Beaufort Memorial President Appointed to Education Oversight Committee

The South Carolina Education Oversight Committee (EOC), which aims to improve South Carolina public schools, approves academic content standards and assessments and establishes the state’s educational accountability system, has appointed Beaufort Memorial President and CEO Russell Baxley and Coosa Elementary Principal Melissa Pender to serve as members of the committee for the 2024 to 2028 term.

Baxley has served in his current position at Beaufort Memorial Hospital for approximately seven and a half years. While under his leadership, the hospital system has increased healthcare access for its community through new urgent care clinics, cancer treatment centers, provider recruitment and the BMH Care Anywhere telehealth app. He is most proud of the on-site clinical education and workforce development programs that were made possible through partnerships with the county, city, school district and other local educational institutions.

“I am excited to help ensure South Carolina’s students are set up for success and ready to excel in meaningful careers,” said Baxley. “We have the opportunity to not only make a difference in the lives of our school children, but the future of all South Carolinians.”

Among many other awards and accolades, Beaufort Memorial has been recognized among the nation’s 150 “Great Community Hospitals” by Becker’s Hospital Review and one of the top 30 general acute care hospitals in the country for patient safety and quality under Baxley's tenure.

Baxley holds a Master of Healthcare Administration from the University of South Carolina and completed his undergraduate studies at Clemson University where he received his Bachelor of Science in microbiology. Prior to his current position, Baxley served as CEO for Lancaster Regional Medical Center in Pennsylvania. He and his wife, Stephanie, live with their young son in Beaufort.

Pender has 25 years of experience in public education during which she was recognized as Teacher of the Year. She served as a teacher at Beaufort Elementary, Davis Elementary and Coosa Elementary for 18 years before becoming assistant principal and then principal in 2019. Under her leadership, Coosa Elementary's overall school rating increased from Average in 2019 to Excellent. Additionally, the overall percentage of students meeting and exceeding state standards increased, and Coosa Elementary was recognized as a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School.

“I am looking forward to collaborating with others who have a shared vison of setting our children on the path of excellence as they become active citizens of our state and global community,” Pender said.

Baxley and Pender were appointed to the EOC by Chairman of the House Education and Public Works Committee Rep. Shannon Erickson.