Columbia – Cynthia Bennett, Associate Vice President of Education for the SC Chamber of Commerce, has been appointed to serve as the newest member of the South Carolina Education Oversight Committee (EOC). Bennett was appointed as Governor Nikki Haley’s business representative, replacing the un-expired term of Margaret Anne Gaffney. Bennett’s term, which begins immediately, will end in June 2018.

Bennett received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of South Carolina. She has worked for the SC Chamber of Commerce in different capacities since 1999, serving as Local Chamber Liaison, Partnerships Coordinator, School Support Liaison, and Director of Business Relations for GEAR UP before assuming her current role in 2015.

A resident of Columbia, Bennett serves as an Ambassador for the SC Afterschool Alliance, where she has served as Chairwoman of the Board. She was also on the SC Charter School Advisory Board.

Bennett volunteers with Journey United Methodist Church as well as the Spring Valley High Education Foundation.

The SC Education Oversight Committee is an independent, non-partisan group made up of 18 educators, business persons, and elected leaders. Created in 1998, the committee is dedicated to reporting facts, measuring change, and promoting progress within South Carolina’s education system.