James Abbott is an author, teacher, developer and consultant who has built a career making complex technical topics accessible to broader audiences. As president of Abbott Associates Inc. in Greenville, he pioneered internet education for the College of Engineering at the University of Arizona in Tucson.

A professional engineer for more than 30 years, Abbott learned early that even the best methods require clear delivery for swift and effective implementation. Inspired by the Southern storytelling tradition, he uses anecdotes about Grandma’s biscuits and grocery store visits to explain scientific concepts like queuing theory and reporting metrics.

Abbott’s hands-on approach has taken him to diverse work environments—from electric engine assembly lines to high-pressure customer care centers to third-shift IT help desks throughout the Western Hemisphere. This ground-up business learning allows him to develop methods and tools for everyone from CEOs to custodial staff.

Based in Greenville, Abbott has authored 13 books, including the best-selling “The Executive Guide to Call Center Metrics.”

Mark Allen leads Insperity’s South Carolina operations, which he opened in 2023 and grew to 126% of its budget in its first year. His track record includes building one of the company’s top-performing offices in 2019 and achieving the highest sales in the 25-year history of Insperity’s Atlanta operation that same year.

Allen has earned recognition as a five-time Chairman’s Club honoree and membership in the 2 Million Dollar Club, consistently ranking in the top 15% of sales for the Houston-based human resources services organization. He serves on the board of Grace Church, contributing his leadership experience to the community.

“Wherever you are… be all there,” Allen says, describing his approach to work and life. This philosophy of presence and intention has guided his career from his first job digging ditches at age 13 to leading business expansion across the Southeast.

A graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University with a degree in communications and radio television, Allen balances his professional pursuits with diverse interests, including his background as a surfer and music producer.

Euleta Alston leads US&S Inc., a facility maintenance and support services company with 480 employees statewide. Under her leadership, the organization recently added Matthew Smith as chief operating officer, reflecting the company’s growth and commitment to scalability.

Alston holds a bachelor’s degree with honors in business administration from the University of South Carolina, a master’s in business from Clemson University, and completed the Executive Education Program at Dartmouth College’s Tuck School of Business.

She serves on the Greenville Chamber’s board of directors and is an active member of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Greenville Chapter. Her recognition includes honors as a young professional leader and business influencer.

“Success isn’t just about reaching a destination — it’s about growing through the journey and finding purpose in what you do each day,” Alston said.

She began her career in a family-run retail business, where she learned to adapt to shifting priorities and build customer connections. Despite her professional achievements, Alston describes herself as shy and finds contentment in quiet moments with a good book.

Rebecca Battle-Bryant, Ph.D., SHRM-CP, is president and owner of Battle Plan Consulting, LLC, a woman-owned human resource, workforce development and public outreach consulting firm specializing in workforce development solutions, human resource management, customized training and executive coaching.

Battle-Bryant previously served as vice president of Human Resources and Workforce Development at United Infrastructure Group; assistant executive director of Workforce & Economic Development at South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce; and vice president of Corporate Training & Economic Development at Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College.

She earned an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Auburn University, followed by a Master of Business Administration. Battle-Bryant received a doctorate in Higher Education Administration from University of South Carolina in 2009.

A keynote speaker and published author, Battle-Bryant researches teams, team communications and workforce issues. She co-authored “The Workforce Development Playbook” in partnership with South Carolina Manufacturing Partnership. Battle-Bryant is a certified economic developer, SHRM Certified Professional, DISC coach/consultant and authorized SHRM Recertification Credit Provider.

Julie Godshall Brown leads Godshall and Godshall Personnel Consultants, a 200-employee recruiting and staffing firm earning Best of Staffing recognition for six consecutive years and South Carolina Best Places to Work honors for two years.

A Clemson University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, Godshall Brown earned her master’s degree in human resources management from the University of South Carolina. She navigates economic headwinds and labor force pressures while maintaining the firm’s position among South Carolina’s larger privately owned recruiting operations.

“Don’t make your decisions based on the dollar,” she says, recalling her parents’ advice when they started the business. “Do the right thing and profits will take care of themselves.”

Her first job at Frodo’s pizza taught teamwork and stellar service, finding greater reward in recognition than modest raises.

Godshall Brown chairs Bank of Travelers Rest’s personnel committee and Bon Secours St. Francis Greenville Foundation’s philanthropy committee.

She defines success through using God-given talents to contribute beyond herself.

Nicole Burleson brings over 25 years of healthcare staffing expertise to her role as chief operating officer at Floyd Lee Locums. Since joining the Charleston-based company in April 2020, she has transformed operations and driven exponential growth, expanding the team from 21 employees to more than 93 dedicated professionals.

Before joining Floyd Lee Locums, Burleson spent 18 years at Supplemental Health Care, rising to become senior regional vice president. She managed operations across 14 division offices located in seven major markets, leading multi-million-dollar regional operations successfully.

At Floyd Lee Locums, Burleson spearheaded a large international project that expanded the company’s physician pipeline. She secured a major hospital system partnership at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling the organization to sustain and grow its teams. Under her leadership, the company established a robust leadership team and launched a successful government affairs division.

Her contributions have earned recognition from Staffing Industry Analysts and other industry organizations.

Didi Caldwell leads Global Location Strategies, a firm specializing in site selection and incentive negotiation for major industrial investments. Under her leadership, GLS recently guided Emirates Global Aluminum through a complex site selection process spanning 46 states and provinces to secure the location for EGA’s $4 billion aluminum smelter in Inola, Oklahoma. The project will create 1,000 jobs and represents the first new primary aluminum smelter built in the United States since 1980.

Bloomberg dubbed Caldwell “America’s Factory Whisperer” in 2024, recognizing her expertise in matching companies with communities. She serves as board chair of the Site Selectors Guild, where she became the organization’s first female chair in 2018.

Caldwell holds an International M.B.A from the University of South Carolina Darla Moore School of Business and a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Clemson University. She is fluent in English and Spanish and holds dual U.S.-Australia citizenship.

“Be ready when the luck happens,” Caldwell said, describing her philosophy that success comes from preparation meeting opportunity.

Andy Carr earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland, launching a career spanning nearly 40 years in manufacturing. He began his career at Lucas Industries, working as a senior manufacturing systems engineer and then cell leader, then worked as a project engineer at Lockwood Greene Engineers and assembly manager at Sommer Allibert.

Carr joined the South Craolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership in 1998 as a regional vice president, serving a 10-county area in the state’s north and west. Over 24 years, he advanced through leadership roles including senior vice president of operations before being appointed president and CEO in February 2022, succeeding Chuck Spangler.

Carr holds certifications as a Lean Manufacturing Trainer and Professional Business Advisor from the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

“There is nothing more satisfying than working with a South Carolina manufacturing company to help them reduce costs, increase sales, grow profits and thrive,” Carr said.