Apply for the SCAPA Emerging Leaders Institute Cohort II
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS:
SCAPA EMERGING LEADERS INSTITUTE
Application Deadline: Monday, September 15, 2025, 11:59pm ET
APPLICATION LINK >>>
After resounding success with the inaugural program, the SCAPA Board of Directors and the PAVE Committee are proud to announce the second cohort of the SCAPA Emerging Leaders Institute. This eight-session educational program is designed for up-and-coming leaders in the asphalt pavement industry. The outcomes of the program are to:
- Strengthen leaders’ self-efficacy of their unique leadership and communications strengths, while cultivating awareness and tactics to address blinders and pitfalls.
- Broaden the cohort’s networks with industry leaders in FHWA, SCDOT, SCAPA and other industry trade organizations.
- Advance the leaders’ key skills in regulations, compliance requirements, safety culture, financial statements, cost controls, performance measurement and ROI.
- Hone and refine communications and coaching skills.
- Cultivate a strong cohort of leaders within the Association ready to assume leadership roles in their companies, in SCAPA, and in other associations and nonprofits.
APPLICATION PROCESS & PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES
All SCAPA members are encouraged to apply for this program, which is open to producers and associates. The maximum enrollment for this first cohort is 24 and one seat is reserved for each of the 13 producer-members in SCAPA.
Application Deadline: Monday, September 15, 2025.
Decision Notification: No later than Friday, September 26 with a phone call.
Please note these application and participation guidelines:
- The SCAPA Emerging Leaders 25-26 cohort is limited to 24 SCAPA members, with 13 reserved seats for each of the producer members.
- If chosen, participants incur an estimated $2,950 in tuition fees for the program. This includes all sessions + Fall Member Dinner, Winter Conference (plus special ELI dinner), Spring Member Dinner and Legislative Day. Discount will be provided for Summer Conference.
- Attendance and active participation is required. Excused absences are limited to one in order to graduate from the program.
- My manager/company are aware of my application and support my participation in the program.
SCAPA EMERGING LEADERS INSTITUTE FACULTY
Justin Powell, Secretary, South Carolina Department of Transportation
Scott Yandle, CPA, CCIFP, Assurance Director, Forvis Mazars US LLP
Myra Reece, Director, South Carolina Department of Environmental Services
Mary Fink, Work Institute
Elise Partin, Buckley School of Public Speaking
Jeff Gaines, Managing Director, Travelers Insurance
Gene Hammet, Safety Manager, Sanders Brothers Construction Company
* Asterisk indicates faculty invited; additional faculty will be added and updated.
PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE OF SESSIONS
We may adjust topics and dates based on faculty availability and the 2026 Legislative Session. We are striving for third Wednesday of the month sessions except when coordinating with SCAPA events.
| October 15-16, 2025 |
10/15: Kickoff Gathering, 3:30pm followed by SCAPA Fall Member Dinner SCAPA Introduction 10/16: Environmental Regulation: SC Department of Environmental Services Roundtable |
Columbia, SC |
| November 19, 2025 | Construction Financial Acumen: Understanding financial statements and key performance indicators | Columbia, SC |
| December 17, 2025 |
Personal Leadership Development: DISC Assessment Managing a Modern Workforce |
Columbia, SC |
| January 2026 | Construction Law & Risk Safety Culture and Considerations | Columbia, SC |
| February 11, 2026 |
2/11: Pre-Conference Session: Effective Communication and Influencing Skills: Public Speaking Workshop 2/11: PAVE & ELI Dinner 2/12: SCAPA Winter Conference & Trade Show |
Columbia, SC in conjunction with SCAPA 2026 Winter Conference |
| March 2026 | SCDOT Office of Materials and Research Tour Quarry Tour |
Columbia, SC |
| April 22-23, 2026 |
4/22: Legislative Process, Advocacy and Industry Issues Briefing 4/22: Spring Member Dinner 4/23: SCAPA Legislative Day at the State House |
Columbia, SC in conjunction with SCAPA Spring Member Dinner and Legislative Day |
| May 2026 |
Social Media Marketing and Personal Branding SC’s Economic Future: SC Chamber’s Blueprint 2035 Presentation and Feedback Discussion SCDOT Leadership Roundtable |
Columbia, SC |
| June 11-14, 2026 |
SCAPA Summer Conference June 12: Breakfast with the SCAPA Board of Directors |
Kiawah Island Resort, SC |
The tuition fees for this program are $2,950 per participant, which includes:
- 40 Professional Development Hours (PDH) with certificate
- Lunch and snacks for all session days
- Expert guest speakers and coaching
- Registration fees for SCAPA’s Fall Member Dinner, Winter Conference & Trade Show, Spring Member Dinner & Legislative Day.
- Discounted registration fees for SCAPA Summer Conference.
- Special mealsin conjunction with Winter and Summer Conference.
- Special plaque upon graduation.
Please note: hotel accommodations are not included in registration fees; courtesy block rates will be provided.
APPLICATION LINK >>>
KEY CONTACTS
Jayson Jordan, PE, MBA:
jrjordan@scasphalt.org | 803.252.2522 x 1
Katherine Swartz Hilton, MA: khilton@scasphalt.org | 803.252.2522 x 3
SCAPA PAVE COMMITTEE
Special thanks to SCAPA’s PAVE Committee for their leadership of this program:
Richard McElrath, Rogers Group, Inc., Chair
Paul Edwards, Reeves, Immediate Past Chair
Britton Reissener, Sanders Brothers Construction Company, Inc., Secretary
Zach Michael, King Asphalt, Inc., Treasurer
Tara Alexander, Satterfield Construction Company, Inc.
Chris Alo, APAC Atlantic, Inc.
Blake Banks, Banks Construction Company
Brett Johnson, Palmetto Corp.
Thomas Oswald, CR Jackson, Inc.