Columbia Chamber of Commerce appoints first African American woman as chair
By: Alexia Bolin | Oct 6, 2022
Columbia Chamber of Commerce has made a historic nomination with the election of the first African American woman to serve as chair-elect of the board. Karen R. Jenkins, president and CEO of KRJ Consulting, LLC, has been named into the role of chair-elect.
Jenkins has been a member of the Columbia Chamber Board of Directors and has served on the Executive Committee since 2019. The Board of Directors is made up of volunteers who set policy and direction.
“Diversity, equity and inclusion are an integral part of an organization, and I am proud to represent women of color and stand in this leadership role,” said Jenkins. “I am honored to serve with the leadership of the Columbia Chamber and those within our community who give of their time and talents to foster a vibrant business environment.”
She will serve alongside newly elected Chair, John Griggs of Synovus Bank. In her role as Chair-Elect she will support Griggs and work closely with the Chamber staff, committee chairs and board members.
Jenkins received the Small Business of the Year award by UofSC Columbia Technology Incubator in 2020 and was named South Carolina Female Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration South Carolina District Office in 2019. She has also earned various other awards over the years.