Greenwood Genetic Center CEO Honored with State Life Sciences Award by SCbio

SOUTH CAROLINA – February 20, 2025 – Dr. Steve Skinner, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Greenwood Genetic Center, was honored with the 2025 S.C. Life Sciences Pinnacle Award for Individual Contribution by SCbio during its annual conference in Charleston on Wednesday.

SCbio gathered nearly 500 industry leaders from across South Carolina and the United States to open SCbio 2025, the premier life sciences event in the Southeast. The event recognizes contributors who have sparked remarkable success, inspired leadership and propelled the industry.

The S.C. Life Sciences Pinnacle Award for Individual Contribution annually recognizes an individual whose industry-related efforts have resulted in broad economic, innovation, social and quality of life benefits that not only have had a profoundly positive impact on South Carolina’s life sciences industry, but also on its citizens – an impact that could be felt nationally even globally, in years to come.

“Dr. Skinner has expanded the impact of the Greenwood Genetic Center through innovative initiatives and become one of the country’s leading experts on neurodevelopmental genetic disorders,” said SCbio president and CEO James Chappell, Ph.D. “His knowledge and leadership as a physician and administrator continue to help patients and families across South Carolina and worldwide.”

Skinner, who joined the Greenwood Genetic Center in 1987 as a trainee, has led the organization since 2011, spearheading many partnerships and programs to support individuals impacted by genetic disorders, including the Center’s treatment program and current Precision Medicine Initiative. Skinner also serves as chair of MUSC’s Integrated Center of Clinical Excellence in Genetics and Genomics and is the clinical lead for MUSC’s Precision Health Initiative.

“I am truly honored to receive this recognition from SCbio and proud to be part of the extraordinary life sciences community in South Carolina,” said Skinner. “Our work at the Greenwood Genetic Center, along with that of our collaborators and other like-minded organizations across our state, is leading to the advancement of technologies and the growth of precision medicine that will leave a lasting impact on every citizen of South Carolina.”

About SCbio

SCbio is the definitive, unifying leader in South Carolina’s life sciences sector, fostering authentic collaboration and innovation across academia, startups, government and established enterprises. As a member-driven economic development organization, SCbio represents more than 1,000 organizations employing more than 87,000 professionals. Our members are unified by a mission to positively impact humanity through science across the ecosystem of advanced and specialty manufacturing; digital health and the data frontier; and cutting-edge health specializations. For additional information about SCbio and the life sciences industry, or to become a member, visit SCbio.org.

About Greenwood Genetic Center

Established in 1974, The Greenwood Genetic Center (GGC) is a non-profit organization committed to advancing medical genetics and providing compassionate care for families affected by genetic diseases and birth defects. Situated in Greenwood, South Carolina, GGC’s expert team of physicians and scientists offers comprehensive clinical genetic services, state-of-the-art diagnostic laboratory testing, educational programs, and impactful research initiatives. With a mission to develop preventative and curative therapies, GGC extends its reach across South Carolina, offering essential resources through satellite offices in Charleston, Columbia, Florence and Greenville. For more information, visit GGC.org

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Paige Durham

SCbio is pleased to welcome Paige Durham to the team as communications coordinator to creatively and effectively communicate the value of the life science association’s programs and initiatives.

Durham will be responsible for developing and distributing high-quality content across multiple communications channels to build, advance and grow South Carolina’s life sciences industry, a key business sector for economic prosperity for the Palmetto State.

“SCbio is excited to welcome Paige to our team as our new communications coordinator. Paige brings fresh ideas and a strong background in communications that will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our engagement with our audience,” said SCbio President and CEO James Chappell. “We are confident that her skills and experience will be crucial in advancing our communication strategies and supporting our mission.”

Before joining SCbio, Durham was the Membership and Communications Manager at the South Carolina Pharmacy Association (SCPhA), where she used her photography, design and writing skills to create content tailored to pharmacy professionals. Durham’s effective communication skills guaranteed the delivery of brand-specific material that captured the eye of her audience.

During her time at SCPhA, Durham created and edited the Palmetto Pharmacist Journal, using her creative vision to showcase members, educational institutions and industry news. Her communications efforts successfully gained new followers for the organization over the course of a year, increasing brand visibility and promoting the pharmacy profession.

Durham holds a Bachelor of Science in hospitality and tourism management and a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the College of Charleston.

Tamia Sumpter

Tamia is a driven senior undergraduate Bioengineering student currently enrolled at Clemson University. With a strong foundation in her field, she has honed her skills through hands-on experience in research and development at Eli Lilly & Company. During her time in the ADME department, Tamia contributed significantly by working on siRNAs and their applications in finding In Vitro-In Vivo Correlation (IVIVC). Looking ahead, Tamia has set her sights on a promising career in law. She aspires to specialize in Intellectual Property Law, with a particular focus on serving as in-house counsel for leading medical device or pharmaceutical companies. Her enthusiasm for this role is palpable as she prepares to embark on her legal journey! She is also a proud member of the Omicron Phi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., PEER Mentor for Clemson PEER/WiSE, and currently serves as the President of Clemson Bioengineering Organization (CBO). With her unique blend of scientific knowledge and legal interests, Tamia is poised to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare and life sciences industries.