The SC FWD Leadership Team hails from all across South Carolina. Some of us are natives, some of us come from other places. We are politically-aware, opinionated, diverse and intellectually curious. We come from the right, left and all points in-between. We are students, moms, dads, professionals, teachers, workers, lawyers, techies, doctors, retirees... you name it. The commonality we share is a belief in America and an optimism that it can be even better now and for future generations. But for that to happen we have to take individual responsibility, find a way to contribute our time, talent and resources - and we have to start today. In this space you'll meet various members of our team and - if you're feeling the least bit intrigued or politically homeless - we invite you to join us.
Wayne Griffin
Chair Emeritus
Wayne lives in Greer with his beautiful wife Dalisa. He is the proud father of four daughters and devoted grandfather of six. A small business owner, Wayne operates the Griffin Brothers Insurance Agency in Greenville and has served on the Greer City Council for 6 terms. Wayne became active in independent politics in the 1980’s and 1990’s which led him to build the SC Independence Party, serving as chair for over 20 years. He continues that role for the South Carolina Forward Party.
Jessica Gorgeis
Policy Team Leader and Board Vice Chair
Jessica Gorgeis is a mother of three, a clinical pharmacist caring for patients with hematologic malignancies, and a citizen that has been vehemently apolitical in her past. She grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and has recently moved back after spending over a decade moving from place to place for both school and residency. She spends her time caring for my family, working on career-related projects, gardening, and (more recently) working on Forward Party policy tasks.
Chuck Newton
Chair of Beaufort County Forward Party and Board Member
Originally from Wyoming, Chuck's professional life was in public relations in Asia and America for Burson-Marsteller. Now living in the Beaufort area of South Carolina, Chuck works in real estate and is involved in local politics and civic activities.
Najmah Thomas
Beaufort County Forward Party Committee and State Leadership Team
Dr. Najmah Thomas is Associate Professor in the Department of Social Sciences at University of South Carolina Beaufort. She is a full-time faculty member for the Human Services Program, which encompasses both the residential/on-campus and the Palmetto College Online degree completion programs. And she is also the faculty member for African American Studies. But she is so much more: a mom, a creative thinker, a community leader, a coach, a marketer and business woman, and a get-things-done kind of person trying to amplify the political voice of every South Carolinian.
Barb Shestko
Board Member and State Leadership Team
Barbara Shestko is an advisor to the SC Forward Party. She is a SC attorney currently practicing law in Charleston after retiring from the Air Force JAG Corps in the rank of Colonel. Barb graduated from University of South Carolina School of Law and also received her Masters in Law (LL.M.) from George Washington University Law School, Washington, D.C.
Peter Stockman
Board Secretary and State Leadership Team
Peter enjoyed a 30+ year career as a management consultant who advised wholesale financial institutions on issues relating to risk management, new product development and changing industry structure. Before resettling in South Carolina, he was on the Board of the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation for six years where he served as Treasurer. He is on the Board of Trustees for Reed College in Portland, OR where he serves as chair of the Budget Policy Committee. Peter connected with the Forward Party through his interest in anti-gerrymandering and ranked choice/instant runoff voting.
Kayla Sullivan
Leadership Team and State Leadership Team
Kayla Sullivan lives in Pawley's Island, SC and manages the SC FWD social media strategy and execution. She is studying political science with a concentration in law and society. In her free time, She enjoys volunteering at the local animal shelter, or supporting local businesses!
Clint Eisenhauer
Board Chair
Clint had a long and happy career in marketing, advertising, public relations and government relations. For 10 years he headed up US government affairs and public policy in Washington, D.C. for Maersk, the world's largest container shipping company. He was also head of external affairs for South Carolina Ports. He lives in Charleston, works to improve politics and plays in a pretty good rock 'n roll band.
