Leadership Exchange 2025 Speakers
Knox White, Mayor of Greenville
Knox White has served as Greenville’s Mayor since 1995, making him the city’s longest-serving mayor. A Greenville native, he earned his undergraduate degree from Wake Forest University and his law degree from the University of South Carolina. During his tenure, he has led major projects transforming the city, including Falls Park, the Swamp Rabbit Trail, Fluor Field, and the restoration of the Poinsett Hotel. In addition to his public service, Mayor White is a partner at Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd and continues to be deeply involved in Greenville’s civic and business community.
Carlos Phillips, Greenville Chamber President & CEO
Carlos Phillips serves as the President & CEO of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, a position he has held since March 2016. Under his leadership, the Chamber has achieved Five-Star Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and has been recognized for its growth and impact in the community. With over 17 years of experience in chamber leadership, Phillips previously served in senior roles at the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and Greater Louisville Inc. He is a Certified Chamber Executive (CCE), one of only 475 individuals to earn this designation. Phillips is actively involved in the community, serving on several boards, including the Community Foundation of Greenville, the Urban League of the Upstate, and the United Way of Greenville County. He currently serves as chair of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE).
John DeWorken, Greenville City Councilmember District #1
John DeWorken is a Greenville City Councilmember, representing District 1. He co-founded Lobby South Carolina, a pro-business lobbying firm, with his wife, Sunnie. Together, they advocate for good jobs and small businesses across South Carolina. John has served as President of the North Main Community Association and is currently Vice Chairman of the Greenville Transit Authority. He also serves on the Greenville Economic Development Corporation Board and the Greenville Water Commission. John is an adjunct professor at Southern Wesleyan University and has been recognized twice as one of Greenville Magazine’s “50 Most Influential People.”
John Boyanski, Complete Public Relations President & CEO
John Boyanoski is the President and CEO of Complete Public Relations, a Greenville-based firm specializing in media relations, crisis communications, and public affairs. With a background in journalism, he previously worked as a reporter for The Greenville News, covering significant stories including the Looper murders. He is also an accomplished author and historian, having written several books on Greenville and South Carolina, such as Reimagining Greenville: Building the Best Downtown in America, Ghosts of Upstate South Carolina, and High School Football in South Carolina: Palmetto Pigskin History. Beyond his professional endeavors, Boyanoski is actively involved in the community, serving on various boards and committees, including the Greenville Chamber’s PULSE Advisory Council and the Greenville Zoo Foundation. He was named one of Greenville's Best and Brightest under age 35 in 2012.
Heath Dillard, Visit Greenville SC, President & CEO
Heath Dillard is the President and CEO of Visit Greenville SC, the official destination marketing organization for Greenville, South Carolina. Since joining the organization in 2022, he has led efforts to brand, market, and promote Greenville as a premier travel destination, focusing on strategic growth and community engagement. A Spartanburg native, Dillard previously spent a decade with the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, where he played a key role in strategic planning, branding, and customer experience initiatives, including the development of the “Charlotte’s Got a Lot” campaign. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from the College of Charleston and an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Dillard and his wife, Jamie, a special education teacher, have three sons. The family relocated to Greenville to be closer to extended family and to contribute to the community’s growth and development.
Dr. Larry Miller, President of Greenville Technical College
Dr. Larry Miller became the third president of Greenville Technical College on July 1, 2025. Prior to this role, he served as the college's Vice President of Learning and Workforce Development, where he led significant initiatives, including a 238% increase in credentials awarded in a single year and elevating the college’s online program to first in South Carolina for two consecutive years. He holds a Ph.D. in Public Administration from The Maxwell School at Syracuse University, with specializations in public finance, budgeting, and social policy, and both a BS and MBA from the State University of New York at Buffalo.
John Lummus, President & CEO Upstate SC Alliance
John Lummus serves as the President and CEO of the Upstate SC Alliance, a regional economic development organization representing ten counties in Upstate South Carolina. Since assuming the role in 2014, he has been instrumental in positioning the region as a competitive and innovative economic hub. Under his leadership, the Alliance has facilitated over $10 billion in capital investment and the creation of more than 27,000 jobs from 2018 to 2022. Lummus previously held roles as Vice President of Economic and Institutional Advancement at Tri-County Technical College and Director of the Anderson County Office of Economic Development. He holds a bachelor's degree from Wake Forest University and a master's degree in Public Administration from the University of South Carolina. Lummus is also a certified South Carolina Economic Developer (SCCED).
Max Stewart, CEO of Greenville Area Development
Max Stewart is the Chief Executive Officer of the Greenville Area Development Corporation (GADC), a position he has held since July 2024. With over two decades of experience in economic development and nonprofit leadership, Stewart previously served as Vice President of Economic Development for the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation in Florida. There, he led initiatives that resulted in significant economic gains, including a $250 million capital investment project creating 450 jobs—the largest in Manatee County's history. Stewart holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Central Florida and has been actively involved in professional organizations such as the Florida Economic Development Council and the International Trade Alliance.
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