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Stantec expands Transportation team in South Carolina

COLUMBIA, SC – Stantec, a leading global design and engineering firm, has welcomed Chad Elledge as a Senior Roadway Engineer in its Columbia office.

Elledge is a senior roadway engineer with over 19 years of experience with both private and public sector work experience that includes roadway design and project management. Roadway projects consisted of secondary road relocation, intersection improvements, safety improvements, sidewalks, and roadway widenings. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the Clemson University.

About Stantec
Communities are fundamental. Whether around the corner or across the globe, they provide a foundation, a sense of place and of belonging. That’s why at Stantec, we always design with community in mind.

We care about the communities we serve—because they’re our communities too. This allows us to assess what’s needed and connect our expertise, to appreciate nuances and envision what’s never been considered, to bring together diverse perspectives so we can collaborate toward a shared success.

We’re designers, engineers, scientists, and project managers, innovating together at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships. Balancing these priorities results in projects that advance the quality of life in communities across the globe.

Stantec trades on the TSX and the NYSE under the symbol STN. Visit us at stantec.com or find us on social media.

Experienced attorney becomes newest partner at Richardson Thomas

Brendan Green

COLUMBIA, SC – Brendan Green, an experienced attorney dedicated to seeking justice for injured clients, has joined Richardson Thomas as a partner. He represents clients in personal injury, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and products liability cases.

A magna cum laude graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law, Green has practiced in Columbia for several years, most recently at his own firm. He has earned tens of millions of dollars in settlements for clients injured in a wide variety of cases, from serious automobile accidents to exposure to toxic substances.

He has the experience clients need, whether the case is being negotiated with an insurance company or being tried in court. He has the determination and skills to pursue matters for as long as it takes to achieve the results clients need to recover physically and financially.

“We are thrilled to welcome an attorney with Brendan’s skills as our newest partner,” firm co-founder Terry Richardson said. “His determination to win justice for clients suffering serious injuries due to the actions of others fits perfectly with the ideals at Richardson Thomas.”

About Richardson Thomas

With offices in Barnwell, Charleston, Columbia, and Florence, S.C., Richardson Thomas, LLC, represents plaintiffs in a range of cases, with a focus on areas including product liability, vehicle accidents, serious injury and wrongful death, medical malpractice, and whistleblower litigation. The firm’s experienced litigators handle complex litigation, including class actions with thousands of parties. Learn more about the firm at https://richardsonthomas.com/ or call us at 803-281-8150.

SIOS Technology Promotes Sajid Shaikh to Vice President of Engineering

SAN MATEO, CA – SIOS Technology Corp., an industry leader in application high availability (HA) and disaster recovery (DR), today announced the promotion of Sajid Shaikh to Vice President of Engineering, reporting directly to Chief Operating Officer Masahiro Arai. Previously, Sajid served as SIOS’ Director of Engineering.

As VP of Engineering Sajid will lead product delivery for both SIOS LifeKeeper and SIOS DataKeeper products. He has more than 20 years of experience in software engineering and software product development. Before joining SIOS in 2019, Sajid held various senior engineering management and leadership positions at Veritas Technologies and Symantec Corp. Sajid earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree from the University of Mumbai and is pursuing a Master of Computer Science degree with Data Science specialization from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

“Sajid’s extensive experience in software engineering and product development, coupled with his proven leadership as Director of Engineering, makes him the ideal choice to lead our product delivery for SIOS high availability products,” said Masahiro Arai, Chief Operating Officer, SIOS Technology Corp. “His track record at Veritas and Symantec reflects a commitment to excellence that aligns seamlessly with SIOS’ values. We look forward to leveraging Sajid’s expertise as we continue to drive innovation and deliver unparalleled solutions in the field of application high availability and disaster recovery.”

“I am thrilled to take on the role of Vice President of Engineering at SIOS, a company at the forefront of application high availability and disaster recovery,” said Sajid Shaikh. “The opportunity to lead product delivery for SIOS LifeKeeper and SIOS DataKeeper products aligns perfectly with my commitment for advancing mission-critical enterprise solutions. I believe in the team’s capabilities and am excited to help steer their future innovations for our customers.”

 

Landmark Builders Names Elliott As President

Randy Elliott is the new president of Landmark Builders.

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Landmark Builders is pleased to announce the promotion of Randy Elliott to President. Elliott has been responsible for leading Landmark’s Winston-Salem, N.C. office since January 2020 as Executive Vice President. His leadership has been instrumental in record growth in the Triad marketplace.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead Landmark as we see significant new growth and investment in the Carolinas and southeastern US. I want to thank our customers for their commitment to our company, as well as our entire team of more than 200 dedicated employees with whom I have the privilege to work alongside each day,” said Elliott.

“Randy has worked hard since joining Landmark 17 years ago to learn our industry and is heavily involved in the community. We believe that he has earned this opportunity and believe that under his leadership, he will position Landmark to continue to grow and enhance the customer experience for our valued clients,” said Steve Stephens.

About Landmark Builders

Landmark Builders was founded in 1975 and is headquartered in Winston-Salem (N.C.) with offices in Charlotte (N.C.), Columbia and Myrtle Beach. Landmark provides a wide range of construction services including general construction, design-build, construction management and upfit/renovations with emphasis on industrial, manufacturing, healthcare, office, senior living and hospitality construction.

Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd’s Kathleen Muthig Selected to Become Riley Fellow

Kathleen Muthig

COLUMBIA, SC – Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A. is pleased to announce that Kathleen Muthig has been selected to participate in the Spring 2024 Midlands Diversity Leaders Initiative (DLI), an award-winning program of Furman University’s Riley Institute.

The Spring 2024 Midlands DLI will bring participants together over five months through a highly interactive curriculum to break down barriers and build relationships. Graduates of DLI become Riley Fellows, members of a cross-sector of South Carolinians that includes corporate CEOs, legislators, superintendents, religious and nonprofit heads, and business and community leaders.

Kathleen’s practice focuses on commercial real estate, including development, financing, commercial leases and related real estate transactions. She is a licensed title insurance agent and writes title insurance for a number of national title insurance companies. Kathleen also has experience representing creditors in state court and bankruptcy court litigation, including lenders and landlords.

Kathleen is recognized as a Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in the areas of Administrative/Regulatory Law (2021-2024), Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law (2021-2024) and Litigation – Banking and Finance (2021-2024), and as one of South Carolina Super Lawyers® “Rising Stars” for Real Estate (2023). Active in the community, Kathleen currently serves on the Columbia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

About Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A.
Established in 1887, Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd is a full-service law firm providing creative and efficient solutions for local, national and international clients. With more than 110 attorneys located throughout the Carolinas, we are well-positioned to meet the complex legal needs of our clients. Learn more at www.hsblawfirm.com.

Attorney Anna Vilatte joins Baker, Ravenel & Bender

Anna Vilatte

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Attorney Anna Vilatte has joined Baker, Ravenel & Bender as an associate.

Her practice areas include appellate advocacy, automobile liability, bad-faith litigation and insurance coverage.

She received her Juris Doctor in 2023 from the University of South Carolina School of Law. In law school, she was a member of the Order of the Barristers and was involved with moot court. She had earlier earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Illinois.

She is associated with the Young Lawyers Division of the South Carolina Bar, and the Richland County Bar Association.

Anna is from Peoria, Illinois, where she helped domestic violence and sexual assault victims as a court advocate before entering law school. Since moving to South Carolina for law school, she met her fiancé, who serves in the U.S. Air Force. They enjoy spending time together with their labradoodle, Winnie.

“We believe Anna will be a great addition to the firm, and are confident she will provide capable representation to our clients,” said Chip Collins, Jr., the firm’s managing partner.

About Baker, Ravenel & Bender

Baker, Ravenel & Bender, L.L.P., is one of South Carolina’s oldest law firms, established around 1900 as Melton & Belser. The name evolved to its current form in 1999. The firm today consists of eight attorneys who focus on litigation, covering myriad practice areas in state and federal courts. The firm is known for its work in the insurance defense field and media law, and also handles construction litigation, products liability, real estate litigation, restaurant and hospitality law, education law, and mediation. For more information, please visit http://brblegal.com/.

First Reliance Bank Promotes Shanell Cook To Treasury Services Officer

Shanell Cook, Treasury Services Officer, First Reliance Bank

Shanell Cook has been promoted to Treasury Services Officer for the Winston-Salem branch. As Treasury Services Officer, she supports the team’s effort to grow the bank’s deposit base through treasury service products. Additionally, she supports team members and clients in the First Reliance footprint with treasury management training, support, and financial analysis with proformas. She will continue in her role, supporting the bank with merchant services and credit card services while serving as liaison with third-party vendors.

Shanell joined the bank in 2021 with 24 years of banking experience with strengths in customer service and treasury services.

Suzanne Hill, First Reliance Market President for Winston-Salem said, “Shanell’s promotion to Treasury Services Officer is well deserved. She is a proven leader who consistently delivers hard work, determination, and a positive attitude to staff and our customers.”

Shanell and her husband of 22 years have six children and are a foster and adoptive family. Consistent with First Reliance’s founding principles, “Reagan’s Promise,” the bank’s adoption awareness program, the Cook Family positively impacts the people around them. We applaud their commitment to caring for children in this realm.

ABOUT FIRST RELIANCE BANK
Founded in 1999, First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. (OTC: FSRL.OB) is based in Florence, South Carolina, and has assets of approximately $950 million. The Company employs more than 200 professionals and has locations throughout South Carolina and central North Carolina. First Reliance has redefined community banking with a commitment to making customers’ lives better, its founding principle. We offer a full range of personalized community banking products and services for individuals, small businesses, and corporations, including a full suite of digital banking services, treasury services, a Customer Service Guarantee, and a Mortgage Service Guarantee. First Reliance also offers two unique community customer programs, which include Hometown Heroes, a package of benefits for those serving our communities, and Check ‘N Save, an outreach program for the unbanked or under-banked. Additional information about the Company is available at www.firstreliance.com.

Rick Saunders, CEO and Founder, Joins MUSC Children’s Health Fund Advisory Board of Directors as Director

Rick Saunders, First Reliance Bank CEO and Founder

Rick Saunders, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of First Reliance, has been appointed to the Medical University of South Carolina Children’s Health Fund Advisory as Director. As a Board member, Rick, a loyal advocate of the Children’s Hospital within the community, will advise on financial responsibilities with development while participating in third-party community events to support keeping MUSC kids at the forefront of the community. Board members support the efforts of the Children’s Hospital Fund and the Children’s Miracle Network staff and stay current on the hospital’s departmental fundraising needs.

Rick said, “Participation is key to driving positive change and making a difference in our communities. By getting involved in initiatives like the Medical University of South Carolina Children’s Health Fund Advisory, we can help improve the health and well-being of children in our state; whether that is through financial support, volunteering, or advocating for the cause, every contribution counts. Let’s work together to create a brighter future for our kids.”

ABOUT FIRST RELIANCE BANK
Founded in 1999, First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. (OTC: FSRL.OB) is based in Florence, South Carolina, and has assets of approximately $950 million. The Company employs more than 200 professionals and has locations throughout South Carolina and central North Carolina. First Reliance has redefined community banking with a commitment to making customers’ lives better, its founding principle. We offer a full range of personalized community banking products and services for individuals, small businesses, and corporations, including a full suite of digital banking services, treasury services, a Customer Service Guarantee, and a Mortgage Service Guarantee. First Reliance also offers two unique community customer programs, which include Hometown Heroes, a package of benefits for those serving our communities, and Check ‘N Save, an outreach program for the unbanked or under-banked. Additional information about the Company is available on our website, www.firstreliance.com.

Robinson Gray names Jasmine Smith a Member of the firm

Jasmine Smith

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Robinson Gray has named attorney Jasmine Smith a Member of the law firm.
She was voted into the position in December 2023.

“In her time serving as of counsel with our firm, Jasmine has distinguished herself in every area – from her professional practice, through her leadership in the community, and within Robinson Gray itself,” said Cal Watson, the law firm’s managing member. “We’re very pleased to see her join the ranks of membership with the firm.”

In her practice, Jasmine represents clients in the areas of commercial litigation, professional liability and ethics, probate administration and litigation, and appellate advocacy, focusing on family law. Aside from state courts, she is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, and the Supreme Court of the United States.

She received her Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law. She had previously earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of South Carolina, followed by an Education Specialist degree in counselor education, specializing in marriage and family therapy, from the same university.

She is a graduate of the Riley Institute’s Diversity Leaders Initiative at Furman University and is the current chair of Robinson Gray’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team.

Jasmine has earned a wide variety of professional honors over the years. In 2023 alone, she was recognized by Best Lawyers in America for her appellate practice, and was one of 24 Robinson Gray attorneys named to Columbia Business Monthly’s Legal Elite list.

Aside from a wide variety of professional associations, including active participation in the South Carolina Bar and American Bar Association, Jasmine serves on the executive committee of the Sistercare board of directors. She has also served on the S.C. Governor’s Task Force on Domestic Violence.

About Robinson Gray Stepp & Laffitte, LLC

Located in the BullStreet District, Robinson Gray Stepp & Laffitte, LLC, is a South Carolina law firm that offers a tailored, hands-on approach. It provides business transactional and litigation representation in all state and federal trial and appellate courts in South Carolina. The firm’s 39 attorneys serve clients ranging from multi-national corporations to small businesses and individuals. For more, visit https://robinsongray.com/.

Cason Development Group Adds New Property Associate

Grayson Endrenyi

COLUMBIA, SC – Cason Development Group has added Grayson Endrenyi full time as a Property Management Associate. Endrenyi has been working part-time with Cason since May of 2022 while completing his bachelor’s degree in business administration and real estate at the University of South Carolina. He graduated in December.

As a Property Management Associate, Endrenyi will work with the firm’s Leasing and Property Manager to oversee day-to-day property operations, manage tenant relations and lease administration.

“Grayson’s dedication and professionalism as an intern made a lasting impression, and it was an easy decision to bring him on full time. Culturally he’s a great fit, and shares our vision of growth personally, professionally and spiritually. We know he’ll continue to bring value to our clients, and we’re fortunate to have him on our team,” said Frank Cason, president of Cason Development Group.

A native of West Columbia, Endrenyi decided to stay close to home to attend the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business. He is an active member of Hope Lutheran Church, a counselor at Palmetto Boys State each year, and loves spending time with his wife, Josie, and their dog Fendi. During his free time Endrenyi enjoys fitness, time with family, traveling and cheering on the Gamecocks.

“I could not be more excited to be now working at Cason Development Group full time. After my time as an intern and part-time property manager, officially joining such a culture-rich team is a blessing. I also couldn’t be more appreciative of our team and all they have done to pour into me over the past two years. Not only do I feel welcomed but challenged daily in my professional and spiritual growth,” Endrenyi said.

“Columbia has always been the place I’ve called home. I’ve seen time and time again, people my age, recent college graduates and those just entering the workforce, seeming to be particularly ready to get out of Columbia. Being someone who loves Columbia, for both its quirk and Southern charm, it’s something that never made sense to me. That’s why I want to go to work here. Not to prove all of those people wrong, but to show them why Columbia is right,” he added.

About Cason Development Group
Cason Development Group is a commercial real estate development firm located in Columbia, South Carolina, focused on projects in the Columbia area and tenant-focused development in the Southeast.

Cason Development Group LLC, 1514 Brentwood Drive, Suite 201, Columbia, SC 29206