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Bobby has held numerous roles in manufacturing, including human resource development, project management, quality management, demand planning, and training. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Technology and Human Resource Development from Clemson University and a post-graduate certificate in Higher Education Leadership from the University of South Carolina.
What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Optimistic, Collaborative, Steady.
Please tell us about your job.
I currently serve as an Area Director for the SC Technical College System’s readySC™ program. In this role, I oversee the development of customized recruitment and training projects for new and expanding industry in the Anderson, Oconee and Pickens County area.
What is something that you love about your job?
I enjoy building solid relationships with our local businesses and industries and helping them be successful as it relates to their workforce development needs. I am also proud to be a part of a flagship program like readySC that plays such a critical role in SC’s economic development initiatives.
What drew you to the economic development field and the SC Technical College System?
I had a relative who worked at Tri-County Technical college who was familiar with readySC. Knowing my background in training for manufacturing, she introduced me to Woody Dillard, the Area Director at the time, who hired me part-time to manage a large training project for a start-up company in Pickens County. Over time, I saw the value that readySC provided for new and expanding industry and grew to love what our organization stood for and the work that we do. Fortunately, upon Woody’s retirement, I was afforded the opportunity to fill his vacancy and the rest, as they say, is history!
Tell us about a current or recent project and its impact on the Division/System.
I think one of the best qualities that any leader can have is the ability to assemble an energetic, experienced, and competent team around them who know how to get the job done. I am fortunate and proud to have such a group. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, our Division was tasked with developing a return to work/classroom guideline quickly. Our local team spearheaded this effort and, with a wealth of input from our very competent Safety Team and others, was able to develop the guideline quickly and concisely. These efforts helped put our Division well ahead of the curve for returning to work and conducting training safely during these unprecedented times.
