North Augusta Chamber to Convene Education Leaders for Regional Workforce Discussion
Thursday, November 5th, 2026
The North Augusta Chamber of Commerce will bring together regional education leaders and an emerging professional on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, for Leading Forward: Education, Industry and the Future Workforce, a discussion focused on strengthening connections between education and employment across the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA).
The program, part of the Chamber’s Leading Forward: A Leadership and Economic Outlook Series, will examine how K-12 education, technical colleges, universities, and employers can work more intentionally to prepare students for career opportunities while addressing the evolving workforce needs of regional businesses.
The featured panelists are:
- Dr. Corey Murphy, Superintendent, Aiken County Public School District
- Dr. Forest Mahan, President, Aiken Technical College
- Kristina Baggott, Vice President of Corporate and Community Engagement, Augusta University
- Kaylen Gay, Staff Accountant, SME CPAs
The discussion will be moderated by Terra Carroll, President and CEO of the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce, who shared “Workforce development cannot be the responsibility of our education systems alone. We have tremendous educational resources and employment opportunities throughout our region. The challenge – and the opportunity – is making stronger connections between them. Employers must be active partners in preparing, developing, and retaining the talent they need.”
The program will begin with brief leadership perspectives from the education representatives, highlighting developments in K-12 career readiness, technical education, and higher education. A moderated discussion will follow, examining opportunities to strengthen career pathways, apprenticeships, work-based learning, and employer engagement.
Panelists will also explore the impact of artificial intelligence and changing skill requirements, the importance of lifelong learning, and strategies for attracting and retaining young professionals in the region.
Gay will bring the emerging professional perspective, sharing insights into the transition from education to employment and what influences younger workers’ decisions to establish and grow careers in the CSRA.
A central focus of the discussion will be the role employers must play in workforce development.
“We want businesses to leave the conversation understanding that they do not have to create an entire workforce program to make a difference,” Carroll added. “Whether a company is already partnering with an educational institution, interested in exploring a new partnership, or simply unsure where to begin, the Chamber can help connect them with the right resources and partners.”
The event supports the Chamber’s strategic emphasis on education and workforce development and its role in connecting the business community with existing regional education and workforce initiatives.
Event Details
Leading Forward: Education, Industry & the Future Workforce
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
11:30 a.m-12:00 p.m., Lunch & Networking | 12:00-1:00 p.m., Panel Discussion
North Augusta Community Center | 495 Brookside Avenue | North Augusta, SC
