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Tom Ledbetter is a management professional with forty+ years’ experience in the rapidly changing advanced manufacturing, technology development, small business management, and higher education sectors.  His experience includes line, staff, and executive management responsibilities across a broad spectrum of organizational disciplines, in both public sector and private sector organizations, and in launching and running his own businesses.  Since 2003, Tom has been an employee of Midlands Technical College in Columbia, most recently being named Associate Vice Provost for Entrepreneurship and Educational Support.  In this role, Mr. Ledbetter works with students, faculty, and staff at MTC, and with members of our service community (Lexington, Richland, and Fairfield counties) to assist in the startup of a new business, or in the “pivoting of an existing business.  Mr. Ledbetter also owns his own businesses, Next Phase Management LLC, established in 2002 as a small business consultant, and 17-20 Professional Cutlery Sharpening Services LLC, established in 2022.

A graduate of the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, Mr. Ledbetter is an engaged and proven advocate of local community development activities, entrepreneurial development, workforce development strategies, and larger-scale economic development efforts across the State of South Carolina. He is a Certified Economic Developer in South Carolina and is certified as a Facilitator/Administrator for the FastTrac® series of entrepreneurial training courses. Mr. Ledbetter is a passionate advocate for education and has been recognized within South Carolina and nationally for his work in career development activities within K-12 and higher education. He speaks frequently on issues surrounding workforce development and the demographics of the changing workforce.

Tom serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Irmo Chamber, the Lexington Chamber & Visitors Center, and the Cayce West Columbia Chamber, and on the Board of Habitat for Humanity Central SC. A Rotarian for 33 years, Tom is now the Executive Secretary of the West Metro West Columbia Rotary Club, is an instructor for Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) and has recently been named to the Board of Directors for the MidAtlantic (Zone 33) RLI group.

Tom is the devoted husband of Cindy, and they are really enjoying “life after children.” He is an expert “Honey-Do List” completer, an accomplished “Mr. Fix-It”, and avid but not good golfer.