Summers steps down as CCTC Area Commission Chairman, Napper appointed
Sumter, SC (08/03/2020) — J. Mac Summers of Sumter County has stepped down as chairman of Central Carolina Technical College’s 12-member Area Commission, the college’s official governing board, after 15 years of service. Paul Napper of Kershaw County has been appointed as the new chairman.
Summers has a long history of serving on CCTC’s Area Commission Board. He was originally appointed to serve as a board member in 1988 and served on and off, due to a work-related move to North Carolina, in the 1990s. Summer was appointed chairman in 2005 and served until May 2020. Summers considers the hiring of two exceptional presidents, Dr. Tim Hardee and Dr. Michael Mikota, as his top accomplishments during his tenure with the commission. “The commission gave them [Hardee and Mikota] direction to grow the college’s influence and they both did that very well,” said Summers.
Even with his time as chairman ending, Summers hopes to see the college continue to grow in its influence, particularly in terms of its impact on workforce development. “I would like to see the college continue to work with our local businesses and industries, to ensure they have the skilled employees they need to be successful. Central Carolina is a vital part of bringing new business and industry to the area,” said Summers.
Summers retired in 2014 after 34 years serving as Director of Human Resources for the North America Operation of Apex Tool Group. Summers previously served as the chairman of the Santee-Lynches Workforce Investment Board and as president of the Sumter Human Resources Management Association. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce, Santee Senior Services and the United Way.
As the governing body of the college, the CCTC Area Commission is responsible for development and operation of Central Carolina in accordance with Act 743 of 1962 as last amended by Act 49 of 2015 and the standards set forth by the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education. The CCTC Area Commission consists of 12 voting members appointed by the Legislative Delegation.
Paul Napper of Kershaw County was officially appointed as chairman at the July meeting of the Area Commission. Napper is a Kershaw native and brings extensive professional and community service to the commission. Napper retired in January after 40 years serving as the executive director of the ALPHA Behavioral Health Center.
Napper has served as a member on the CCTC Area Commission since 2015. During this time, he has recognized the important role the college plays in training and growing the area’s workforce, particularly the health care sector. “I am honored to assist the college as it fulfills its comprehensive educational mission and I have complete confidence in the staff and faculty,” said Napper. His priorities as chairman are to hire a new college president and to help continue to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, volunteer work has always been a priority for Napper. He remains deeply engaged in the community serving as a member of the Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Advisory Committee, chairman of the Sandhills Medical Board, representative for the Selective Service System and a board member of the Jackson Teen Center. Napper previously served as the chairman of the Board of Trustees for Kershaw Health Hospital.
In January 2020, Napper received the Order of the Silver Crescent from South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, the highest civilian honor for community service. It is awarded to residents of South Carolina for exemplary performance, contribution and achievement within the community.