Posted October 4, 2017

 

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA) announced that Lewis F. Gossett, president and CEO, will step down to become the CEO of a public affairs, marketing and advertising firm. His last official day will be October 31.

 

“It has been an incredible honor to serve as president and CEO of the state’s preeminent trade association for manufacturers,” Gossett said. “For more than a century, the SCMA has advocated policies and actions that encourage an environment for growth and prosperity for all South Carolinians. The impact of the manufacturing industry is without equal, and I am proud to have been a part of an organization that has served such an important role in bringing economic opportunities to this wonderful state.”

 

The South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance’s Board of Directors is currently soliciting applications for consideration to fill the president and CEO position. Sara Hazzard, vice president of Government Relations, will serve as interim president and CEO of the SCMA until a replacement is named by the board.

 

“The leadership that Lewis Gossett has provided in his role as president and CEO of the SCMA has been invaluable for South Carolina,” said Kurt Dallas, executive vice president of AFL and SCMA chairman. “During his tenure, Lewis has worked tirelessly on policy issues, created meaningful educational and industrial programs, and served as an unwavering advocate for manufacturers. His leadership will be missed at the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance, but his work will continue to have a positive impact for this industry and all South Carolinians.”

 

“Manufacturing is stronger in South Carolina because of the outstanding leadership Lewis Gossett provided to the SCMA over the last 14 years,” said Bill McCrary, chairman and CEO of William Barnet & Son LLC and former chairman of SCMA. “The level of expertise and strategy exhibited by Lewis has provided a path to position our South Carolina industries to grow and thrive without equal anywhere in the south or the nation. Lewis was our spokesman and led the charge. He exhibited a powerful voice and great enthusiasm for the task at hand. He helped companies of all sizes to do what they do best... create economic strength and jobs. We wish him the best as he pursues this exciting new endeavor.”

 

Gossett has served as the president and CEO of the SCMA since 2003. He served as a member of Governor David Beasley's cabinet as director of the South Carolina Department Labor, Licensing and Regulation from 1995-1999. He practiced labor and employment law at the Ogletree Deakins law firm from 1990-1995 and again from 1999-2003.

 

He was awarded the prestigious Harry S. Truman Scholarship in 1985. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Furman University in 1987 and a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1990. Lewis and his wife, Hayley, have four children – Katherine, Mattison, Grayson and Caroline.

 

Source: SCMA

Gossett to step down as SCMA president & CEO