Palmetto Promise Institute Announces New President & CEO

Wendy D. Damron, CPA, of Charleston is New PPI Leader

[Columbia, South Carolina, January 12, 2023—] Palmetto Promise Institute (PPI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Wendy Damron as the organization’s new President and CEO, effective January 16th, 2023.

Ellen Weaver, who has been President and Chief Executive Officer since the organization’s inception almost a decade ago, was sworn in Wednesday as South Carolina’s State Superintendent of Education and has stepped down from PPI.

Ms. Damron brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this role, with a background in business, resource development, policy, and grassroots engagement. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Michigan and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Ms. Damron has been a trusted member of PPI’s Board of Directors since 2018.

“We are thrilled to welcome Wendy to the Palmetto Promise Institute team,” said Phil Hughes, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Her passion for our mission and her track record of success make her the perfect fit for this role. We are confident that she will help lead the organization to even greater heights in the years ahead.” 

“I am honored to be joining the PPI team” said Wendy Damron “Ellen Weaver has been a driving force behind the success of the Palmetto Promise Institute and has provided a tremendous foundation on which to build. I am looking forward to working with Dr. Oran Smith who has earned an impeccable reputation in South Carolina for his policy and strategy work. The opportunity to make positive change to benefit all South Carolinians has never been better and PPI is prepared to make the most of it.”

Palmetto Promise Institute (PPI) is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) educational organization. PPI conducts public policy research dedicated to advancing a free and flourishing South Carolina, where every individual has the opportunity to reach their full potential. We believe in the principles of limited government, individual liberty, and free markets, and we work to promote these values through our research, education, and outreach efforts.