Chamber embarks on Leadership MP Initiative
Moultrie News. July 15, 2026.
The Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce (MPCC) announces the launch of Leadership Mount Pleasant, a dynamic and immersive community leadership initiative designed to cultivate, connect, and elevate the next generation of local leaders. The program is set to welcome its inaugural cohort in January 2027.
Guided by the Chamber’s mission to build business and community success East of the Cooper, Leadership Mount Pleasant is more than a professional development program; it is a collective investment in the town’s future. The program offers a curated space for those who live, work, and serve in Mount Pleasant to engage directly with local decision-makers, industry experts, and fellow civic-minded peers.
Leadership Mount Pleasant Mission: To equip and inspire leaders to make a positive impact on Mount Pleasant and beyond by deepening their understanding and appreciation of the unique fabric that shapes our community.
“As Mount Pleasant continues to grow, the need for informed and engaged business and community leaders has never been greater,” says Rebecca Imholz, Executive Director of the Mount Pleasant Chamber. “Leadership Mount Pleasant addresses this by creating pathways for collaboration and shared solutions across public and private sectors. Participants will gain an exclusive ‘behind-the-scenes’ look at the infrastructure, economy, and culture that define the Lowcountry.”
The inaugural cohort of approximately 25 participants will embark on a journey of eight thoughtfully curated sessions. Each session will be hosted at various locations throughout Mount Pleasant, featuring interactive panels, site visits and experiential learning.
Session Focus Highlights: Local Government and Public Safety | Economic Development and Business Climate | Education and Workforce | Infrastructure, Housing and Environment | Healthcare and Tourism
The Chamber invites businesses, nonprofits and residents to help shape this stronger, more connected future. There are several ways to get involved:
- Applications for the 2027 cohort will officially go live in September 2026.
- Local organizations can sponsor sessions or networking events to showcase their commitment to community leadership.
- Residents are encouraged to stay connected and help champion the initiative within their professional networks.
"Leadership Mount Pleasant is an opportunity for our entire community to come together, bringing ideas, energy, and leadership to the table," says Karina Garrison, Chair of the Leadership Mount Pleasant Advisory Council. “By joining this initiative, you are joining respected business and civic leaders who are stepping forward to help shape a stronger, more connected future for Mount Pleasant."
Since January 2026, the Leadership Mount Pleasant Advisory Council has been thoughtfully guiding the development of the program, shaped by the insight, experience, and shared vision of a diverse cross-section of community leaders. Drawing influence from representatives across business, nonprofit, education, government, and civic sectors, the program has been intentionally designed to reflect the character, opportunities, and future aspirations of the Mount Pleasant community. The following individuals have played a valuable role in helping bring this initiative to life:
Karina Garrison, Chair, Pinnacle Financial Partners
Benji Anderson, Pinnacle Financial Partners
Rick Arthur, Pinnacle Financial Partners
Vickey Boyd, MPCC Ambassador
Matt Brady, Town of Mount Pleasant
Daniel Brownstein, Town of Mount Pleasant Councilmember
John Carroll, Unlimited Performance
Christiane Farrell, Town of Mount Pleasant
David Ginn, Charleston Regional Development Alliance
Don Gordon, The Riley Institute
Dr. Troy Hall, Cohesion Culture
Rebecca Imholz, Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce
Jessica Munday, Trio Solutions
Caroline Rakar, Coastal Community Foundation
Amy Sutton, Moultrie News
Dr. Vicky Wood, Trident Technical College
For more information on Leadership Mount Pleasant or to express interest in sponsorship, please visit the MPCC Leadership webpage or contact Rebecca Imholz via email.
About MPCC: Since 1992, the Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce has been bringing together business leaders from the East Cooper community for mutually beneficial purposes. The membership is a mix of professions including advertising, publishing, finance, health care, food and beverage, hotel, retail, insurance, legal, and service businesses of every description. The MPCC's mission is to encourage business and community success East of the Cooper. MPCC was named a Noteworthy Network in the 2023 Lowcountry Diversity Leadership Awards by the Charleston Regional Business Journal, Best Activist Group or Effort three years in a row by the Moultrie News, and one of the Empowering Women Companies Leading the Way in 2025 by SC Biz News.
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Amanda Bunting Comen Marketing and Communications
- July 15, 2026
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