VisionGreenwood Executive Director Kay Self Named to Palmetto Power List
Greenwood, S.C. – (November 13, 2024) –VisionGreenwood’s Executive Director Kay Self was named to SC Biz News’ 2024 Palmetto Power List, a prestigious recognition honoring South Carolina’s most innovative and influential leaders across a variety of sectors.
In a Q & A style interview, Self offered her unique perspectives on The Palmetto State’s biggest strengths, as well as its most glaring challenges — and how South Carolina can continue to its economic momentum. Be sure to read her response to the final question, “What is something most people would be surprised to know about you?”
How do you think your work has benefited South Carolina?
VisionGreenwood is a community-driven organization focused on creating an environment where economic vitality, innovation, and opportunity thrive. We selectively champion initiatives designed to build a community of choice.
Through the thoughtful strategies of VisionGreenwood’s leadership, such as establishing public/private partnerships, I have been able to contribute to laying the groundwork for a prosperous future – not only for Greenwood, but also nearby communities. Our overriding goal is to ensure our region and other parts of the state remain future-ready.
My work is rooted in making meaningful connections throughout South Carolina, developing a network of collaboration that spans across various regions, industries, and communities to ensure that all areas of the state benefit from collective growth – particularly underserved and rural areas. Through VisionGreenwood, I’ve helped bridge gaps, improve access, and identify resources for those who need them most by fostering 
community connections and working with local leaders.
What is South Carolina’s biggest strength? Its biggest challenge?
South Carolina’s biggest strength, besides its strategic location, is the diverse industry profile. A purposeful focus on technology and innovation – particularly advanced manufacturing, life sciences and healthcare – really sets South Carolina apart. VisionGreenwood maintains a close relationship with key players in the state’s biotechnology industry to identify opportunities for the world-renowned Greenwood Genetic Center, along with several research partnerships and world-class companies in our community.
Among South Carolina’s biggest challenges are issues impacting both our economy and quality of life such as poverty, educational challenges, an aging workforce, and a lack of infrastructure in some rural areas that need significant upgrades to support sustainable growth. Rural areas often face challenges in accessing the same resources as urban centers. Improving rural economies by focusing on agribusiness, eco-tourism, and broadband expansion, will help South Carolina’s rural communities tap into the state’s broader economic success.
What is something most people would be surprised to know about you?
I have fond memories of working in the television and movie industry in the early 1990s. In fact, you may be able to spot me in the wedding scene of the movie, “Forrest Gump.”
Kay Self’s interview with SC Biz News was reprinted with permission.
Check out what all 50 inaugural Palmetto Power honorees had to say. View the complete digital article, “Meet SC Biz News’ Palmetto Power List 2024,” on scbiznews.com.
###
About Vision Greenwood
VisionGreenwood is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with deep roots in the Greenwood community. Throughout the past 20 years, VisionGreenwood (formerly known as the Foundation for a Greater Greenwood County, Inc.) has invested over $2.9 million into the community by supporting collaborative community development initiatives that provide economic prosperity and enhance the growth and success of Greenwood. The Foundation was originally created to support the former Greenwood Partnership Alliance's charitable operations with a focus on community and workforce development. The Foundation became a stand-alone organization in 2020 and was rebranded as VisionGreenwood in 2021. By intent and design, VisionGreenwood continues to be a community partner that is focused on Greenwood's future, economic growth and development, and quality of life. Learn more at www.visiongreenwood.org.