FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 15, 2011
For more information please contact: SCRA Micki Howard 843.760.3329 office 843.697.9226 mobile micki.howard@scra.org
SCRA Holds Quarterly Strategic Advisory Group Meeting Ambassador David Wilkins, Governor Jim Hodges and General John Sattler Join as New Members
Charleston, SC – February 15, 2011 – SCRA, a South Carolina-based global leader in applied research and commercialization, recently held its quarterly Strategic Advisory Group (SAG) Meeting at its headquarters s in Charleston. The group, comprised of high-level thought leaders, was formed in June 2010 to provide critical feedback and advice to assist SCRA in execution of the company’s long-term business and economic development goals. The Group’s members represent various sectors and include retired Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps flag officers, a former Department of Homeland Security Under Secretary and high-level leaders from the small business, large industry and investment sectors. Recent additions to the group include Ambassador David Wilkins, Governor James “Jim” Hodges and General John Sattler.
Ambassador David Wilkins, who served at the pleasure of President George W. Bush as Ambassador to Canada, is an attorney by trade and served in the SC House of Representatives for 25 years, serving as Speaker for 11. He is currently the Chairman of Clemson University’s Board of Trustees and is a partner at Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP, chairing the Public Policy and International Law practice group.
South Carolina Governor Jim Hodges, who served as Governor from 1999-2003, served in the SC State House of Representatives for 11 years and was the House Democratic Leader for 3 years prior to winning the gubernatorial seat. Hodges is an attorney and senior advisor at McGuire Woods Consulting, LLC and partner at McGuireWoods, LLP law firm. He recently served as a National Co-chair for President Obama’s presidential campaign.
Lieutenant General John Sattler (Ret.) served in the United States Marine Corps for 37 years in a variety of commands and capacities. His commands included the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Public Affairs Division, the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force and the US Marine Forces Central Command. In 2006 he was selected to serve as U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff's Director of Strategic Plans and Policy, where he remained until his retirement in 2008.
“We are honored to welcome Ambassador Wilkins, Governor Hodges and General Sattler to the Strategic Advisory Group,” said SCRA CEO Bill Mahoney. “Their depth of knowledge, combined with the immense expertise and leadership qualifications of our existing members will be a tremendous asset to SCRA and our commitment to furthering South Carolina’s Knowledge Economy.”
“Our meeting was an overwhelming success, and the Group’s input and feedback have provided us with valuable guidance as we move forward to fulfill our mission and achieve our business goals,” Said SCRA COO Greg Frank. “I am grateful for the contributions from each SAG member, and I am confident that each meeting will be as productive as last week’s.”
The full list of the SAG members can be found in SCRA’s 2010 Annual Report.
About SCRA SCRA is a global leader in applied research and commercialization services with its headquarters in South Carolina. SCRA has a dual mission:
In support of both missions, SCRA builds and manages research facilities that include wet labs, secure rooms for sensitive work and advanced, high-tech manufacturing shops.