OneSpartanburg, Inc. Recognizes 2026 Annual Celebration Awardees

At the 2026 Annual Celebration: Ascending Together, OneSpartanburg, Inc. celebrated continued successes across Spartanburg County, along with exemplary local businesses and dedicated community leaders that showcase the impact of the organization’s mission.

“Our Annual Celebration aims to be more than a traditional chamber update, we want to take time to recognize the impact our organization and our partners – both public and private – have on Spartanburg County,” said OneSpartanburg, Inc. President and CEO Allen Smith. “There are still many challenges, but to be clear, personal per capita income is at an all-time high, businesses are reporting record revenues, and the people of Spartanburg County have more job opportunities than ever. Partnerships and relationships matter. The results prove it and are worthy of the celebration.”

OneSpartanburg, Inc.’s 2026 award-winners were:

Neville Holcombe Distinguished Citizenship Award:

• Katherine O’Neill
• As OneSpartanburg, Inc. Chief Economic Development Officer, and formerly as County Administrator, Katherine has been a differentiator for our community. Since joining OneSpartanburg, Inc. in November 2019, she has led the recruitment of $10.45 billion to Spartanburg County, leading to the creation of 9,177 jobs. Additionally, she serves as Chair of the Apella Board of Trustees and on the Spartanburg Community College Board of Commissioners.

James B. Thompson Small Business of the Year:

• Toll Solutions
• Started more than 15 years ago in the Middle Tyger community, Toll Solutions has shown what it means to be a small business that’s a strong supporter of their community. From business growth leading to new job opportunities to supporting local schools, Toll Solutions has made a point of being a good community member.

David Britt Economic Champion Award:

• Warren Snead, Human Resources Manager at Cooper Standard
• Snead has nurtured a positive employee culture at Cooper Standard as it has emerged as an employer of choice. Additionally, Snead has been a valuable asset for Spartanburg County’s continued economic and talent development success.

Talent Champion Award:

• The Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District
• The Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District has emerged as a model employer when it comes to developing the next generation of talent, welcoming 22 interns in summer 2026 who completed immersive internships across a variety of operations like airport security, HR, accounting, and other essential departments.

Elaine Harris Tourism Champion Award:

• The Hub City Spartanburgers
• Since first pitch of their inaugural season in 2025, the Spartanburgers and Fifth Third Park have become major partners in elevating Spartanburg’s tourism experience, creating a premier destination for residents and visitors to enjoy, and sparking a new center of energy in Downtown Spartanburg.

Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award:

• Bill Barnet, former Mayor of Spartanburg and co-founder of the Northside Development Group
• Bill Barnet was recognized for his decades of dedication to public service and his impact on economic mobility work ongoing across Spartanburg.

Chairman’s Award:

• Alex Evins, Partner at Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP
• Alex Evins was recognized for years of service on the OneSpartanburg, Inc. Executive Board, providing leadership, guidance, and support for fellow board members and other community leaders over the years.

Charles E. Atchison, Sr. Minority-Owned Business of the Year:

• Nothing Bundt Cakes franchisees Brian and Felicia Murrill
• Brian and Felicia Murrill have built generous partnerships between their Nothing Bundt Cakes location and Spartanburg County schools, nonprofits, and more, all while maintaining excellent customer service.

Young Professional of the Year:

• Livingston Hawkins, Wofford College
• Perhaps better known as “The Walking Spartan,” Livingston Hawkins exemplifies the mission of SYP, to encourage young adults in the community to engage with social, civic, and professional development opportunities.

Teachers of the Year:

Spartanburg District 1:  Ben Coates, Chapman High School

Spartanburg District 2:  Megan Coffey, Chesnee High School

Spartanburg District 3:  Megan Fox, Broome High School

Spartanburg District 4:  Kinzie Sellars, Woodruff High School

Spartanburg District 5:  Lea Elizabeth Harrison, Byrnes High School

Spartanburg District 6:  Rhiannon Wyatt, Pauline-Glenn Springs Elementary

Spartanburg District 7:  Marissa Drake, Jesse Boyd Elementary

S.C. School for the Deaf and the Blind:  Tony Lee

Spartanburg Day School:  Kim Ballenger

High Point Academy:  Casey Plyler