S.C. Chamber of Commerce adds 3 new leadership positions

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The S.C. Chamber of Commerce has hired three new leaders, including its first-ever chief diversity officer and chief revenue officer.

Cynthia Bennett, a 22-year veteran of the chamber, has been named the organization’s chief diversity officer, while Kelly Wolf, formerly of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, is it chief revenue officer. Financial professional Mike Manning will become the chamber’s new CFO after 28 years of experience in similar positions, including 18 with the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce.

Bennett most recently served as the chamber’s vice president of education and workforce development, overseeing HBCU STEM and small business programs for the organization. She is also the staff liaison for the chamber’s Diversity and Inclusion Council and is part of its advocacy team.

“Diversity and Inclusion are important values to the business community for many reasons, but ultimately, they are good for business and the right thing to do,” Bob Morgan, S.C. Chamber president and CEO, said in a news release. “People bring different experience, ideas, and backgrounds into the workplace and those things challenge businesses to think in ways they haven’t before. That is good for growth, productivity and the bottom line.  

“In creating the position of Chief Diversity Officer, we are making the statement that we will continue to be intentional about making D&I a priority and being a resource for our members in this area. Cynthia’s extensive experience with the SC Chamber, public service, and dedication to South Carolina made the choice to promote her into this new position a no-brainer.” 

Wolf, who joined the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce in 2004, was responsible for increasing that organization’s revenue and creating and implementing its membership messaging strategy in her role as senior vice president of membership and development.  

“During her 17 years with the Kentucky Chamber, Kelly oversaw a period of immense growth, both in terms of revenue and impact,” Morgan said. “She brings vast institutional knowledge to this new position, and we are very lucky to have her join the team.” 

Morgan, named S.C. Chamber CEO in April, worked with Manning at the Charlotte Chamber, where Morgan served as CEO from 2005 to 2018.

“Mike and I worked together at the Charlotte Chamber where he implemented the Chamber’s revenue campaign which raised over $60 million, averaging about $5 million a year,” Morgan said. “I’m thrilled to be able to work with him again and know he will take us in the right direction. 

All three are now active in their new positions.