Central Carolina Technical College Area Commission welcomes Dr. Tracy R. Powell
Bishopville, SC (09/21/2026) — Dr. Tracy R. Powell has joined the Central Carolina Technical College Area Commission as the representative for Lee County.
Powell, a Lee County native, brings nearly 20 years of experience in public service, leadership development, organizational strategy, health care and public health to the college's governing board. She was appointed to the Area Commission in July 2026.
Powell has 18 years of active-duty service and has held numerous senior leadership and advisory positions throughout her career, including serving as senior adviser to former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin. Her professional experience spans health care and public health leadership, policy development, enterprise risk management and organizational leadership. She has provided technical assistance in more than 10 countries and received more than 40 awards and recognitions for her leadership and service, including the Surgeon General's Exemplary Service Medal.
Higher education has also been an important part of Powell's career. Since 2013, she has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland Global Campus, teaching graduate courses in health care and public health administration. She is a three-time graduate of the University of South Carolina, where she earned a bachelor's degree in sociology, a master's degree in social work and a doctorate in health services policy and management.
Powell is CEO and founder of Hidden Brilliance, a leadership development company providing executive coaching, leadership development, training and keynote speaking. She also serves as executive director and president of Tomorrow's Leaders, a Lee County-based nonprofit organization that has served more than 5,000 students since 2016. Through partnerships and collaborations throughout Lee County and surrounding communities, the organization works to support and develop young people.
Board and advisory service has been a consistent part of Powell's career. Her previous and current service includes the Commissioned Officers Association Executive Board, University of South Carolina Black Alumni Association Board, Department of Defense Walter Reed Institutional Review Board, Women's Issues Advisory Board, Department of Defense Military Advisory Panel and Military Officers Association of America Advisory Council.
Powell recently completed new commissioner orientation through the South Carolina Association of Technical College Commissioners, providing additional preparation for her role within South Carolina's technical college system.
The CCTC Area Commission comprises 12 voting community leaders from the college's service area of Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee and Sumter counties who are appointed by the local Legislative Delegation. As the governing body of the college, the CCTC Area Commission is responsible for the development and operation of Central Carolina Technical College and the standards set forth by the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education.
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