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Greater Columbia Chamber of
Commerce President Selected for Advocate Position
with the United States Army
Ike McLeese Reappointed Civilian Aide to Army
Secretary
The Greater
Columbia Chamber of Commerce has announced that
President and CEO Ike McLeese has been reappointed
as a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army
(CASA). McLeese was selected by Secretary
John M. McHugh
to represent the state of South Carolina and will
serve as the official advocate for the United States
Army throughout the state. This is McLeese’s third
term as a Civilian Aide.
Formed in 1922,
CASAs have become a vital part of the United States
Army, promoting good relations between the Army and
the public, as well as advising the secretary about
their regional areas. Each state and the U.S.
territories of Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands and
American Samoa have one or more CASAs appointed to
serve as the link between the Army and their local
communities. CASAs serve a two-year term without
compensation. Terms may be extended to a total of
ten years of service, followed by possible
appointment as a CASA emeritus. To date, more than
500 individual have served the Army and the nation
as a CASA.
"Reappointment as
the CASA for South Carolina is an outstanding honor
and privilege,” said McLeese. "South Carolina fully
understands, appreciates and continues to support
the long-term partnerships with our local military
communities. This position plays a critical role in
facilitating productive dialogue as these local,
regional and national relationships continue to grow
and foster new collaborations."
McLeese has
longstanding ties to representing and supporting the
sustained success of the South Carolina military
community, as well as advocating for the well-being
of military members and their families.
During his 16 year
tenure as president and CEO of the Greater Columbia
Chamber of Commerce, McLeese has grown the
organization’s membership and non-dues income, as
well as led the implementation of a
strategic plan to develop and grow the
Columbia area through the Navigating from Good to
Great initiative. McLeese currently serves on the
Board of Directors for the
Veterans Policy Academy, Midlands Technical College
Foundation, Midlands Business Leadership Group,
Midlands Housing Alliance and the Board of Visitors
of Anderson University.
MeLeese is a graduate of Anderson
University and the University of South Carolina with
a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science.
About the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Columbia Chamber of
Commerce is a private, non-profit, membership-driven
organization comprised of 1,500 business
enterprises, civic organizations, educational
institutions and
individuals in Calhoun, Fairfield, Kershaw,
Lexington, Newberry and Richland counties.
The Columbia Chamber serves as the voice of
its members and the business community at large on
matters of economic, educational, social, cultural
and political concern, as
well as supports and promotes the success of its
members through networking, professional
development, advocacy and leadership. The
organization has represented the interests of the
local business community since 1902.
To become a member or to learn more
about the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce, as
well as its events, programs and initiatives, visit
www.ColumbiaChamber.com. |
