Recognizing a Lifetime of Service: SCEDA Members Emeritus
For many SCEDA members, involvement in the association becomes a meaningful part of their professional lives. These individuals help strengthen the profession and the communities across South Carolina, including by serving on the SCEDA Board of Directors and committees.
But what happens when a longtime SCEDA member retires?
For those who have devoted decades to SCEDA and economic development in South Carolina, retirement does not have to mean stepping away from the association. The SCEDA Member Emeritus distinction was established to recognize retired SCEDA members who have demonstrated significant service to the association and the economic development profession.
To be considered for Member Emeritus status, an individual generally must have been an active SCEDA member in good standing for at least 25 cumulative years and have demonstrated significant involvement with the association. This may include serving on SCEDA committees for an extended period, serving on the Board of Directors, holding a SCEDA office or representing SCEDA in an official capacity. Candidates must also be retired and no longer working full time in the economic development profession.
The recognition goes beyond years of membership. Candidates are evaluated on the breadth and impact of their service, including their contributions to SCEDA and their advancement of economic development in South Carolina. While there are established criteria for consideration, the selection process also allows the Past Presidents’ group to recommend an individual who may not meet every criterion but has made a significant contribution to the state’s economic development community.
Once awarded, Emeritus status is a lifetime recognition. Members Emeritus also have their SCEDA membership dues and registration fees waived, allowing them to remain connected to the association and the profession they helped shape.
SCEDA currently recognizes eight individuals as Members Emeritus:
- Mark Farris
- Mike Forrester
- Fred Humes
- Maceo Nance, SCCED
- Les Pritchard
- Mark Simmons
- Carter Smith
- Hal Stone
The distinction was especially meaningful at SCEDA’s 2026 MidYear Meeting, held September 24–25 in Greenville. The gathering brought together a record number of local economic developers, creating an opportunity for members to learn, share ideas, and spend time with colleagues from across the state.
Among those in attendance was Maceo Nance, SCCED, one of SCEDA’s Members Emeritus. Nance’s presence at this year’s MidYear Meeting offered a meaningful reminder that the relationships and contributions built throughout a career continue long after retirement.
SCEDA shares its appreciation of Nance and his participation at this year’s gathering, as he embodied this year’s theme, Partners in Progress, while discussing the SCEDA Institute and SCEDA Advance Symposium with a prospective members. SCEDA’s recognition extends to all eight individuals who have earned this lifetime distinction. Their careers represent decades of service to economic development and to the association, helping shape the profession and the communities they served.
Member Emeritus status is not intended to be an annual honor. Instead, it represents a lasting connection between SCEDA and individuals whose service has left a meaningful mark on economic development in South Carolina.
For newer SCEDA members, it is a distinction worth knowing. It reflects not only longevity, but a lifetime of involvement, leadership and service to the profession and to the association.