South Carolina Manufacturers and Commerce (SCMC) has announced the election of Howard Coker, president and CEO of Sonoco, as the next chair of its board of directors.
Coker succeeds Grant Burns, executive vice president and general counsel of AFL, who served as SCMC’s inaugural board chair. Burns previously chaired the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance board of directors and helped lead its merger with the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce to form SCMC in January 2026.
“Howard Coker is one of the state’s most respected business leaders and understands what it takes for South Carolina companies to succeed,” said Sara Hazzard, president and CEO of SCMC. “His experience and leadership will be invaluable as we continue building a stronger, more competitive business climate. I also want to thank Grant Burns for his outstanding leadership and commitment to our organization during a historic period of change.”
Coker has served as president and CEO of Sonoco since 2020. He joined the Hartsville-based company in 1985 and has held numerous leadership positions across its manufacturing and global operations. A graduate of Wofford College, Coker also holds an MBA from Wake Forest University and serves on the boards of several business and educational organizations. Find Coker’s biography and headshot here.
“This is an important time for the future of South Carolina, and I’m eager to help shape what comes next,” said Coker. “I love this state and believe deeply in its people, its businesses, and the opportunities ahead. I look forward to working with SCMC and our members to build on our success, strengthen our business climate, and ensure South Carolina remains a place where businesses and families can thrive for generations.”
SCMC’s leadership for the coming year includes:
Executive Committee
Chair: Howard Coker, Sonoco
Vice Chair: Keller Kissam, Dominion Energy
Second Vice Chair and Secretary: Terrance Ford, AT&T
Treasurer: Curtis Hutto, Thompson Construction Group
Immediate Past Chair: Grant Burns, AFL
Industry Council Representative: Ellis Fisher, Inman Mills
Policy Representative: Jake Scott, Collum’s Lumber Products
Moderator of Council of Advisors: Boyd Jones, Pinnacle + Synovus
Board of Directors
Terms Expiring 2027
Grant Burns, AFL
Rozier Blanchard, Blanchard Machinery
Francesca Mosteller, Michelin
Tim Pearson, Duke Energy
JP Rammo, Milliken & Company
Dan Royston, A.O. Smith
Sym Singh, Scout Motors
Woody Swink, McCall Farms Inc.
Robert Wick, Schaeffler
John Wright, McCoy Wright Commercial Real Estate
Terms Expiring 2028
Howard Coker, Sonoco
James D’Alessio, BlueCross BlueShield SC
Ellis Fisher, Inman Mills
Terrance Ford, AT&T
Curtis Hutto, Thompson Construction Group
Keller Kissam, Dominion Energy
Sidney Locke, Sage Automotive Interiors
Jake Scott, Collum’s Lumber Products
Jessica Williford, The Boeing Company
Katie Yehl, Volvo Cars
Terms Expiring 2029
Blair Belk, Coca-Cola Consolidated
Derick Close, Springs Creative
Andrew Dill, Lockheed Martin
Boyd Jones, Pinnacle + Synovus
Steve Jones, Colonial Life
Nate McGaughey, Nucor Steel Berkeley
Scott Medley, BMW Manufacturing Company, LLC
Mark O’Halla, Prisma Health
Jay Self, Greenwood Mills
Mike Shetterly, Ogletree Deakins
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