Wendy Damron, CPA

Wendy Damron serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Palmetto Promise Institute. She assumed the role in 2023 after previously serving on the Institute’s Board of Directors.

Wendy graduated with distinction from the University of Michigan-Dearborn with a Bachelor of Business Administration and began her career as a Certified Public Accountant with Ernst & Young LLP in Detroit and Baltimore. In 2000, she launched her own tax practice, gaining firsthand insight into the challenges tax policy creates for businesses and families. She continues to provide tax assistance through pro bono service.

Prior to joining Palmetto Promise Institute, Wendy served as South Carolina State Director for Convention of States Action, where she led successful statewide grassroots and legislative efforts and developed strong relationships with policymakers, community leaders, and partner organizations across South Carolina.

Under Wendy’s leadership, Palmetto Promise Institute has expanded its reach and impact, helping advance significant policy reforms in South Carolina. In 2025, the organization was honored with the State Policy Network’s Bob Williams Award, recognizing excellence and impact among state-based policy organizations.

In 2025, Wendy was selected for the American Enterprise Institute’s Leadership Network, a prestigious program that develops and connects leaders from state-based policy organizations nationwide. She also serves on the South Carolina Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, where she contributes to the committee’s examination of civil rights issues and policy recommendations affecting South Carolinians.

Wendy has served on numerous nonprofit boards and remains active in charitable and community service efforts. She and her husband have called South Carolina home for more than a decade and are proud to be part of the state’s vibrant civic and philanthropic community. They have two adult children.