Tom Ledbetter is a management professional with forty years’ experience in the rapidly changing advanced manufacturing, technology development, and higher education sectors. His experience includes line, staff, and executive management responsibilities across a broad spectrum of organizational disciplines, in both public sector and private sector organizations, and in launching and running his own businesses. Since 2003, Tom has been an employee of Midlands Technical College in Columbia, most recently being named Associate Vice President for the Center for Entrepreneurial Success and Community Engagement.
A graduate of the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, Mr. Ledbetter is an engaged and proven advocate of local community development activities, entrepreneurial development, workforce development strategies, and larger-scale economic development efforts across the State of South Carolina. He is a Certified Economic Developer in South Carolina, and is certified as a Facilitator/Administrator for the Kauffman Foundation FastTrac® series of entrepreneurial training courses; in this role, Mr. Ledbetter is now a recognized senior facilitator, and has ushered over 600 aspiring and/or current entrepreneurs through the startup and/or expansion of their businesses. Mr. Ledbetter is a passionate advocate for education, and has been recognized within South Carolina and nationally for his work in career development activities within K-12 and higher education. He speaks frequently on issues surrounding workforce development and the demographics of the changing workforce.
Tom is the devoted husband of Cindy, and they are really enjoying “life after children.” He is an expert “Honey-Do List” completer, an accomplished “Mr. Fix-It”, and avid but not good golfer.