Cameron Runyan is the founding Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer for the Charter Institute at Erskine, a statewide charter school authorizer affiliated with historic Erskine College. After six years of operations, The Charter Institute has grown from a startup and the smallest school district in America to one of the largest in South Carolina that now serves nearly 30,000 students with children in every zip code and teachers in every county of the state.
Mr. Runyan previously served a four-year term (2012) on the Columbia, South Carolina City Council as an elected representative to 135,000 constituents. In that role, Cameron was chairman of the Budget Committee with responsibility for the development and oversight of the capital city’s $300,000,000 combined annual budgets.
Prior to 2015, Cameron was a licensed financial professional serving high-net-worth clients across the United States.
Cameron holds a Bachelor of Arts from Furman University (99) and a Master from the University of South Carolina (01).
Cameron and his family are members of First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina where he serves on the Diaconate.
Vamshi Rudrapati (affectionately known as Mr. V) is the Director of the Charter Institute at Erskine. Mr. V’s relentless quest to improve the quality of education for all students has always motivated his work. He has championed the improvement of educational outcomes for low-income students, students with disabilities, students facing homelessness, and English learners throughout his personal and professional career.
Prior to assuming the role of Director at the Institute, he worked at the South Carolina Public Charter School district for five years. During his time there, he managed Federal Programs and was heavily involved in the district operations of many departments, including State Programs, Charter Applications, Finance, Technology Needs, and more. Previously, Mr. V worked in a charter school where he managed curriculum, special education, PowerSchool, instructional technology, and assumed additional leadership responsibilities.
During his ten years in the charter sector, and his time in traditional districts, Mr. V has built everlasting relationships. He believes in the importance of prioritizing connections with others, whether it be students in the classroom or peers in the field.
Before joining the charter school world, Mr. V served as a special education coordinator in the Lee County School District. He has also served as the president of the SC Association of Title I Administrators (SCATA) in the past.
Mr. V holds Bachelors of Commerce and a Special Education degree. Additionally, he has a Masters in Business Administration.
Mr. V and his wife, Archana, have one son, Aaron, and one daughter, Ava.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 849-2406
Rich Melzer, Executive Deputy Superintendent of School Improvement, has been supporting Charter Institute at Erskine schools for the past five years in the capacity of accountability and school improvement. He served as a teacher and administrator in Prince Georges County, Maryland and administrator in both Montgomery County, Maryland, and Rock Hill Schools, South Carolina. As an elementary school principal, his first school, Kenilworth Elementary became the highest performing school in Prince Georges County. Kenilworth was, named a Top 50 School in the Maryland, Virginia and the D.C Metropolitan Region. For the school’s success in improving academic achievement Mr. Melzer was honored as a Milken National Educator. While in Montgomery County, Chevy Chase Elementary was recognized as a top five high achievement school.
Upon accepting a principalship at Ebinport Elementary School, Mr. Melzer moved to Rock Hill Schools. After a year at Ebinport, he transitioned to the District Office as Executive Director of Elementary Education. Developing a standards-based report card, creating T3 (a behavior intervention program), training UBD, refining district-wide curriculum maps, supporting principals and providing Assistant Principal training were among his accomplishments. During his last 2 years in Rock Hill Schools, Mr. Melzer served as Executive Director of School Choice and Professional Learning. He assisted in developing the District’s school choice program and established school choice policies and procedures. He also took pride in training, monitoring, and supporting Professional Learning Communities throughout Rock Hill Schools.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 389-5457
Christy Junkins holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Capella University, as well as a Master’s Degree in Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction from Walden University. Before pursuing a graduate degree, Mrs. Junkins obtained a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Limestone College. Mrs. Junkins has taught Middle School Mathematics, Middle School Science, Middle School Social Studies, all subjects in 5th Grade, and Gifted & Talented. Throughout her teaching career, she has served as Lead Teacher and Department Chair. She served as an Elementary Principal and the Superintendent of one of the largest K-12 charter schools in the State of South Carolina. While as a teacher, Mrs. Junkins spent three years working with the S2tem Centers on Inquiring Minds: Reading to Learn and Innovate in Mathematics and Science Research Project. She has presented at several conferences including the SC Council of Mathematics Teachers and the IQMS Regional Conference. As an Elementary Principal and the Superintendent, Mrs. Junkins helped her school secure a multimillion-dollar bond. She maintained a multimillion-dollar budget, as well as wearing many different hats such as Textbook Coordinator, Testing Coordinator, Federal Programs Coordinator, etc. Here at the Institute, she has worked as the Executive Director of School Services, Deputy Superintendent of Accountability, and now the Deputy Superintendent of Institute Initiatives. With her educational background and her experience, she strives to provide the Charter Institute at Erskine and its schools the best support and educational journey possible. Her goal is to be better today than yesterday by constantly improving her leadership and practices.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 849-2465
Kristin Olcott serves as Executive Assistant in Accountability and Authorization, joining the Institute in 2021. Kristin Olcott comes with experience in the field of education, as she served as a teacher for 7 years in three different counties before joining the Institute. Kristin Olcott holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education from The University of South Carolina. During her teaching career, Kristin served as a first and second-grade teacher, grade-level chairperson, and provided after-school tutoring. Out of the office, Kristin enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her husband, Dean, and their twin boys, Atlas and Bennett.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 849-2365
Naomi Morgan is the Director of School Performance at the Charter Institute at Erskine. She has over 10 years of experience working in K-12 and higher education. Prior to joining the Institute in August 2022, she most recently worked as a Research Specialist for Rock Hill Schools in York County South Carolina. Naomi has completed a variety of specialized training courses in the analysis, management, and visualization of data. She finds joy in supporting others in their use of data to inform instruction, support strategic planning, and foster organizational improvement. Naomi graduated Summa Cum Laude with her Master’s of Art in Teaching from Winthrop University. Outside of the office, Naomi enjoys hiking, bicycling, sewing, and spending time with friends and family. Naomi lives in Rock Hill, South Carolina with her husband, Christopher, and their two dogs.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 605-2073
Mr. Bogan served as a consultant with the Charter Institute at Erskine in the spring of 2022. He joined the Institute team on December 1, 2022 as Director of School Improvement. He began his teaching career in the Saluda County School District. After working as a guidance counselor, assistant principal, and principal in Spartanburg School District Two, he served as an elementary school principal for twenty-four years in the Rock Hill School District. He was named Outstanding Young Educator of the year in 1988 by The Spartanburg Jaycees, Inc. As an elementary school principal, Mr. Bogan led several schools that were recognized as School Incentive Reward winners. He had the privilege of opening two new schools, Boiling Springs Middle School and Old Pointe Elementary School. As a member of several South Carolina Department of Education External Review Teams, he gained valuable experience evaluating and making recommendations for improvement to struggling schools.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 605-6267
Katriel Rea serves as the Legal and Policy Assistant for Authorization at the Charter Institute at Erskine. A native of Florida, but raised in South Carolina, Katriel has worked in the legal field ever since graduating from the University of South Carolina. Working within Authorization, Katriel strives to provide exceptional support to the Institute’s schools in order to promote educational excellence for all students. Out of the office, Katriel enjoys being active in her church and outdoors and loves to travel.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 722-3841
Callison Madsen joined the Institute in 2023 and serves as the Coordinator of State Programs. Callison comes from a background in education, working as part of a team of instructors to launch the Future Soldier Preparatory Course pilot program with the U.S. Army. She has several years of experience in the classroom as a fifth grade, third grade, and multi-age Montessori teacher. During her time in the classroom, she served as data team lead, district curriculum writer, and chairperson for various committees. She was awarded a certificate of appreciation by the 1st Battalion, 61st Infantry Regiment Bravo Company for outstanding performance, and received recognition by Lexington Richland School District 5 for “Above and Beyond” teaching. Callison Madsen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Columbia College, where she served as a McNair Scholar and SC Teaching Fellow. Outside of work, Callison enjoys renovating her Columbia home or travelling with her husband.
Contact:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 543-1273
Rock Hill native Dr. Missy Brakefield officially joined the Charter Institute at Erskine staff as the Deputy Superintendent of Fiscal and Student Services in June of 2022.
Dr. Brakefield brings nearly thirty years of public education experience to the Charter Institute at Erskine, having served in several leadership positions within Rock Hill Schools. Brakefield most recently served as Interim Chief of Academics and Accountability for Rock Hill Schools. She also served as Executive Director for Elementary Education, Director of Federal Programs, Coordinator of Expanded Learning Programs, Assistant Principal, Program Teacher and classroom teacher during her tenure.
As the Deputy Superintendent of Fiscal and Student Services, Dr. Brakefield oversees the Institute’s Federal Programs, Finance, and Special Education departments. She also serves as a liaison between the staff and Institute leadership regarding company climate and works on special projects with Institute leadership.
Outside of the office, Missy enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 849-2458
Jeanie Glover joined the Institute in September 2022 as the Chief of Federal Programs after serving 27 years in Aiken County Public Schools. During her time there, she served as the Chief of Instruction, where she supervised Curriculum and Instruction, Federal Programs, Special Education, and Assessment and Accountability. Prior to that role, she served as the Director of Federal Programs, a Coordinator in Federal Programs, an interim assistant principal, and an English teacher. Jeanie received a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education – English from the University of South Carolina- Aiken and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Augusta University. Jeanie and her husband Todd reside in North Augusta and have two daughters, Reagan and Morgan. They enjoy spending time in the mountains.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 849-2461
Karen Cook joined the Charter Institute at Erskine in 2022 and serves as the Executive Director of Federal Programs. Previously, Mrs. Cook served as the Team Lead for the Consolidated Oversight and Monitoring Team at the South Carolina Department of Education. She has worked extensively with ESSA federal programs over the past 11 years. Mrs. Cook’s work was recognized in 2017 when she received the State Leadership Award from the National Association of Federal Education Program Administrators (NAFEPA).
Karen holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Newberry College and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina. She is a member of NAFEPA, the National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators (NAESPA), the South Carolina Association of Title I Administrators (SCATA), and the South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA). Previously, Mrs. Cook taught 8th grade Mathematics at White Knoll Middle School in Lexington School District One.
Karen and her husband, Brian, reside in Lexington with their two daughters. They enjoy spending time on Lake Murray, traveling, and attending sporting events.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 904-9808
Kristy Cansler officially joined the Charter Institute at Erskine staff as the Executive Director of Federal Programs (Finance) in January of 2023 after serving over 16 years in Aiken County Public Schools. A graduate of the University of South Carolina Aiken in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Special Education, Ms. Cansler received her Master’s Degree in Education in 2009 from Southern Wesleyan University. Ms. Cansler has served as a special education teacher at the elementary and middle school levels, district-level coordinator in both Special Programs and Federal Programs, and Director of Federal Programs overseeing Title I, Title II, Title III and Title IV programs, ESSER programs, the McKinney-Vento Act, Gifted & Talented programs, EEDA and 21st Century programs, and state requirements for Read to Succeed legislation and MTSS.
Ms. Cansler is a proponent of growing professionally and networking with colleagues across the state and country as she advocates for all students. She is currently an officer of the South Carolina Association of Title I Administrators (SCATA) where she serves as president-elect. She is also an active member of National Association of Federal Programs Administrators (NAFEPA), Federal Programs Division of the South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA), SCDE Federal Programs Committee of Practitioners, and Beta Delta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma – International Society for Key Women Educators. Outside of the office, Kristy enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and three rottweilers, playing trumpet in her church orchestra, baking/cooking, antiquing, and spending time at the lake.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 973-9833
Sarah Shealy serves as Director of Federal Programs Finance at the Charter Institute at Erskine. Before joining the Erskine team in 2020, Sarah worked at Midlands STEM Institute as HR Coordinator and Executive Assistant to the Executive Director/Principal. She is no stranger to non-traditional education and is currently completing a BA in Art History online from Arizona State University. Outside of the office Sarah enjoys camping, ceramics, and attending local theater productions.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 830-0718
Lacy Lucas joined the Charter Institute in 2022 and serves as the Assistant Director of Federal Programs. Lacy comes to the Institute with a background in education. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Education degree in Divergent learning from Columbia College. She is certified in Elementary education and Middle Level Language Arts. She also holds endorsements in Gifted and Talented Education and English for Speakers of Other Languages. During her teaching career, she served as a classroom teacher, instructional coach and interventionist, chairperson for various committees, team leader, and after-school tutor. Outside of the office, Lacy enjoys spending time with her three boys, Bennett, and identical twins, Nolan and Ryan. She also enjoys working on home projects with her husband, Randy.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 995-0852
John Li serves as the Chief Financial Officer for the Charter Institute at Erskine. Prior to his role as the CFO, Mr. Li also served as the Chief of Finance and Operations, Executive Director of Finance and Operations, Director of Finance, and Assistant Director of Finance for the Institute.
Prior to joining the Institute, Mr. John Li previously worked at East Point Academy, where he served as the school’s Financial Coordinator. Mr. Li also served as the Board Treasurer for East Link Academy and was a member of ELA’s Planning Committee. As East Point Academy’s Financial Coordinator, Mr. Li was responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing East Point’s annual budget and financial controls. His work in the Finance Office contributed to consistently clean annual audits for the school. Besides his role as the Financial Coordinator, Mr. Li also played an important role in developing the school’s Extended Care and Summer Programs. Mr. Li was awarded the Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders Award by the National Afterschool Association in 2016. Outside of the office, Mr. Li serves as an archery instructor with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources where he introduces and teaches archery to South Carolina youth. He is a certified instructor with the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) and with the USA Archery program. Mr. Li resides in Lexington, South Carolina, with his wife.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 803-849-2459
Amanda Tucker is a native South Carolinian and currently resides in Midlands with her three children. Working in industries including banking, hospitality and education, Amanda brings over 20 years of experience to The Charter Institute at Erskine. Her background includes 9 years of Non-profit accounting at Hammond School and corporate accounting efforts for multiple fast-paced restaurants under the LTC Hospitality group.
Outside of work, Amanda can frequently be found cheering for her children at different sporting events. She enjoys painting, yoga, pursuing a healthy lifestyle, and spending time outdoors.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 973-9812
Sarah Love joined the Charter Institute in 2021 and currently serves as the Chief of Special Education. She previously served as the Coordinator of Special Services at South Carolina Virtual Charter School. She has worked in public and private brick and mortar settings with students of all ages before transitioning to virtual education. There she taught middle and elementary school and worked with students in grades K-12 as a department lead and Coordinator. Sarah earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Converse College in Special Education and Politics and holds a Master of Education Degree from Converse College. She lives in the upstate with her husband and their two boys.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 605-7249
Sally Fickling serves as the Director of Student Services for the Charter Institute at Erskine. After working in both traditional public school and private school settings in both teaching and administrative positions, Sally joined the Institute in 2021 to support multilingual students and students with disabilities. Sally has a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Clemson University, a master’s degree in Elementary Teaching from the University of South Carolina, and a doctoral degree in Reading and Literacy from Capella University. Sally also earned National Board certification as a Middle Childhood Generalist. Outside of the office, Sally enjoys spending time with her husband and two children on their family farm or at various sporting events.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 849-2463
Anna Hightower joined the Institute in June 2023 as the Director of Special Education Compliance. She has spent her entire career serving students
with disabilities as both a self-contained and resource teacher in brick and mortar schools before transitioning to the virtual school environment where she served as a self contained teacher and special programs administrator. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Special Education from Converse College and a Masters of Education in Administration and Supervision from Liberty University. Anna and her husband, Chad, live in the upstate of SC. They have two sons, one daughter, one daughter-in-law, and are expecting their first grandchild later this year.
Contact:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 683-6479
Bralyn serves as the Coordinator of Special Education. Bralyn comes to the Institute with a background in Special Education, Early Childhood Education, and Early Intervention. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education- Multi Categorical with a dual certification in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Carolina Aiken. Bralyn has over 12 years of experience in education. During her career she taught special education and first grade, before going into early intervention. She then joined the Early Learning Assessment Team with Aiken County Public School District before joining the Charter Institute in 2022. Bralyn currently resides in Gilbert, SC with her husband Jared and their two kids, Camden, and Charley.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 904-6068
Madison Murray serves as the Coordinator of Operations at The Charter Institute of Erskine. A native of South Carolina’s beautiful Lowcountry, Madison recently graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources and Organizational Leadership. She is looking forward to working with the team and hopes to further her career in human resources.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 995-0616
Deputy Superintendent of School Support Mike Sinclair brings a wealth of educational and charter school experience to the Charter Institute at Erskine. After teaching for 5 years in Greenville county, Mr. Sinclair went on to serve as a school leader for 20 years, serving within a Title I middle school and a high-performing charter high school, Brashier Middle College. While at Brashier, Mr. Sinclair was awarded the SC Charter Principal of the Year in 2012 as well as the Milken Educator Award in 2013. Under his leadership, Brashier also earned the title of 2022 National Blue Ribbon School.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 849-2458
Heather Holliday holds a Master’s Degree in School Leadership and Supervision from Grand Canyon University and a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Biology from Winthrop University. Mrs. Holliday spent 28 years in public education as a High School Science Teacher, Ninth Grade Academy Director, Assistant Principal of Instruction, and the Data and Accountability Facilitator. As the Data and Accountability Facilitator, Mrs. Holliday served as the District Test Coordinator, Power School Coordinator, and Graduation Coordinator. During her career in public education, she served as the Science Department Chairperson, an ADEPT evaluator, the School Improvement Chairperson and also held the distinction of being a National Board Certified Teacher in Early Adolescent Science. She was voted Teacher of the Year at Abbeville High School and Anderson County Science Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Holliday joined The Charter Institute Team full-time in July 2021. Mrs. Holliday is a third-generation educator and native South Carolinian from Charleston who currently resides in the upstate. Mrs. Holliday strives to keep students as the central focus of all decisions she makes as a member of The Institute Team and believes that all children deserve the best education that we can provide. She is dedicated to “Moving the Needle” for South Carolina students and families.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 605-5567
Jason Jones serves as the Chief of PowerSchool and IT for the Charter Institute at Erskine. A South Carolina native, Mr. Jones has performed nationally with the Carolina Crown Drum & Bugle Corps and Carolina Thunder Percussion Ensemble. While attending the University of Georgia to obtain a Bachelor’s of Music Education degree he also performed and wrote music for the University of Georgia’s Redcoat Band televised nationally. Mr. Jones also holds a Master’s of Library and Information Science and post Master’s certificate of Graduate Studies from the University of South Carolina. Prior to joining the Charter Institute at Erskine, Mr. Jones’ teaching career has transitioned into many different roles. He has experience teaching instrumental music at the middle and high school level. He has taught computer instruction for middle grades and been a librarian for elementary and middle school. His technical experience and PowerSchool trainings led him to being a school data specialist and subsequently Director of Technology for one of the larger virtual schools in the state of South Carolina. Mr. Jones also works for the South Carolina Department of Education as an Education Associate primarily responsible for PowerSchool support. His PowerSchool experience and keen eye for data accuracy have led to his being a highly sought after consultant for PowerSchool data issues across the state. Always focusing on doing what is right for students, Mr. Jones earned the title of 2018 SC Charter School Champion by the Public Charter School Alliance of South Carolina. Mr. Jones continues to promote student achievement and assists school leaders with data-driven decisions setting policies and procedures accordingly. Mr. Jones is excited about his new role to assist schools in ways beyond PowerSchool and IT.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 849-2354
Christopher Seay holds a Master’s Degree in School Leadership and Supervision from the University of South Carolina. He also holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics Teaching from Clemson University. Mr. Seay has spent 30 years in public education as a High School Mathematics Teacher, Assistant Principal, Freshmen Academy Principal, Elementary Principal, and Middle School Principal. During his career in public education, he served as a coach, teacher evaluator, mentor, school testing coordinator, and State Test Security Officer with the South Carolina Department of Education. Mr. Seay is a native South Carolinian from Greer in the upstate who currently resides in the midlands in Northeast Columbia. He and his wife, Stephanee, have four amazing children (Ansley, Greer, Harrison, and Sam) that have all graduated or are currently working towards degrees from Clemson University. Outside of The Institute, Mr. Seay enjoys traveling and attending events at Clemson with his family. Student growth, development, and success are Mr. Seay’s central focus for all decisions as he joins The Institute for the 2023 – 2024 school year. He believes that by Engaging Hearts and Equipping Minds we can help all students be successful as they move into the future.
Contact:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 683-6288
Dr. William F. Roach, Jr. started his educational career as a high school social studies teacher and coached baseball, wrestling, and football. He has served in numerous leadership positions over his 30 plus years of experience. He started at the Charter Institute at Erskine in August 2022 as the Chief of Special Projects. Before coming to the Institute, he served as Charter Schools USA South Carolina State Director and Founding principal of Berkeley Preparatory Academy. Prior to that, superintendent of Union County Schools in South Carolina, Assistant Superintendent in the School District of Pickens County, principal/executive director of Greer Middle College Charter High School and served as a principal and assistant principal in Greenville County Schools. He was the recipient of the Educator of the Year Award from the Greenville Association of School Resource Officers in 2008, was selected to be part of the SC Department of Education’s School Leadership Executive Institute and the South Carolina’s TEE Leadership Program. Dr. Roach earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and his Master of Arts degree in school leadership from Furman University. He went on to earn his Educational Specialist degree and Doctorate degree in Educational Administration from the University of South Carolina. He and his lovely wife of 30 years, Wendy, have two grown daughters, a son who is a senior in college, and one granddaughter.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 803-605-2075
Ashley Epperson serves as the Chief of Communications for the Charter Institute at Erskine. A native of Blythewood, South Carolina, Ashley graduated as the Class of 2018 Valedictorian of Westwood High School and joined the Institute team as an intern in 2019. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of South Carolina in 2021, earning her bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications while working with the Institute.
In addition to overseeing the Institute Communications department, Ashley also serves on the Leadership Cabinet and Operations Committee at the Institute.
Outside of the office, Ashley teaches dance with the South Carolina Music and Dance Academy and can often be found on the Town Theatre stage in Columbia, where she also serves as a faculty member.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 995-0527
Jacob Carter serves as the Director of Media Production for the Charter Institute at Erskine. Jacob graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2012 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Media Arts. Following college, he’s produced video and photo content for the pharmaceutical industry, retail industry, nonprofit ventures, and the educational field. He recently completed a documentary on Purple Martins, a bird famous for roosting on Lake Murray. He spent several years teaching photography at a private high school. After partnering to produce content alongside the Institute on multiple projects, Jacob joined the Institute Team in 2021. Outside of the office, Jacob enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter as well as fishing, kayaking, and strength training.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 605-5967
Katie Graybill serves as the Coordinator of Communications for the Charter Institute at Erskine. She has been with the Institute since the summer of 2022, and since then, she has enjoyed the time spent getting to know the entire Institute family. Katie graduated from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in strategic communication management.
When she’s not in the office, she enjoys traveling, going to USC football games, and spending time with family and friends.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 830-0719
Christian Deany serves as the Coordinator of Media Production for the Charter Institute at Erskine. A native of Illinois, Christian developed his passion for media production when he was gifted his first camcorder in middle school. He graduated from the College of Charleston in 2020 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication. Since college, Christian has produced videos for musicians, politicians, small businesses, and the historic horse carriage tours in Charleston. Outside of the office, Christian enjoys playing soccer, going to concerts, trying new foods, and spending time with his friends and family.
Contact:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 605-1939
Robbie Anderson joined the Charter Institute at Erskine team in August 2020 as an intern. Robbie served in that role until transitioning into a full-time role in May 2021. Prior to joining the Institute, Robbie worked internships with the South Carolina State Treasurer’s Office, the South Carolina House Education and Public Works Committee, and the South Carolina Senate Invitations Committee. A native of Conway, SC, Robbie graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Minor in Business Administration. During college, Robbie was a member of the Student Government Association and Alpha Lambda Delta. Robbie also received his Master of Public Administration from the University of South Carolina in 2021. During graduate school, he was a member of the Graduate Student Association and the MPA Student Association.
Robbie is passionate about school choice, and he is excited to support education in his capacity at the Charter Institute at Erskine. Outside of the office, Robbie enjoys playing tennis and golf, spending time with his family and friends, going to the beach and mountains, playing the piano and organ, and cheering on his Gamecocks at USC sporting events. A musician, Robbie served as a substitute organist in Conway area churches. Robbie resides in Columbia, where he is a member of First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, where he serves as a Deacon and sings in the Chancel Choir, and is also active with the Young Professionals Ministry and the Men’s Foundry.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 429-2355