Kensley is the CEO of The Stewart Group, a consulting and corporate public affairs group based in Charleston. In her role as CEO, she has overseen several school choice initiatives and worked with parents directly to lift their voices up to ensure their students get the best education possible. She brings her years of experience in the political and public affairs arenas to this board to provide strategic planning and outcome-based management processes to ensure the best possible results for the school.   

Leslie serves as the COO/VP of External Affairs for Carolinas Associated General Contractors (CAGC) in Columbia, where she advocates for the commercial construction industry at the state level. With over twenty years of experience, she has been instrumental in initiatives like the Be Pro Be Proud SC program, promoting skilled trades among students. She is passionate about ensuring students have the resources they need to be productive citizens in South Carolina and would like to leverage her expertise in the business world to lift up students who might not be able to finish their high school diploma in a traditional setting.  

Renee is a Professor in the Zucker Family School of Education at The Citadel, specializing in applied measurement techniques and data analysis. Her extensive academic career includes teaching roles at the University of South Carolina and San José State University. Dr. Jefferson holds a Ph.D. in Educational Measurement and Statistics from the University of Iowa. She has experience within SC’s charter school community and is passionate about expanding educational options for families.  

Elmer, of Manning, is a business owner, professional educator and coach. He taught high school students that are very much the same as the population of students being served at Riverstone High School and did so along the “corridor of Shame.” As a teacher and coach, Mr. Bench has long believed that while not every student has adequate resources from which to learn they still have every ability to do so if adults are engaged and invested in them; he has spent most of his career doing just that! Mr. Bench was a 4-year starter for the Clemson Tigers and graduated from there before also earning his master’s at the University of South Carolina.

Gregory is an Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership at The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina, with experience as a teacher, school administrator, and district leader. His professional background includes service as a principal and Executive Director of Secondary Schools and Online Learning, Special Programs. His research centers on artificial intelligence, simulation-based learning, and innovative approaches to leadership preparation. Dr. Harrison’s professional contributions have been recognized through multiple honors, including the 2024 South Carolina Career and Technical Administrator of the Year award and the University of Phoenix Faculty Dean’s Award of Excellence (2024 & 2025). He remains actively engaged in service through editorial work, advisory boards, and statewide educational initiatives.

Pollyanna was destined to serve in the military. Joining the United States Navy in 1987 and pursing her desire to serve her country while obtaining the stability needed as a single parent, she excelled. Her 25-year career took her across the world, and coast to coast. This peaked with her becoming selected Master Chief Petty Officer, one of a very few women of color to ever achieve this rank. She served in numerous military missions during her career, from DESERT SHIELD to OPERATION NEW DAWN, earning numerous awards and medals. She earned a certification in Global Career Development Facilitation, a Master of Management and a Master of Public Administration with Concentration in Nonprofit Management. Since retiring, she has Co-Founded several Veterans-related service foundations and non-profits. She is married to Henry Neely, Master Chief Petty Officer (retired) and they have three sons. The family resides in York, South Carolina.