The Post and Courier Greenville

Greenville, S.C. – Nov. 14, 2024 – Joshua P. Trout, CEO of Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Greenville, has released his first book, “Transformative Leadership”, an insightful and compelling exploration of how to lead a team through vulnerability. Blending personal experiences with professional experiences, Trout reveals how vulnerability can strengthen teams, build trust, and inspire profound organizational transformation.
In “Transformative Leadership”, Trout takes readers on a journey through the often-overlooked qualities of a great leader: humility, openness, and authenticity. This book underscores how leaders who embrace vulnerability can break down barriers, enhance team collaboration, and foster a culture of trust and innovation. With practical strategies and real-life case studies, Trout provides a toolkit for leaders seeking to lead with empathy, courage, and purpose.
“Leaders often feel pressured to appear flawless and invulnerable, but this approach can alienate teams and stifle growth,” said Trout. “I wrote ‘Transformative Leadership’ to challenge this notion and to show that vulnerability isn’t a weakness—it’s a powerful asset for building resilient, engaged teams and creating meaningful change.”
This release arrives at a time when leaders in industries across the board are being called to adapt to rapid shifts, and workplaces increasingly value emotional intelligence alongside traditional leadership skills. “Transformative Leadership” resonates deeply with leaders committed to building supportive, transparent, and purpose-driven organizations.
With decades of leadership experience in healthcare, Trout has received numerous accolades, including Greenville Business Magazine’s CEO of the Year award. Known for a forward-thinking, compassionate approach to leadership, Trout has led transformative initiatives at every company he has worked for, paving the way for innovation and inclusivity.

Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina (GIUMSC) has announced the temporary closure of its retail location at 412 Sulphur Springs Road in Greenville, SC on November 23, 2024. The closure will allow for a comprehensive renovation, transforming the site into the new Upstate Clearance Center, expected to open in mid-December.
The change is part of a broader reorganization within Goodwill’s Upstate retail operations. The current Upstate Clearance Center, located on Haywood Road, will move to the newly renovated Sulphur Springs location. This transition makes room for a fresh retail experience at Goodwill’s Upstate administrative offices on Haywood Road, further enhancing the organization’s mission to provide life-changing career services fueled by a quality, fun thrift shopping experience.
To celebrate the final week of operation at Sulphur Springs, Goodwill is extending substantial discounts to customers as they shop for gently used goods. The Sulphur Springs location sales schedule is:
• November 17-19: 75% off all items
• November 20-21: All items priced at $.50
• November 22-23: All items priced at $.25
The final day of operation will be Saturday, November 23, 2024. When the newly remodeled Clearance Center opens in December, the hours will be 10am – 7pm, Sunday-Monday.
“Relocating our Upstate Clearance Center is the first step in our plan to deliver more unique, exciting thrift shopping experiences in the Upstate,” said Pat Michaels, President and CEO of GIUMSC. “Over the past two years, we have broadened the type of thrift journeys we give shoppers, to include three boutiques and even a bookstore. Moving our Clearance Center to Sulphur Springs will not only provide our customers with increased space for shopping, but offers Goodwill the opportunity to continue to meet the community’s needs and help our participants improve their lives.”

GREENVILLE, SC | Nov. 12, 2024 – Cedar Rock Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics is thrilled to announce the addition of a new Medical Aesthetician, Renée Cato Hamilton, to their team.

Renée Cato Hamilton, a native of the Upstate area, brings 24 years of expertise as a Medical Aesthetician to Cedar Rock. Renée is passionate about providing corrective services and procedures, always striving to make a difference in the lives of her patients. Her deep commitment to the field and her love for people has made her a trusted figure in the aesthetics community.

“We are confident that Renée will further enhance the level of care and personalized service for our patients,” said Dr. Beau Fowler, Co-owner and Founder of Cedar Rock Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics.

“Renee is deeply committed to building strong relationships and working alongside our team to achieve patient’s overall aesthetic goals,” said Dr. Wesley Culpepper, Co-owner and Founder of Cedar Rock Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics. “We are thrilled to have her as a part of our team.”

The practice’s facilities in Greenville and Greenwood are equipped with the latest technology and amenities to ensure the comfort and safety of their patients. Cedar Rock Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics also offers a comprehensive range of surgical and non-surgical procedures designed to address a variety of aesthetic concerns. Their RN Nurse Aestheticians and Medical Aestheticians offer unparalleled skin care and aesthetic procedures including medical grade facials, laser treatments and chemical peels.

To schedule a consultation or learn more about Cedar Rock Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics, please visit their website at www.cedarrockpsa.com or contact their offices directly at 864-263-7205.

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McMillan Pazdan Smith is excited to announce the addition of Jenny Williams as Commercial Segment Leader. With over 20 years of experience across the Southeast in mixed-use, adaptive reuse, commercial, retail, K-12, higher education, and medical office spaces, Jenny brings a wealth of expertise to the firm. She has successfully managed projects valued at over $1.5 billion in the past decade, including significant developments in Atlanta, Charlotte, Nashville, and Charleston.
“Jenny’s diverse and extensive experience in larger real estate markets makes her an invaluable resource for developers new to the Southeast, as well as for retail developers expanding into emerging markets,” says Scott Hinson, Charlotte Commercial Practice Area Leader for McMillan Pazdan Smith.
Jenny’s well-rounded skill set encompasses entitlement planning and strategy, business development, project management, and construction knowledge. She actively engages in the creative process, from hand sketching to 3D modeling, collaborating with stakeholders to achieve both design excellence and financial success.
“I’m passionate about enhancing our architectural practice and serving the real estate community. I look forward to building connections across MPS practice areas and contributing to the firm’s growth,” Jenny says.
Jenny will lead projects across the Southeast, with her base in the firm’s new Atlanta studio in Midtown. She often walks to work, strengthening her ties to the local community by serving on the Midtown Development Review Committee (Commercial) and the Land Use Committee (Residential) for the City of Atlanta’s Special Interest Districts (SPI) 16 and 17. She joins Samer Hamde, Healthcare Practice Leader, as a recent leadership addition to MPS Atlanta.
Outside of her professional work, Jenny enjoys DIY projects that showcase her hands-on skills.

GREENVILLE, SC – The South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association has named High Spirits Hospitality’s Tammy Johnson its’ Outstanding Community Service Leader during the Upstate Hospitality Awards Monday.

Members of the Upstate Chapters of the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (SCRLA) nominate their best each year in a variety of categories in the hospitality industry, and then nominees are reviewed by a selection committee.

“I am deeply honored by this award,” Johnson said. “The last few years have been challenging for our industry in South Carolina, and it means a lot to be recognized for helping to lead the way.”

As the President and CEO of High Spirits Hospitality, Johnson is responsible for not only overseeing all the daily operations of her companies, but also focusing on business growth and strategic planning. Her enthusiasm and passion for business is clearly evident through her work within the organization and in the community. The origin of High Spirits Hospitality started in 2011 when Johnson left a corporate career to launch Liquid Catering, a beverage only catering company out of her garage. That has now grown into High Spirits Hospitality, which is the parent company for Liquid, Bravo1 Protection, The 405, Events at Judson Mill and High Spirits Events.

Johnson also is an active volunteer and community leader. She currently serves on the Greenville City Board of Zoning Appeals. She previously has served on the boards for euphoria, a food, wine, and music festival; The University Center of Greenville; Advisory Committee for the Truist Culinary & Hospitality Innovation Center at Greenville Tech; the ; Clemson Area SBDC; the Board of Advisors for the Greenville Chamber; was the 2012 Chair of PULSE, the Chamber’s young professional program; and is a graduate of Leadership Greenville Class 39. In 2017, Johnson graduated from the “Streetwise MBA” class as part of

the Greenville Chamber’s Minority Business Accelerator progr

Upcountry History Museum Exhibit Features Original Costumes, Props

It may not be “just like the ones we used to know,” but the holiday exhibition coming to the Upcountry History Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate, will definitely take you on a sentimental journey as “White Christmas – The Exhibition,” the first traveling exhibition dedicated to the classic 1954 movie, opens Saturday, November 16, 2024.

Comprised of memorabilia from the permanent collection at the Rosemary Clooney House Museum in Augusta, Kentucky, the exhibition will allow visitors to see original costumes worn by the movie’s stars, Rosemary Clooney, Bing Crosby, Vera-Ellen and Danny Kaye, as well as authentic props used in the film. Some of the more unforgettable items include the famous blue dresses worn by Clooney and Vera-Ellen when they sang “Sisters,” other costumes designed by Oscar award-winning designer Edith Head, military uniforms worn by Crosby and Kaye, as well as the very recognizable sleigh seen gliding across the snow as the movie ends.

Few films generate more nostalgia than “White Christmas” with its legendary actors and iconic music, especially the Crosby hit of the same name.

In addition to the opening of “White Christmas, on display through February 2, 2025, the Museum is also pleased to announce its involvement with Operation Waverly, a program initiated as a way for communities hosting the exhibition to support local veterans’ organizations. The Museum and Upstate Warrior Solution (https://upstatewarriorsolution.org/) are partnering this year to to raise funds to help provide gift cards for gas, food, and family experiences for area veterans.

The Upcountry History Museum is located at 540 Buncombe St., in Greenville, S.C. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Sunday 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. For more information, call 864-467-3100 or visit www.upcountryhistory.org.

Club strengthens staff as it prepares for new stadium

Greenville, SC – November 11, 2024 –The Greenville Triumph Soccer Club and Greenville Liberty Soccer Club are pleased to announce the addition of four new members to its front office staff. The expansion comes on the heels of the Club’s recent announcement of a new 10,000-seat state-of-the-art stadium to be built at BridgeWay Station.
“These strategic additions to our front office reflect our commitment to excellence both on and off the field,” said Doug Erwin, vice president and chief brand officer. “Their collective expertise in sales, creative content, and fan engagement will be pivotal in elevating the Triumph and Liberty experience as we enter our next chapter of growth.”
Owen Browning joins the Triumph as the new Manager of Sales and Service. Originally from West Virginia, Browning most recently worked with the Washington Wizards’ Sales and Service Department, bringing with him extensive industry knowledge and a commitment to fan engagement. In his role, he will oversee the ticketing team and lead group sales initiatives, helping the Triumph further strengthen its connection with the community and build on its already strong fan base.
Autumn Avery of Kansas City, Missouri, joins the Triumph as a Sales and Service Consultant where she will be responsible for managing sales activities. With a background in professional sports and experience working with the Kansas City Chiefs and World Classrooms, Avery brings a strong commitment to service excellence and an enthusiasm for sports that aligns with the Club’s values.
Avery will work alongside Sam Stevens, a recent MBA graduate from Liberty University, who brings a diverse skill set rooted in collegiate athletics, marketing, and sales. A native of Scranton, Pennsylvania, Stevens is passionate about soccer at all levels and will play a crucial role in helping the Club engage with fans and achieve revenue goals.
Kevin Garcia, a native of Atlanta, Georgia, joins the Club as Creative Content Producer, responsible for producing graphics, photos, and video content for the club’s social media channels and digital properties. A 2023 graduate of Full Sail University with a Bachelor of Science in Film, Garcia first joined the Club as a volunteer match day photographer, ultimately leading to a permanent role as Creative Content Producer. His expertise in sports media will enhance the Club’s brand and storytelling across digital channels.
For more information on the club’s stadium project, upcoming events, or to inquire about season tickets and sponsorship opportunities, please visit GreenvilleTriumph.com/newstadium and GreenvilleLiberty.com/newstadium.
ABOUT THE GREENVILLE TRIUMPH AND GREENVILLE LIBERTY
The Greenville Triumph Soccer Club, based in Greenville, South Carolina, fields a men’s professional soccer club playing its sixth season in USL League One, the third division of American professional soccer. The club is a three-time finalist and 2020 USL League One Champion. The Greenville Liberty, a women’s pre-professional team, played its inaugural season in the USL W League in 2022.
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YMCA of Greenville Announces Promotion of Barbie Jefferson to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating and Financial Officer

GREENVILLE, S.C. (November 11, 2024) – YMCA of Greenville announced today the promotion of leadership team member Barbie Jefferson, as she accepts additional responsibilities providing executive leadership and strategic direction of the organization to continue strengthening the Greenville community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

As executive vice president and chief operating and financial officer, Jefferson will play a pivotal role in driving the success and impact of the YMCA of Greenville, leveraging its leadership, strategic vision, and operational and financial expertise to advance the organization’s mission and serve the community effectively. Jefferson will be responsible for membership growth, program development, branch board development, volunteer recruitment and community relations. She will also oversee all fiscal management including financial planning and analysis, budgeting, debt insurance and management, treasury management, tax compliance, and internal and GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles) financial reporting.

Previously, Jefferson held the role of executive vice president and chief financial officer, where she oversaw association performance matters, served as liaison to the board of directors’ finance committee, and supported YMCA of Greenville Foundation investment initiatives. Jefferson also led as the staff facilitator and liaison to the board of directors’ Christian mission committee, focusing on lifting the Y’s Christian mission, principles, and practices.

“I look forward to continuing my life’s work with the YMCA of Greenville, helping to build healthy spirit, mind and body for all,” says Jefferson, who has been with the YMCA of Greenville since 2018. “We are making a difference in our community and are helping to ensure everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential. I am grateful to be a part of an organization whose mission aligns so closely to that of my own.”

“Barbie’s organizational vision and operational strategy aligns and supports the strategic direction of the YMCA of Greenville and that has, and will continue, to tremendously impact our community,” says Sam Franklin, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greenville. “She plays a critical role in the YMCA of Greenville with responsibilities that span a broad spectrum, and I have nothing but confidence as she transitions to this new role.”

Jefferson is a member of Greenville Professional Women’s Forum (GPWF) and serves as the VP of Logistics. She is a member of Upstate CFO Council, has been a guest speaker on Leaders of Modern Finance Podcast, and was named TALK Magazine’s 25 Most Beautiful Women of the Upstate in 2021.

YMCA of Greenville offers professional growth opportunities to its high-achieving leadership. With a long-standing policy of promoting from within whenever possible, the organization will continue to benefit from the staff’s years of experience and knowledge, helping the YMCA of Greenville advance its mission and improve the overall impact the Y has on all communities it serves.

To learn more about the YMCA of Greenville and the projects, programs, and services it supports, visit https://www.ymcagreenville.org/.

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About the YMCA of Greenville, SC

The YMCA of Greenville is a cause-driven non-profit organization. Our mission is, following the example of Christ, to build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y nurtures the potential of every youth and teen, improves the health and well-being of our community and provides opportunities to give back and help support our neighbors. Founded in 1876, the Y serves more than 70,000 people annually through programs that include after-school care, resident and day camps, aquatics, youth and adult sports, and health and wellness. Programs are offered through four family branches, as well as the Verdae YMCA, Life Center YMCA, YMCA Camp Greenville, and YMCA Judson Community Center. The Y is also home to Y Teen Services and the SC Youth in Government programs. For more information about the YMCA of Greenville, visit ymcagreenville.org, or call (864) 412-0288.