(Columbia, SC) – At its annual board meeting, EngenuitySC presented Columbia, S.C. Mayor Steve Benjamin with its 2021 Vision Award. Mayor Benjamin, founding co-chair of the EngenuitySC board, was presented with the award by Elise Partin, Mayor of Cayce, S.C. and current EngenuitySC board chair, on behalf of the EngenuitySC board. The Vision Award is given annually by the nonprofit organization to an individual who exemplifies EngenuitySC’s mission of advancing regional competitiveness and who embodies the spirit of collaboration.
“As a founding co-chair of EngenuitySC, one of the early leaders in regional cooperation and competitiveness, Mayor Benjamin has embodied the mission of increasing the livability and economic viability of our region,” says Mayor Partin. “His leadership, starting from when he was first elected in 2010, has positively impacted not only Columbia, but the entire region. Along with a board governed by the highest-ranking regional leaders in education, government, and business, he has been committed to advancing progress through partnerships and leaves a lasting legacy for us all.”
During his tenure as Columbia mayor, Benjamin has served as the President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors; Executive Chairman of Municipal Bonds for America; Co-Chair of the Mayors for 100% Clean Energy campaign; and African-American Mayors Association President. He launched local initiatives like the rebirth of Main Street, introduced the “Justice for All” initiative in 2014, contributed substantial work on behalf of My Brother’s Keeper, and much more.
Benjamin was elected the 36th mayor of Columbia in 2010 and is currently serving his third term. He is the first African American mayor in the city’s history. Before serving as mayor, he worked in the Columbia metropolitan area as an attorney and served on various charitable organizations. He graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1991 and the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1994.
Past recipients of EngenuitySC’s Vision Award:
- Dr. Harris Pastides (2019-20)
- John Lumpkin (2018)
- Dr. Keith Shah (2017)
- JoAnn Turnquist (2016)
- Dr. Sonny White (2014-15)
- Bill Mahoney (2013)
- Larry Wilson (2012)
- Judy Davis (2011)
- Senator Lindsey Graham (2010)
- Former Mayor Bob Coble (2009)
- Dr. Andrew Sorenson (2008)
