ABOUT US

Dr. Carol Robbs McFadden is currently serving as Interim Director of the Ola Copeland Academy. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Office Occupation from Benedict College, a Masters of Arts degree in Administration and Supervision from Clemson University, an Educational Specialist degree from the University of South Carolina, and a Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southern University. Dr. McFadden serves on the Cherokee County Advisory Board for Miracle Hill Ministries and the Piedmont Community Action Board in Spartanburg, SC.

Mrs. McCraw is currently employed as Manager of the Limestone College Campus Store. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Limestone College. Mrs. McCraw formerly served on the City of Gaffney Planning and Zoning Board and the South Carolina Peach Festival Board. Mrs. McCraw is a native of Gaffney. She is married to Greg K. McCraw and they have two daughters, two sons-in-law, and three grandchildren.

Mrs. Abbie Sossamon is currently employed as the Lifestyles and Features Editor at The Gaffney Ledger. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of South Carolina Upstate in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications. Mrs. Sossamon also is serving as President of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, member of the Gaffney Main Street Board, and member of the Rotary Club. Mrs. Sossamon is a native of Gaffney and she is married to Drake Scott.

Mrs. Heather Swayngim was previously Clinic Director of the Free Medical Clinic of Cherokee County. She earned her nursing degree from Spartanburg Technical College in 1998. Before her role at the clinic, Mrs. Swayngim was employed as a Gastroenterology Nurse/Office Manager with Mary Black Gastroenterology and Executive Director of KNOW(2). She currently also serves on the board of directors for the Gaffney Little Theatre. Mrs. Swayngim is a native of Gaffney.

Amy Harrington Turner is currently employed as the Executive Director of the Senior Centers of Cherokee County, Inc. She graduated from the University of South Carolina Upstate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and Spartanburg Community College with a certificate from the Non-Profit Academy. Mrs. Turner is also a member of the Rotary Club. Mrs. Turner is a native of Gaffney and she is married to Derrick Turner.

David J. Cauthen is a Vietnam Veteran. He is also retired from The Timken Company where he was employed for 20 years as a machinist. Mr. Cauthen graduated from Johnson C. Smith University in 1969 where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. He currently also serves as a member of the Appalachian Council of Governments since 2016. Mr. Cauthen is a native of Lancaster, SC and he is married to Sharon Cauthen.

Mattie Elizabeth “Libbie” Cheek is currently employed as the Community Resource Coordinator for Cherokee County with United Way of the Piedmont. She graduated from Limestone University with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work degree in 2001. Mrs. Cheek is also a member of the Cherokee County United Lions Club and serves as Service Chair and Secretary. Mrs. Cheek previously served on the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and is a former Rotarian. Mrs. Cheek is a native of Gaffney. She is the daughter of Ronnie and Linda Elmore and she is married to Bryon Cheek. They have one adult son, James, who is a Recording Industry Management student at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, TN.

Patricia Boone Lankford currently works as the People Ops Specialist for Lifepoint Business Services. Previously, she was Director of Human Resources at Limestone University. Mrs. Lankford holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Resources Management from Limestone University as well as a certificate in Employee Relations Law from Greenville Technical College/Ogletree Deakins Attorneys at Law. Mrs. Lankford moved to Gaffney in 1991. She is married to Terry Gene Lankford. They have three children: Zach Bostic (Jana), Jacob Bostic, and Sarah Bostic.

Robert Scott Peterson currently serves as Pastor of Providence Baptist Church. Previously, he was Pastor of Ravenwood Baptist Church in Columbia, SC. Dr. Peterson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a Master of Divinity degree from Columbia Biblical Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Peterson served on the Options Medical Cherokee Pregnancy Center Board from 2012-2014 and has served on various committees with the Broad River Baptist Association. Dr. Peterson was born in Shelby, NC. He grew up in Greensboro, NC. He is married to Beth Peterson. They have three grown children.