15 Minutes with Cheryl Garrison, leader of Leadership Greenville
Growing a greater Greenville is the vision of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce. Vital to that goal is growing and developing leaders. But in a workforce filled with side hustlers and gig workers, a skyrocketing number of young and mid-level professionals are determined to pave their own way in their careers.
While this approach to work and career might seem like a new phenomenon, executives at the Greenville Chamber of Commerce recognized the warning signs 50 years ago.
Concern grew that leadership skills and development would vanish as experienced leaders retired from business and community activism, and younger workers declined step up, instead choosing to strike out on their own. There was a clear need to counteract this trend.
Determined not to let Greenville fall short of having a developed, motivated, and ambitious group of leaders to bring the city into a new era of growth and innovation, the Greenville Chamber of Commerce formed Leadership Greenville in 1973.
The program is dedicated to educating and engaging a select group of new and emerging leaders who have demonstrated an interest in leading -- in their work and in the community. Throughout the program they are challenged to solve problems, think in new ways and to learn from one another, collaborating on a community service project. This year, the Greenville Chamber is celebrating Leadership Greenville’s 50th class. The 52 graduates in 2023-24, brought the total number to 2,376 over the past half century.
Leading the way for Leadership Greenville is Cheryl Garrison, the Executive Director of the Greenville Chamber Foundation, and the Chamber’s Director of Talent, Education and Leadership. Garrison is a graduate of Leadership Greenville herself, graduating with last year’s class 49. This year, she had the honor of leading the 50th Leadership Greenville class. The focus of this year’s class was the impact the program and the participants have had on the community. Garrison sat down with us to discuss more about Leadership Greenville and how the program is growing a greater Greenville.
TALK Greenville: Thanks for taking the time to talk with us. Leadership Greenville just celebrated the graduation of its 50th class. Can you tell us a little about Leadership Greenville?
Cheryl Garrison: Leadership Greenville is the Greenville Chamber’s flagship leadership development program. It’s a 10-month long experience designed for mid to upper-level professionals, who engage in interactive sessions, workshops, retreats and community projects designed to help them gain a deeper understanding of the needs and challenges facing the Greenville community. In addition to being part of a supportive environment for personal growth and development, participants emerge with new skills, knowledge and connections needed to make a meaningful difference.
TG: There were 52 participants chosen for Leadership Greenville’s 50th class. How were these participants selected?
CG: There is an extensive application process that includes essay questions, recommendations, and a resume. The selection committee is made up of a diverse group of Leadership Greenville alumni, and they review all applicants. Diversity of sectors, ideas, organization type, and experiences all factor into the make-up of each class. This is a competitive process and those who are not selected are often encouraged to reapply. For the 50th class, we had 50% more applicants than spots.
TG: What is the one thing someone should know before applying to Leadership Greenville?
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CG: Leadership Greenville is a life-changing experience. Participants will think differently, be challenged in ways never imagined and hopefully be inspired to pour back into individuals and organizations within our incredible community. It is a big commitment of time, resources, talents, and energy, but what you will gain and be able to give, is immeasurable.
TG: The 50th class chose Rebuild Upstate and YouthBASE for their community service projects. How did the class choose these organizations?
CG: Each year, the Greenville Chamber puts out Request for Proposals to non-profits for Leadership Greenville class project consideration. For the 50th class, we received 20 proposals. Each class member reviewed the project proposals and voted on their top choices. During the October class day, the 6 finalists were invited to present to the class and 2 were voted on to be the 2024 class projects.
TG: The Rebuild Upstate project was to secure funding for 4 ramps in its pilot program to build ramps for low-income homeowners. How did the class come up with funding for this?
CG: Monetary donations from 58 individuals and corporations and in-kind donations from other businesses were secured. The project teams created marketing plans and leveraged personal and professional relationships to get funding.
TG: What kinds of playground upgrades and exterior entrance improvements did the class assist YouthBASE with? Which organizations benefited from these upgrades?
CG: Greenville Multicultural Church received several playground upgrades. Additionally, a new covered entrance and exit were constructed with signage upgrades for the exterior of the building. New flooring and baseboards were installed in the cafeteria and break room. The remaining money raised will be donated to YouthBASE.
TG: The class graduation was in May and there was a celebratory event with Leadership Greenville alumni hosted by the Greenville Chamber. Can you share some of the details?
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CG: Graduation was held on May 16. Our speakers included the Greenville Chamber President and CEO, Carlos Phillips; author and Cargo CEO, Toby Stancell; Chief of Staff for USC Upstate, Chris Taylor; and the Leadership Greenville Class Representative, Cameron McDowell. Nearly 300 alumni and community members attended.
TG: Reflect on the 50th class. What was special and unique about the group?
CG: The class is highly motivated and engaged, both with each other and the topics, leaders and organizations that we have been fortunate to learn from. They showed up early and left late. I love the energy of the 50th class. It’s the first class I have had the honor and privilege to lead, so this group will always hold a special place in my heart.
TG: Applications for Leadership Greenville class 51 closed on April 1, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the program. What do you hope the future of Leadership Greenville will bring?
CG: The future of Leadership Greenville is bright! I am enjoying cultivating experiences for class members that represent the best historic aspects of Leadership Greenville while incorporating fresh new topics, ideas, speakers and sessions into every experience. Greenville is evolving, and Leadership Greenville will continue to evolve as new challenges and opportunities come to light in the community. Through Leadership Greenville, I believe the Greenville Chamber has a responsibility to educate participants about the history, successes, individuals, and organizations that have made Greenville great, while developing leaders that will pour into the community for decades to come.
TG: The Greenville Chamber has initiated a campaign for IMPACT Fellows. Tell us about how that differs from Leadership Greenville.
CG: IMPACT Fellows is the Chamber’s newest leadership development program. Business and non-profit executives, Leadership Greenville alumni and other community leaders will come together to develop dynamic and innovative solutions to Greenville’s most pressing challenges. It differs from Leadership Greenville because it will focus on a specific challenge affecting the region. The program is expected to launch in 2026.
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TG: Greenville is thriving. It consistently shows up on lists with titles like, “South’s Best,” and “Best Places in America.” What role does the Greenville Chamber, and specifically Leadership Greenville, play in the city’s growth and success?
CG: The Greenville Chamber has been integral to our community for 135 years; however, we are not your grandfather’s Chamber. We are seeking to grow a greater Greenville. Leadership Greenville strives to inspire all participants, whether natives or newcomers, to embrace what makes Greenville such a special place, while also providing visionary leadership to propel the community forward.
This article originally appeared on Upstate Parent: 15 Minutes with Cheryl Garrison, leader of Leadership Greenville
