Aaron Hydrick, Chairman
Aaron is a former US naval nuclear reactor operator with engineering degrees in Ceramic, Electrical, and Materials Science & Engineering.
As a leader in manufacturing, engineering and R&D, Aaron has helped teams develop, transform, and achieve breakthrough performance throughout their organization.
Having managed (and trained) engineers, operators, machinists, first-line supervisors, and even nuclear propulsion operators, Mr. Hydrick has developed and honed strategies, learning systems, and techniques over a 20-plus-year career.
James McQuilla, Vice-Chairman
James McQuilla graduated from The Citadel in 1988 with a bachelor of science in business administration and served as an admissions counselor. He received his MBA from Winthrop University in 1994.
Dr. Barbara Adams, Treasurer
Adams is a Professor of Accounting and has served the University in various capacities, including Interim Associate Vice President for Faculty and Programs. She is currently Dean of the School of Business and Chair of the Department of Accounting, Agribusiness & Economics. Prior to joining SC State, Adams held positions at Francis Marion University, the University of Houston at Clear Lake, Howard University, and Texas Southern University. She received the Ph.D. in accounting from Texas A&M University. She has more than 35 years of experience in academia, as well as professional experience in public accounting, as an expert witness in an Exxon case, and as a consultant to various small businesses, non-profits, and governmental agencies.
Adams’ research and teaching interests include auditing, corporate governance, accounting information systems and accounting ethics. She has published in both practitioner and academic journals. She has been the principal investigator on several grants related to entrepreneurship.
F. A. Johnson, Secretary
F. A. Johnson, II Esq., was named CEO in 2021 after serving in an interim capacity and as Director of Development for a year and a half. In addition to overseeing the CRC, Johnson is responsible for creating the vision and stewarding the establishment of permanently affordable housing, resource development, land protection efforts, securing major gifts, financial management, and pursuing a strategic, long-term vision for the Palmetto Community Land Trust.
Johnson works to expand the CRC’s strong relationships with private and public partners across the region. He brings 30 years of experience in economic development, real estate, business law, strategic planning, design, real estate development, government relations as well as grant and donor funding. He is responsible for managing third-party contracted professionals including legal, architectural/engineering services, property management, demolition, audit services, and accounting functions. Johnson is a proud graduate of Morehouse College and Emory School of Law.
Beth Smith
Beth Smith is an export business consultant for the SC SBDC. She works to support existing owners of small businesses, business owners within the BMW supply chain, retail development, new company soft landings, and start-up businesses to ensure a thriving entrepreneurial spirit in the area.
“Spartanburg is the home to advanced materials research, state-of-the-art robotic manufacturing, hundreds of international and domestic suppliers to BMW’s North American Operations, the SC Inland Port (shipping & logistics), and seven colleges,” Smith said. “Spartanburg embraces innovation, quality, production, efficiency and job opportunity for talented individuals.”
Smith has an interesting private sector professional background, having worked in marketing and organizational development for Motorola (Chicago), Digital Equipment Corporation (Boston), CNA Insurance (Chicago), American Electric Power (Columbus, OH), and UMB Financial Services (Kansas City). Over the course of her career, she became known for market-based strategic consulting. Her global marketing, sales, and distribution expertise was cultivated through leading academics at Northwestern University, University of Texas (Austin), and Emory University, as well as at consumer giants such as Coca-Cola, P&G, and 3M.
Smith earned an MS in education, a CBA from the University of Toledo, and the Certified Global Business Professional designation from NASBITE. She is a certified instructor with Blanchard Training, Acclivus, Huthwaite, Rummler, Mager, and NxLevel. She is a certified Assessment Specialist with HR Chally. Smith’s work as a former PhD Partner at Mercer rounded out her formal education in organizational effectiveness practices while working on a FERC-regulated merger.
Smith believes in the power of entrepreneurial spirit whether it comes from the synergy of employees in a corporation or it is personally delivered by business owners. Her educational background and knowledge of a wide base of industries enable her to quickly establish credibility with her SBDC clients.
“I feel such a sense of accomplishment when I see that I am connecting with my clients,” Smith said. “I know then that a client truly understands what it will take to make their business successful. I know it will be just a matter of time before the client calls me to tell me of their success. That is what motivates me each day.”
SC SBDC services include personalized, confidential, free business consulting concerning many aspects of running a small company. For example, consultants can assess the feasibility of a business idea, help write a business plan or provide marketing guidance. While the SC SBDC does not provide loans, its consultants guide entrepreneurs toward potential financial options.
Ciara Williams
Ciara Williams was appointed Project Manager for the Orangeburg County Development Commission in January 2022. She is a native of Newport News, Virginia, and a graduate of South Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications.
Prior to joining the Orangeburg County Development Commission, Ciara worked in leading major product launches and marketing campaigns across food packaging and global power tools manufacturing companies with Genpak and Apex Tool Group. With a firm grasp on manufacturing, production processes, marketing, and communications, she attracts increased capital investments, diversifies employment opportunities, and implements marketing strategies for OCDC. She also has a passion for serving in the community from previous volunteer opportunities.
Henry Ideozu
Dr. Nicholas Hill
Experienced Professor of Economics with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry. Skilled in Policy Analysis, Data Analysis, Statistics, Entrepreneurship Research, Health Economics, and Economic Research. Strong education professional with a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) focused in Business Administration (Economics) from Jackson State University. Proven leadership experience as Dean of School of Business. A great ability to work with all people to accomplish a common goal.
Williette Waring-Berry
Mrs. Williette Waring Berry has been practicing law since 1997 (currently in Orangeburg) and has over 25 years of practice in bankruptcy and tax law, automobile accidents and personal injury law, criminal law, real estate, general practice. She is graduate of South Carolina State University and has her law degree from Wake Forest University School of Law. Currently, Williet is Assistant Vice-President of Academic Affairs at Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College.
