SCMC Announces New Board Leadership

South Carolina Manufacturers and Commerce (SCMC) has announced the election of Howard Coker, president and CEO of Sonoco, as the next chair of its board of directors.

Coker succeeds Grant Burns, executive vice president and general counsel of AFL, who served as SCMC’s inaugural board chair. Burns previously chaired the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance board of directors and helped lead its merger with the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce to form SCMC in January 2026.

“Howard Coker is one of the state’s most respected business leaders and understands what it takes for South Carolina companies to succeed,” said Sara Hazzard, president and CEO of SCMC. “His experience and leadership will be invaluable as we continue building a stronger, more competitive business climate. I also want to thank Grant Burns for his outstanding leadership and commitment to our organization during a historic period of change.”

Coker has served as president and CEO of Sonoco since 2020. He joined the Hartsville-based company in 1985 and has held numerous leadership positions across its manufacturing and global operations. A graduate of Wofford College, Coker also holds an MBA from Wake Forest University and serves on the boards of several business and educational organizations. Find Coker’s biography and headshot here.

“This is an important time for the future of South Carolina, and I’m eager to help shape what comes next,” said Coker. “I love this state and believe deeply in its people, its businesses, and the opportunities ahead. I look forward to working with SCMC and our members to build on our success, strengthen our business climate, and ensure South Carolina remains a place where businesses and families can thrive for generations.”

SCMC’s leadership for the coming year includes:

Executive Committee

Chair: Howard Coker, Sonoco Vice Chair: Keller Kissam, Dominion Energy Second Vice Chair and Secretary: Terrance Ford, AT&T Treasurer: Curtis Hutto, Thompson Construction Group Immediate Past Chair: Grant Burns, AFL Industry Council Representative: Ellis Fisher, Inman Mills Policy Representative: Jake Scott, Collum’s Lumber Products Moderator of Council of Advisors: Boyd Jones, Pinnacle + Synovus Board of Directors

Terms Expiring 2027

Grant Burns, AFL Rozier Blanchard, Blanchard Machinery Francesca Mosteller, Michelin Tim Pearson, Duke Energy JP Rammo, Milliken & Company Dan Royston, A.O. Smith Sym Singh, Scout Motors Woody Swink, McCall Farms Inc. Robert Wick, Schaeffler John Wright, McCoy Wright Commercial Real Estate Terms Expiring 2028

Howard Coker, Sonoco James D’Alessio, BlueCross BlueShield SC Ellis Fisher, Inman Mills Terrance Ford, AT&T Curtis Hutto, Thompson Construction Group Keller Kissam, Dominion Energy Sidney Locke, Sage Automotive Interiors Jake Scott, Collum’s Lumber Products Jessica Williford, The Boeing Company Katie Yehl, Volvo Cars Terms Expiring 2029

Blair Belk, Coca-Cola Consolidated Derick Close, Springs Creative Andrew Dill, Lockheed Martin Boyd Jones, Pinnacle + Synovus Steve Jones, Colonial Life Nate McGaughey, Nucor Steel Berkeley Scott Medley, BMW Manufacturing Company, LLC Mark O’Halla, Prisma Health Jay Self, Greenwood Mills Mike Shetterly, Ogletree Deakins

SCMC Announces New Board Leadership

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