Columbia nonprofit names new executive director

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Turning Pages SC, a Columbia nonprofit dedicated to adult literacy, has named Lisa Cole as its executive director.

Serving as the Interim executive director since August 2022, Cole has played a pivotal role in revitalizing the organization and expanding its reach in the Midlands, a news release stated.

Cole’s journey with Turning Pages began as a board member in spring 2021 when she sought new ways to contribute to her community, the release stated. The nonprofit’s mission of improving literacy resonated with her, aligning with her passion for education and community development. While her academic background lies in business management and marketing, Cole’s hands-on experience spans education, nonprofits, indie publishing, and grassroots development, the release stated.

Joining Turning Pages during the pandemic presented unique challenges, the release stated. As interim executive director, Cole led the organization through a comprehensive overhaul, rebuilding its internal systems, website, curriculum, and training programs, while establishing crucial policies. This transformative period allowed for a fresh start, unburdened by past constraints, turning a 55-year-old dying nonprofit into a dynamic, forward-looking entity, the release stated.

Under Cole’s leadership, the organization achieved significant milestones, including the development of a new strategic plan, an expansion of the board from five to 15 members, acquisition of numerous grants, establishment of workshops, and forging of new partnerships with local agencies, according to the release. A notable accomplishment is the recruitment and training of over 50 volunteer tutors across Richland and Lexington Counties.

Through technology and AI integration, Turning Pages SC has also become a more mobile, cloud-based organization for its volunteers, the release stated. Automated processes have increased efficiency, allowing staff to focus on providing personalized support to tutors and learners.

Cole’s appointment as executive director reflects the board’s strategic goal set in October 2022 and a thorough subcommittee hiring process throughout 2023, culminating in the official offer in November 2023.

“We are thrilled to have Lisa Cole continue with us as the official Executive Director of Turning Pages SC,” said Kara Cieri, board chair, in the release. “She brings a wealth of experience and passion to the organization. Under her leadership, we are optimistic about realizing our vision: A world where anyone can move up and ahead through the power of reading.”

Looking ahead, Cole envisions Turning Pages SC becoming a statewide model for adult literacy, the release stated. The organization’s streamlined, metric-driven approach emphasizes efficiency, replicability, and sustainability. She aims to develop a support network for literacy councils across South Carolina.

Cole’s pride lies in the positive impact Turning Pages SC has had on the community, providing free tutoring and curriculum to adults with low literacy skills for over 55 years, the release stated. The organization’s commitment to literacy is evident in the success stories of learners, with one individual improving their reading score by nearly two grade levels in just 24 weeks.

In her role as executive director, Cole now aims to expand the organization’s capabilities, increase the number of learners served, and foster collaborations to further elevate literacy rates.