Spencer Boeh is a recent graduate of Clemson University with a major in International Business and Japanese Language. Though he is not a native South Carolinian, Spencer is passionate about improving the lives of those around him and serving his community. During his most recent role as an intern with Senator Tim Scott, he worked
Luanne D. Zurlo, MBA brings extensive experience in finance, education, and nonprofit leadership to the Board of Palmetto Promise Institute. Luanne, a South Carolina native, retired from a distinguished career spanning Wall Street, higher education, and mission-driven nonprofits. Most recently, she served as Executive Director of Seton Education Partners, overseeing the Brilla Charter School network and
Emily Henderson is a junior in the Honors College at the University of South Carolina studying Public Health Law and Policy. Her interdisciplinary degree blends public health, social psychology, and political science to examine how policy shapes health‑seeking behaviors and access to care. A native South Carolinian, Emily is passionate about serving her community. She
Ethan Mairs is a senior and a Capstone Scholar at the University of South Carolina double majoring in Political Science and History. Ethan is passionate about making a positive impact in the community, whether through his past role serving South Carolinians as an intern in Constituent Services for the Office of Senator Tim Scott, providing
Dr. Kevin Boeh brings a unique blend of academic rigor and extensive real-world economic expertise, positioning him as an invaluable resource to Palmetto Promise for policy insights. Currently serving as Vice Chancellor of DoctorateHub and Affiliate Professor of Financial Economics at the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business, Dr. Boeh’s career spans significant roles
Bella was a Palmetto Promise Research Fellow for the Fall 2025 term. A New Jersey native, Isabella Cifaldi, a senior at the University of South Carolina, is pursuing a B.A. in Advertising and double-minoring in Business Administration and Political Science. Throughout her time as an undergraduate student, Cifaldi has dedicated herself to community involvement across
Ryan Dellinger is a seasoned government affairs professional with nearly a decade of experience advancing principled, student-centered education policy. He most recently served as an Education Policy Resident at ExcelinEd, where he supported state-level reform efforts across the country. His work spanned legislative analysis, 50-state policy scans, issue brief development, and advocacy support—particularly focused on
Isabella was a fall 2025 Research Fellow. Isabella is a junior at the University of South Carolina Honors College studying International Studies and French. She recently studied abroad in Cannes, France for a semester, improving her French skills. As President of USC’s foreign policy club, the Alexander Hamilton Society, since fall 2024, Isabella increased the
Teshia McIver brings more than two decades of experience in education, workforce development, project management, and nonprofit leadership to her role at Palmetto Promise Institute. She began her career in bank management, spending 13 years leading high-performing teams and strengthening customer and community engagement before moving into the education and nonprofit sectors. Throughout her career,
Having lived in Greenville, South Carolina, for the last 40 years, Jeff has witnessed the dynamic growth of the upstate and South Carolina as a whole from the perspective of a business owner and a senior company executive in the Information Technology industry. He has first-hand knowledge of the skills needed to maintain the growth