NOVEMBER 9, 2026

Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center

Together we are Live Healthy

The 9th Annual Live Healthy SC Conference is where South Carolina’s health leaders, advocates, and community partners come together to drive meaningful change.

Grounded in the priorities of the State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP), this conference creates a shared space to align efforts, elevate what’s working, and accelerate progress across communities.

Through inspiring sessions, proven strategies, and intentional networking, the Live Healthy SC Conference fosters collaboration that builds trust, strengthens coordination, and connects local action to statewide impact. Together, we can amplify results, tackle what’s next, and move South Carolina toward a healthier future.

Call for Presenters

We invite you to share programs, projects, and best practices that support the State Health Improvement Plan. We are seeking proposals that demonstrate how organizations, communities, and partners are improving health outcomes through collaboration, alignment, and action.

Submission Deadline: June 5, 2026

Learn more

SUBMIT A PROPOSAL

LIVE HEALTHY SC PRIORITIES

Chronic Health Conditions
Behavioral Health
Maternal & Infant Health
Affordable & Nutritious Foods
Safe & Affordable Places to be Physically Active
Education
Income & Poverty
Access to High Quality Care
Neighborhood & Community Development

Call for Nominations

The Live Healthy SC Awards program recognizes those individuals and organizations that exemplify the highest levels of commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of communities they serve. Those who receive this recognition will serve as visible examples of how the LHSC blueprint can be effectively achieved in practice.

Submission Deadline: June 5, 2026

Learn more

submit a nomination

AWARD CATEGORIES

Dr. Rick Foster Leadership Award
An individual who has served as a champion for health and health equity at a local, regional or state level, and exemplify in action the key LHSC aims, priorities and goals are eligible for the Capstone Leader award.

Community Innovation Award
A community coalition or community-based organization who demonstrates active engagement in leading and guiding innovative work for community health improvement and the elimination of health disparities.

State Impact Award
A state level organization or coalition who demonstrates a commitment to support and take action under the LHSC plan, using a collaborative approach for state health improvement.

2026 Speakers

Monty Robertson is a recognized leader in driving statewide community health improvement and advancing health equity in South Carolina. As Executive Director of the Alliance for a Healthier South Carolina, he brings together public and private partners to address health disparities and implement sustainable solutions.
With over a decade of experience, Monty has played a key role in developing and implementing the South Carolina State Health Improvement Plan, aligning efforts across sectors to improve health outcomes statewide. His leadership has strengthened collaboration among healthcare, government, and community organizations, creating lasting impact.
A Furman Riley Institute Fellow, Monty also serves on the boards of the SC Interagency Council on Homelessness and Family Connection SC. He holds a master of health administration from the University of South Carolina and a BS in Biology from Furman University.

Dr. Kobra Eghtedary is a visionary and transformative leader with more than 25 years of scientific research, data analytics insights, and population health leadership experience. As a member of SCDPH leadership team, she creates a collaborative solution-building community with health equity and analytics intertwined to create actionable insights. Currently, her focus is the implementation of the State Health Improvement Plan by engaging multisector thought leaders from across the state through partnership and strategic alignments to improving the quality of life for all South Carolinians.

Casey Edmonds, MPH, is an executive leader with 20+ years of experience across nonprofit, for profit, clinical, community, government, and behavioral health systems. She specializes in translating vision into execution, building strategic partnerships, scaling startups and innovative programs, and advancing sustainable systems change. As Executive Director of Clubhouse South Carolina and Project Officer of Expansion with Clubhouse International, Casey leads expansion and initiatives advancing mental health equity, access, and continuity of care for adults experiencing mental illness. A certified International Project Manager, Community Development Delivery Professional, and ESG expert, Casey views her work as more than a job, rather a divinely led mission.

Jeff Day began his career in law enforcement upon his graduation from The Citadel in 2007. During his career, he became a member of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Assistance Program, in which he received multiple training courses from the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, as well as training from SCDMH and NAMI. Due to his training, experience, and actions taken while assisting individuals experiencing mental health crises and illness, he was awarded the life saving medal, the honorable service medal, the exceptional duty medal, the meritorious service medal, and named a hometown hero by the USAF, Joint Base Charleston.

Lamikka Samuel is Senior Director of Family Solutions, a program of the SC Office of Rural Health, where she oversees Healthy Start, Nurse-Family Partnership, and a Family Resource Center. A social worker for 23 years, she earned her master’s degree in social work from USC-Columbia. Her experience includes in-home prenatal and postpartum family support and NICU social work case management. Lamikka is a Certified Community Health Worker, trained community doula, and ACE Master Trainer. She is a past president of the SC Perinatal Association Board and serves on key statewide maternal and perinatal health advisory committees.

Romaine Stephens has been with Family Solutions since 2010 and serves as the Director of Community Engagement. She is a certified lactation consultant and reproductive health specialist, providing breastfeeding education and connecting individuals to reproductive and contraceptive care through community healthcare partners. Romaine holds a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management and a Bachelor of Arts degree from South Carolina State University. She is passionate about improving maternal and child health and strengthening families throughout the communities she serves.

Dr. Lillie Hall is the Community Engagement Director with DPH Upstate for more than 27 years. She holds two Master degrees, in Health Science and Public Health and a doctorate in Public Health. She is also a Master Certified Health Education Specialist and Certified Public Manager. She manages several programs that focus on community engagement, development, and partnerships in eleven counties across the Upstate.
Her education and experience include a rich history in MCH, Community Engagement, Mobilization and Resource Development.
Dr. Hall resides in Simpsonville with her husband of 37 years, David, and two adult children, Deidre and Tanner.

C. Suzette McClellan is the Community Engagement Director for SC Department of Public Health -Pee Dee and a 33-year agency employee. Suzette has worked diligently on issues relating to community health improvement, assessment, engagement, and chronic disease risk reduction. She provides leadership in numerous community collaborations/partnerships. She is a Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) and Associate Public Manager. Ms. McClellan is a graduate of the College of Charleston with a BS degree in Biology; and the University of South Carolina-Columbia Arnold School of Public Health with a Master of Public Health degree in Health Promotion & Education.

Susan Collier, MS, RDN, LD, serves as the Community Engagement Director for the South Carolina Department of Public Health in the Midlands region. She leads a dedicated team of Community Engagement Specialists working to advance population health and strengthen collective impact efforts across communities and Community Health Workers who support individuals by connecting them to essential social resources and services. Susan holds both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nutrition from Winthrop University.

Hyacinthi Elias Mwangu, MPH, is the Community Engagement Director for the Lowcountry Region of the South Carolina Department of Public Health. He holds a Master of Public Health from Grand Valley State University and leads initiatives focused on chronic disease prevention, injury prevention, nutrition, physical activity, mental health awareness, oral health, and substance abuse prevention. Mr. Mwangu manages a multidisciplinary team and collaborates with government agencies, nonprofits, healthcare organizations, schools, faith-based communities, and community partners to advance health equity. He is passionate about improving access to healthy resources and empowering underserved communities to achieve better health and well-being.

Nicole Echols is a South Carolina nonprofit executive and community leader with extensive experience in stakeholder engagement, advocacy, and organizational leadership. She currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of the South Carolina Cancer Alliance, where she leads efforts to reduce the burden of cancer across the state. Previously, she held leadership roles in community health and external affairs, building partnerships with government, corporate, and nonprofit stakeholders. Echols has received recognition for her leadership, advocacy, and service, including awards for nonprofit excellence and community impact. She is actively involved in numerous civic and philanthropic organizations throughout South Carolina.

Dr. Vinita Leedom is a public health professional and community advocate dedicated to advancing population health through collaboration, education, and community engagement. Her work reflects a strong commitment to health promotion, disease prevention, and strengthening public health systems. Vinita is actively engaged in discussions surrounding public health policy, cancer prevention, maternal and child health, and workforce development. She is passionate about fostering partnerships that improve health outcomes and expand opportunities for learning and professional growth. With a focus on service, leadership, and mentorship, she brings a community-centered perspective to addressing complex public health challenges and building healthier, more resilient communities.

Rebecca Lorick is the Executive Director of Pathways to Healing, a rape crisis center and non-profit agency serving Richland, Lexington, Sumter, Newberry and Clarendon counties. The agency is dedicated to ending sexual violence through advocacy, education, and supportive services. Ms. Lorick has spent more than 25 years of non-profit work serving vulnerable populations, particularly those who have experienced trauma. Innovative in her leadership approach, Ms. Lorick leads the first rape crisis center in the country to offer supportive services inside a state correctional institution and a local sheriff’s department.

Sargeant Cassandra Radford is a K9 specialist and victims advocate with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD). Sgt. Radford has been with RCSD for more than 15 years and partners with multiple agencies and non-profit organizations to support crime victims, with a specific focus on sexual assault. She teaches a women’s self-defense class with RCSD and assists with the Special Victims Unit to help detect electronic devices with her K9 Oakley. Sgt. Radford has received multiple awards for her role in victims’ services and community advocacy.

Kim Smith, MHA, FACHE is the Founder and CEO of Health Evolve Technologies, a South Carolina-based healthcare organization committed to transforming women's health. With 18 years of healthcare leadership experience, Kim brings deep expertise in clinical systems and health innovation to her work. Through Lauren, Health Evolve's flagship digital health platform, she delivers comprehensive care for women of reproductive age — from preconception through early parenting — with a focus on expanding access in rural and underserved communities across South Carolina.

Robin Cooper is a Regional Project Manager with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and holds a Master of Public Health from Walden University. She leads strategic initiatives that advance comprehensive school wellness policy and practices, including physical activity, physical education, and nutrition. Robin works closely with Diabetes Free SC school districts to strengthen their capacity to implement sustainable, evidence-based policies and practices that promote healthier school environments. Her work emphasizes cross-sector collaboration, systems-level change, and meaningful engagement with educators, students, and community partners to foster healthier school environments.

Brooke Brittain obtained a B.S. degree in Health Promotion from Coastal Carolina University, a M.S. degree in Food and Nutrition from Florida State University and a Culinary Certificate from the University of South Carolina. Brooke has worked in community nutrition for twenty years. She is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian as well as a Certified Health Education Specialist and a Certified Lactation Counselor. Brooke is currently the Associate Director of Food and Nutrition Security with Clemson Rural Health. Through this position she designs and oversees program planning, implementation and training related to food and nutrition in rural environments.

Jennifer is a Community Access Specialist at Able SC, where she conducts digital and physical accessibility assessments and is passionate about accessibility and inclusion. Jennifer received her Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of South Carolina and her Master of Education from Harvard University. Before working for Able SC, she served as a Mandarin immersion teacher in the States, a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) teacher in China, a school administrator, and also worked at SC Competes.

Dori Tempio is the Senior Director of Community Education for Able SC, where she builds partnerships that expand access, independence, and representation for people with disabilities. With over 30 years of education and training experience, she coordinates trainings, webinars, and community events on disability rights, community access, employment, emergency preparedness, health, wellness, and leadership. Dori holds an MS in Counseling from Johns Hopkins University and previously taught for twelve years. A graduate and faculty member of Georgetown University’s Leadership Academy, she facilitates collaborative learning across South Carolina. Dori’s work empowers people and communities to remove barriers and create lasting change.

Taryn M. Farrell serves as the Research & Policy Manager for the South Carolina Institute of Medicine and Public Health (IMPH) where she leads statewide taskforce initiatives, supports the development and execution of IMPH policy informing activities, and leads the organization's evaluation efforts to advance IMPH’s mission. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Health Services Policy and Management at the University of South Carolina and supports research efforts at USC's Rural Health Research Center.

Joey Current is a nonprofit and community engagement leader who works with organizations across South Carolina to build strategic partnerships that improve community outcomes. His work focuses on connecting data, collaboration, and practical action to address complex challenges affecting families and communities. Through presentations and workshops, he helps nonprofit, government, and community leaders strengthen cross-sector partnerships and develop strategies that promote health, financial stability, and equitable access to opportunity.

Keith Hill serves as Coalition Manager for Live Healthy Spartanburg, where he convenes partners, strengthens collaboration, and supports community health priorities across Spartanburg County. He previously served with the Spartanburg Regional Foundation as Grants Manager and Director of Philanthropy, leading grant-funded initiatives, donor engagement, youth leadership, and capacity-building work. Keith brings nearly a decade of experience in public education, including serving as an athletic director, educator, and coach in Spartanburg District One. His work includes leading the Connect adolescent health initiative, supporting teen pregnancy prevention, advancing youth voice, and working on systems-involved youth initiatives through education, philanthropy, facilitation, and coalition-building.