Jody Bryson, president and CEO of South Carolina Technology and Aviation Center (SCTAC), was awarded the Order of the Palmetto on June 22.
Gov. Henry McMaster was in downtown Greenville at the Hyatt Regency to present the proclamation to Bryson. The Order of the Palmetto is considered the state’s highest civilian honor and awarded at the governor’s discretion.
SCTAC is a 2,600-acre business park surrounding Donaldson Field, south of Greenville. It is home to many aerospace, automotive and advanced manufacturing companies. Lockheed Martin Greenville, where the F-16 Viper is currently built, is based at the park.
Bryson was hired as executive director of SCTAC in 2007. He is a native South Carolinian, did his undergraduate work at Clemson, and earned his master’s degree in public administration at South Carolina.
“I love my state, and I love the opportunity that God has given me to make an impact at the business park where my dad worked, and provided for his family so my sister and I could go to college and come out debt-free as first-generation college graduates,” Bryson said. “So I understand what that park means to the people of this area and the state. That’s what motivates me to get up and go to work every day.”
McMaster highlighted Bryson’s leadership and role in developing SCTAC’s $6 billion annual economic impact.
“Throughout his life, Jody Bryson has worked to make South Carolina stronger and more competitive,” McMaster said. “He has dedicated his career to serving our state and helping create opportunities for future generations.”
