About Upper Palmetto Education Consortium
The Upper Palmetto Education Consortium (UPEC) brings together K–12 school districts and higher education partners to strengthen education through collaboration, shared expertise, and strategic leadership. Together, we foster innovation, build leadership capacity, and expand opportunities for students and educators across the region.
Executive Director
Dr. Tony L. Hemingway
Dr. Tony L. Hemingway is a retired superintendent with 30 years of experience in rural, suburban, and urban public-school districts. He previously served as a classroom teacher, Principal, and Chief Human Resources and Strategic Planning Officer, earning South Carolina's 2024 Human Resources Administrator of the Year. He now serves as Executive Director of UPEC and leads EdVantage the HemingWAY, providing leadership development, continuous improvement, strategic planning, and organizational excellence for schools and districts statewide.
Board of Directors
Dr. Sheila Quinn
Mr. Grey Young
Fort Mill School District
Dr. Raashad Fitzpatrick
Tammy Snipes
Dr. Christopher Ballenger
Mrs. Mary Knox
Alvin Pressley
Clover School District
Vice Chair
Chester County School District
Chesterfield County School District
Clinton College
Fairfield County School District
Board Chair
Cherokee County School District
Dr. Harrison Goodwin
Dr. Norris Williams
Dr. Deborah Elder
Dr. Courtney Catledge
Dr. Beth Costner
Dr. Heath Branham
Dr. Stacey Moore
Kershaw County School District
Lancaster County School District
Rock Hill School District Three
University of South Carolina Lancaster
Winthrop University
York School District One
York Technical College