News Summary
Last Thursday, Laurens welcomed the finalists for the Executive Director position in a community meet-and-greet held at the historic Capitol Theatre. Residents mingled with the three candidates who shared their vision for the future of the town. The finalists included local resident Brad Abercrombie, newcomer Brandon Shields with a fresh perspective, and experienced nonprofit leader Lydia Thomas. The evening highlighted the importance of community engagement and excitement for the town’s future as decisions regarding leadership are on the horizon.
Excitement in Laurens: Meet-and-Greet with Executive Director Finalists
Last Thursday night, Laurens was buzzing with excitement as Main Street Laurens hosted an event that brought the community together to meet the three finalists for the coveted position of Executive Director. Held at the historic Capitol Theatre, the gathering offered local business owners and community members a perfect chance to come together, share some laughs, and get to know the candidates vying for this crucial role. With a friendly atmosphere filling the air, the evening was all about community, connection, and a shared vision for Laurens’ future.
Meet the Candidates
The three candidates each took a few minutes to introduce themselves and outline their experiences before answering a prepared question designed to delve into their vision for the town. After their introductions, attendees had the chance to mingle and interact with the finalists, making for a lively and engaging experience that was both informative and enjoyable.
A Lifelong Love for Laurens
First up was Brad Abercrombie, a lifelong resident of Laurens. This local powerhouse lives in town with his wife and two children, showcasing a profound commitment to the community. Brad brings an impressive local flavor, as his daughter owns Southern Twist & Trade located right on the square. Known for his active involvement, he has participated in many events organized by Main Street Laurens, including the beloved Squealin’ on the Square festival. With a heartfelt desire to give back to the community he loves so much, his passion for Laurens shone brightly throughout the evening.
A New Perspective
Next was Brandon Shields, who made the move to Laurens about five years ago. Along with his wife and three children, he has bought and renovated a building on the Square, which was once known as Pixie Dust. This budding entrepreneur is also a brand strategist by trade, diving deeply into brand identity, web and graphic design, as well as copywriting. Brandon’s fresh perspective and creative approach to business could add a new dimension to the role of Executive Director, reflecting a blend of modern ideas with community values.
Experience from the Zoo
Finally, there was Lydia Thomas, hailing from Georgia but now a proud resident of Laurens County for about six years. Currently serving as the Executive Director of the Greenville Zoo Foundation, Lydia brings a wealth of experience in nonprofit management and community engagement. Her vision focuses on the concept of mixed-use buildings that combine both living and working spaces, hoping to enhance the economic impact of downtown Laurens. Lydia’s insights could prove invaluable as the city looks to develop its downtown area into a vibrant hub.
What’s Next?
As the evening came to a close, attendees expressed excitement for the future of Laurens and the three dynamic candidates vying for the Executive Director position. The Main Street Board of Directors will be holding a meeting soon to make the crucial decision regarding the new executive director, and it’s clear that each finalist has unique qualities and visions for the community. The energy in the room was palpable, with community members eager to show their support for their favorite candidates.
This meet-and-greet not only served as a platform for interaction but also reinforced the tight-knit spirit of Laurens. As everyone heads back to their daily routines, one thing is for sure — the future of Laurens looks bright, and the community is excited to see who will lead the way in this important role!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- GoLaurens: Community Gets a Chance to Meet Candidates
- GoLaurens: Meet the Final Candidates for Executive Director
- Global Cosmetics News: Revolution Beauty CEO Lauren Brindley to Depart
- Vermont Biz: Curtis Fund Names Lauren Philie Executive Director
- Credit Union Times: Lauren Culp Named New National Credit Union Foundation Executive Director
- Wikipedia: Main Street
- Google Search: Executive Director Position
- Google Scholar: Executive Director Role in Community
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Executive Director
- Google News: Executive Director Laurens
Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON
The CLINTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREClinton.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Clinton, Laurens County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Discovery, Clinton Community Day, and performances at the Whitten Center Amphitheater. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Historical Society, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and education that power the local economy such as Milliken & Company and Presbyterian College. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
