During our Industry Appreciation Luncheon, we heard from a panel of business leaders who each brought a unique perspective on the impact of AI in the workplace. With diverse backgrounds spanning multiple industries, these vibrant speakers provided valuable insights into how AI is transforming their fields. 

The special luncheon, a partnership between the Chamber and Dorchester County Economic Development, was kicked off by our presenting sponsor, TD Bank and Tri-County Area Executive Henry Givens. The bank, which is committed to supporting small businesses in the community, gave away multiple gift cards for local businesses to audience members. 

The panel was moderated by Melissa Wright, Professional School Counselor for DCCTC and Vice Chair for the Education & Workforce Division for the Chamber.

About the Panel:

MELISSA HORTMAN

Melissa Hortman, EdD, is a higher education leader in the areas of academic innovation and digital transformation. She is currently an Account Executive serving higher education institutions and technical schools in the southeast. She joined Microsoft in January of 2022 and has been a part of various national initiatives in accelerating research in higher education, transforming the faculty experience in the era of AI, and breaking down barriers to ensure accessibility as a fundamental right in higher education. Previous to Microsoft, she spent over 12 years in higher education and was most recently an Associate Professor and Director of Instructional Technology at the Medical University of South Carolina. Melissa is passionate about empowering faculty innovation and student resiliency to make higher education more agile and stronger during disruptions now and in the future.

LARRY COLLETT

Larry Collett is a seasoned entrepreneur with a focus on initiating and investing in ventures across technology, craft brewing, beverages, and entertainment. Mr. Collett's latest initiative, Automation Captain, is an AI Automation Agency specializing in leveraging artificial intelligence to simplify tasks, work, and life.

Larry’s passion extends to education, where he travels the U.S. teaching “The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team” and “The 6 Types of Working Genius” model. This model helps individuals discover their innate talents, enhancing self-awareness, productivity, and success by identifying tasks that invigorate them and avoiding those that cause frustration.

In addition to his entrepreneurial and educational pursuits, Larry is the co-founder and Executive Director of the Larry and Rebecca Collett Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to promoting leadership, education, and faith-based harmony globally. Driven by a sense of duty to give back to their supportive community, Larry and his wife Rebecca ground their philanthropic mission in their strong beliefs in education, leadership, and faith.

STEPHEN CHANDLER 

Stephen Chandler currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer at Summerville Medical Center.

With five years at HCA and previous roles at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital and LewisGale Hospital Montgomery, Stephen has driven $90M in capital investments and enhanced surgical services, including executive oversight of one of only three programs on the East Coast to perform robotic kidney transplants while achieving the best quality outcomes in the State of Virginia.

Before joining HCA, Stephen served as Chief of Staff at Tenet Healthcare and Chief Strategy Officer at The Hospitals of Providence Transmountain Campus in El Paso, TX. Stephen started working in hospital leadership in 2014, but began his professional career in politics and government as a policy advisor at the US House of Representatives.