer, and that everyone will be treated equally under the law. Last year, I witnessed the constitutional right of all same sex couples in South Carolina with the right to marry the person they love. And as we continue to march down this long hard road for equality, we pause to celebrate our recent victory, however, the movement is far from over. In South Carolina, you can still be fired because of who you are (or love), can be turned away because a business owner doesn’t agree with your lifestyle and you can be refused housing. Our LGBT teenagers are still bullied in our schools, with some of the highest rates of any state in the Union. And transgender South Carolinians are still discriminated against and deserve the right to live as they choose. For those who continue to stand against these civil rights, they look as outdated as George Wallace standing on the school steps keeping James Hood from entering the University of Alabama because he was black.”
For over 20 years, he has been an innovative thinker and leader in business technology, having led the design and implementation of the TLC program for USAirways (now American Airlines). He first became an LGBT activist in the 1990’s, serving with The Names Project (AIDS Memorial Quilt) and in October, 1996, was part of the organization when the entire quilt was displayed on the National Mall in Washington. While living in Charlotte, NC he served as board chair of the former Metrolina AIDS Project, a local AIDS service organization in the greater Charlotte-metro area which once served over 1400 people infected with AIDS.
Lauren Bilton Lauren Bilton is a native of Columbia South Carolina. She graduated from the University of SC with a Bachelors of Art in Psychology and a minor in Literature. Currently, Lauren serves as South Carolina Democratic Party’s Third Vice Chair, 2nd Congressional Director of South Carolina Democratic Women’s Council, and National Committeewoman of Young Democrats of South Carolina. She is also a member of Shandon United Methodist Church in Columbia, South Carolina.
Senator Margie Bright-Matthews Margie Bright Matthews was elected in a special election in 2015 to replace the late Senator Clementa Pinckney. Margie is the second woman actively serving in the S.C. Senate. She represents District 45 in the Low Country. Margie has her own law firm in Walterboro, SC. She is president of the Colleton County Bar Association and she was on an advisory panel for the state Commission on Indigent Defense.
Matthew Cauthen Matthew is a senior at the University of South Carolina double majoring in History and Political Science. His first introduction to politics was watching “Meet the Press” with his grandfather when he was a little kid. From that point on, he was enamored with politics and helping his community in whatever capacity he could. He currently serves as President of the College Democrats of South Carolina and he is Third Vice Chair of the Richland County Democratic Party.
Rev. Dr. Betty Deas-Clark Reverend Dr. Betty Deas Clark is a pastor, author, global strategist, innovator and philanthropist. In 2016, Dr. Clark was appointed the first female pastor in the 200 year history of Mother Emanuel AME Church, a historic institution steeped rich in tradition located in Charleston, South Carolina. Following the tragic events surrounding June 17, 2015, Dr. Clark has been hailed as “America’s Pastor”.
Today Mother Emanuel AME Church is one of America’s most influential African Methodist Episcopal congregations, with over 1,600 names on the church roll and over 60 community outreach initiatives and small groups, including business executives, single parents, rehabilitated offenders, individuals battling mental health disorders, HIV outreach, domestic violence and grief counseling.
As a global strategist, Dr. Clark advises leaders in the public, private, and faith sectors on leadership development, poverty, health, education, and faith in today’s culture, Dr. Clark is often sought after by media as a resource on various religious issues.
Prior to her most recent appointment, Dr. Clark served as the pastor of seven churches. She has many firsts to her name: First female president of the Ministerial Alliance (Charleston vicinity), the first female to serve as Deans and Chair of the Board of Examiners for the African Methodist Episcopal Church in South Carolina and the first African American female to serve as Chair of the Board of Zoning Appeals for both the city and county of Sumter, South Carolina to name a few.
Dr. Clark is a native of Awendaw, South Carolina. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Limestone College. Making history by becoming the first to graduate with a Master of Divinity degree from the Charleston Extension Program of Erskine Seminary, and obtained a Doctor of Ministry degree concentrating in personal and family spiritual renewal from Erskine Seminary, located in Due West, South Carolina. She is the mother of one. The Clarks reside in Historic Downtown Charleston.
A’Shanti F. Gholar A’shanti F. Gholar is the Political Director for Emerge America, the only organization dedicated to recruiting, training, and empowering Democratic women to run for public office. For 15 years, A’shanti has been a grassroots organizer and activist for women, communities of color, and progressive causes. She has experience in building coalitions, program development, and community and political engagement. Prior to coming to Emerge America, A’shanti served as the National Deputy Director of Community Engagement and Director of African American Engagement for the Democratic National Committee. A’shanti has also served as the Manager of National Partnerships for United Way Worldwide, as a political appointee in the Obama Administration at the U.S. Department of Labor, and as the Director of Public Engagement for the Democratic National Convention Committee in Charlotte, NC.
A native Nevadan, A’shanti holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a Master’s of Science Degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology with an emphasis on leadership development and women in leadership. A’shanti can be reached via email at [email protected].
Jaime R. Harrison A rising star in the Democratic Party, Jaime R. Harrison draws on his mastery of the legislative process to lead the South Carolina Democratic Party into a brand new day. As the former director of floor operations and counsel for former House Majority Whip, Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC), he was responsible for the successful navigation and passage of key legislation and served as a senior political and legislative adviser. Accumulating a wealth of experience and a deep bench of relationships, Jaime worked closely with the House and Senate leadership.
Previously, Jaime served as executive director of the House Democratic Caucus. Widely recognized for his work, Jaime was named six times as one of Roll Call’s “Fabulous Fifty Movers and Shakers Behind the Scenes on Capitol Hill” and listed as one of The Hill’s “35 Stellar Staffers Under 35.” In 2010, The Root web magazine included Jaime on its list of 100 “emerging and established African-American leaders who are making extraordinary contributions.” He was also dubbed one of the “Top 40 lawyers under 40” by the National Bar Association and Impact DC. Jaime has appeared as a political strategist on CNN, MSNBC and ATN’s “American Dream.” He is a regular guest lecturer for the Brookings Institute and the Congressional Black Caucus Political Education Leadership Institute’s Political Training Boot Camp. In 2009, he served as a lecturer for the Harvard Kennedy School’s Black Policy Conference. Jaime has developed and conducted a small business development seminar and provided legal technical assistance to small business owners in Washington, DC. Before entering politics, Jaime worked in education serving as chief operating officer and director of program development for the College Summit, Inc., a national nonprofit organization that helps low-income students enroll in college. Jaime currently serves as a Principle at The Podesta Group.
A teacher at heart, Jaime once taught world geography at his high school alma mater in Orangeburg, South Carolina. A first-generation college graduate, Jaime earned a bachelor’s from Yale University and Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center.
Jaime lives in Columbia with his wife Marie, who is a professor of law at the University of South Carolina and their son William.
Senator Marlon Kimpson Marlon Kimpson is the Senator for District 42 in the Charleston/Dorchester area. He was elected in 2013. Marlon is a member attorney with Motley Rice LLC, Marlon has represented a variety of clients including asbestos workers injured by occupational disease, employees and investors whose retirement funds have diminished due to fraud, families devastated by transportation accidents, and students whose civil and human rights were violated. Marlon is active in the community, currently serving as Chair of the Closing the Gap in Healthcare Scholarships for African-American Students at MUSC. He formerly served on the Carolina Youth Development Center Board and the Charleston Trident Urban League Board.
Representative Mia McLeod Mia McCloud is the Representative for District 79 in the Columbia area. She has held that office since 2011 and she is currently running for Senate District 22. Mia is a leader who has been recognized as one of South Carolina’s “Top 20 Under 40.” She has actively served on Small Business, Public Relations, Education and Diversity Committees while on the SC Chamber of Commerce’s Board and in 2010, earned the distinction of Liberty Fellow, which is affiliated with the Aspen Global Leadership Network. In 2011, she became a New Deal Leader and in 2012, completed the CALS Leadership Program and the Diversity Leaders Initiative with the Riley Institute at Furman University.
Representative Mandy Powers Norrell Mandy is a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, representing House District 44, which comprises the southern portion of Lancaster County. She graduated Cum Laude with a B.A. from Furman University in 1995. She received her Juris Doctor Degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1997, from which she also graduated Cum Laude, Order of the Coif, and Order of the Wig and Robe. She is licensed to practice in both North and South Carolina, in South Carolina State and Federal Courts, and in the United States Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Prior to her election into the South Carolina House of Representatives, Mandy was the City Attorney for the City of Lancaster from 1999 through 2012, and Town Attorney for the Town of Kershaw, South Carolina from 2010 through 2012. She is currently a partner at Norrell and Powers Norrell, LLC.
She was elected to the South Carolina State House of Representatives in 2012. In 2016, she gave the official Democratic Response to Governor Nikki Haley's State of the State address.
Mandy Powers Norrell married fellow attorney Mitchell A. Norrell on March 18, 1995. Together they have two children, Powers Thaddeus and Emma Ross Isabella. She and her family reside in Lancaster, South Carolina where they attend First Baptist Church, Lancaster, SC.
Kevin Quinn Kevin Quinn is Chair of the Board of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. Kevin was elected to the position of Board Chair in February 2016. He has served on the Board since 2013 and was the Vice Chair from 2014-2016. Kevin is the founder of Genki Advisory, a consulting and investment firm. For over 20 years, Kevin was employed at Goldman, Sachs & Co. where he worked with high tech companies in the firm’s investment banking division.
Kevin served in a number of senior roles in Goldman Sachs’ New York, San Francisco and Tokyo offices. He is a graduate of Columbia College and Columbia Business School. Kevin resides in Short Hills, NJ with his wife, Jane and their three children.
Warren Redmond-Gress Warren was named the first Executive Director of AFFA in October of 2001. He is one of the founders of AFFA and has served on the board since its inception. Warren holds a BA in History and a Masters in Divinity. He and his partner moved to South Carolina and established RGA Logistics – US Customs Brokers. He and his partner of 29 years, rx Jim Redman-Gress, have one son, Cristopher. Warren is currently a member of ACLU, AACP, GLAAD, Family Pride Coalition, NGLTF, HRC, National Notary Assoc., Charleston Chamber of Commerce and Custom Brokers Association.
Terris Riley Terris is a Digital Strategist from Blythwood, South Carolina. She is currently the Director of Constituent Support, for SC State Representative Gilda Cobb-Hunter. Prior to joining Ms. Cobb-Hunter’s staff, Terris served as President of a small information technology firm in Blythewood, SC. The firm specialized in custom software development & business process solutions. In 2013, under her leadership, they received an award for the 3rd Best Performing Small Business in South Carolina.
Prior to launching her own business, Terris consulted professionally in the IT industry for over 15 years with companies such as Microsoft Corporation, BlueCross & BlueShield of South Carolina, and IKON Office Solutions. In 2014 Terris founded TheVow Projek, a non-profit organization which provides a strong community support system for women business professionals, small business owners & budding entrepreneurs. The purpose of this organization is to end political bullying in marketplace.
Most recently, Terris was elected as a National Delegate for the 2016 Democratic National Convention to be held in Philadelphia, PA. She currently resides in Blythewood, SC with her husband of 16 years, Jacque’, and their two boys, Kameron and Myles.
Christale Spain Christale Spain is the Executive Director of the South Carolina Democratic Party; she has been with the party since 2012. Christale temporarily served as Interim Executive Director of SCDP in 2015 during this time she helped plan and coordinate one the Party’s most successful Issues Conference’s to date. Most-recently Christale served on Senator Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign in South Carolina and other states as the Political Outreach Director.
Christale began working in politics in 2008 by volunteering for the Obama for America presidential campaign. Her love for people and community activism has led her to a number of volunteer opportunities and leadership roles. Christale worked in the social services field for many years advocating for adolescents, people with disabilities and the homeless.
Christale received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (Human Services) at the University of South Carolina at Aiken and a Masters of Arts in Human Behavior and Conflict Management at Columbia College. She is also a Congressional Black Caucus Institute Boot Camp graduate.
Christale is a native of Columbia, SC where she currently resides with her teenage son. She looks forward to helping build a stronger South Carolina Democratic Party focused on organizing at the local level, constituency outreach and strategic planning.
John Tecklenburg John Tecklenburg was elected Mayor of Charleston and sworn in on January 11, 2016. He has spent much of his career as a small business owner and business advocate. Tecklenburg was Charleston's director of economic development from 1995 to 1999.
He has served as president of the historic Rotary Club of Charleston and president of the Crisis Ministries homeless shelter. He is co-founder and President of SC STRONG, a program for the rehabilitation of ex- offenders. He has also been a leader with the Palmetto Project, Charleston County Human Service Commission, SC Coastal Conservation League, and Lowcountry Aid to Africa.
Representative Mary Tinkler Mary was born and raised in Charleston, SC. She received her BA in Art History and Spanish from Rhodes College in Memphis, TN and, later, an MBA from Auburn University. Directly after undergrad, Mary lived and worked in Washington, DC at the Corcoran Gallery of Art and College of Art + Design. It wasn’t, though, until she moved back to Charleston that her love of politics truly developed. In 2012, she managed her dad’s campaign for SC Senate and loved seeing the political process at work. Her dad lost the special election by 14 votes and ultimately lost the general election to Paul Thurmond, Strom Thurmond’s youngest son.
Staying involved in local politics, Mary decided to put her hat into the ring two years ago and after a roller coaster of a campaign, was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives, representing District 114. She is currently running for Charleston County Treasurer. When not busy politicking, Mary works as a Realtor. She has two dogs, Cornbread and Moose.
Mary-Stuart Tinkler Mary-Stuart Tinkler is a native of Greenwood, SC and a senior at Columbia College majoring in Political Science. She got her start in politics at a young age, advocating for democratic candidates at the local, state, and national level. She currently serves as the Vice President of the College Democrats of South Carolina and President of the Columbia College Democrats.