Charleston Business Magazine celebrates another year of honoring the region’s most influential people. The distinctive coastal region known as the Lowcountry is one of South Carolina’s fastest-growing areas. The 50 men and women on this list were chosen through research from our staff and nominations from the Lowcountry community. These individuals have done important work in the fields of banking, education, construction, government, the arts, and more. Many are making the list for the first time, spotlighting important work they’ve done over the past 12 months.
We’re also celebrating our sixth year of selecting entrants to our Hall of Fame. This year, we’re adding five new members, people who are no strangers to the 50 Most Influential People list. They have been spotlighted many times in years past, and they continue to make a lasting impact in the region.
Tonya M. Matthews, Ph.D. President and CEO International African American Museum Tonya M. Matthews, Ph.D., helped open the International African American Museum in Charleston in 2023, and under her leadership, the museum has welcomed more than...
Faith Rivers JamesExecutive Director Coastal Conservation League Faith Rivers James has served as executive director of the Coastal Conservation League since 2022. James, a native of Mount Pleasant, has said that she feels a deep connection to...
Sunju Patel Co-Founder and Managing Member TMGOC Ventures Sunju Patel is the co-founder and managing member of TMGOC Ventures, which came to life in 2023 and has a $1 billion portfolio of investments, including partnerships with hotel brands...
Dixon WoodwardState President – South Carolina/Coastal Georgia United Community Dixon Woodward has been United Community’s state president for South Carolina and Coastal Georgia since 2019, but he has more than 20 years of experience in the world...
Bernie Mazyck President and CEO South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development Bernie Mazyck is the founding president and CEO of the South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development (SCACED), the statewide trade...