Board of Directors
With an unwavering commitment to excellence, our leadership team brings a range of experiences and backgrounds to our mission of championing our state's quantum talent and technology. Working together, we are improving the outlook and lives of South Carolinians through quantum education, workforce development, and economic development.
Herbert L. Drayton III
Managing Partner, HI Mark Capital
Herbert L. Drayton III is the managing partner of Hi Mark Capital. Based in North Charleston, the VC firm invests in BIPOC and women-owned businesses in the Southeast, seeking both financial returns and social impact. He has enjoyed 20 years of experience establishing, buying, and managing a dozen businesses in a variety of industries including healthcare, IT, SaaS, and corporate training. Herbert served honorably in the US Air Force and the US Marine Corps Reserves.
What is your vision for the future of SCQ and South Carolina (and region)?
At the heart of our mission lies the transformative power of quantum computing, a technology poised to revolutionize industries and redefine the global landscape. By harnessing the immense potential of quantum computing, we unlock unprecedented opportunities, propelling South Carolina into a new era of economic prosperity and technological advancement. Moreover, our commitment to quantum computing strengthens our global relations, positioning South Carolina as a key player in the international arena of innovation and collaboration. Through pioneering research, strategic partnerships, and forward-thinking initiatives, we cement our place on the world stage, fostering mutual growth and cooperation and driving progress at home and abroad.
Governor James Hodges
President, McGuireWoods Consulting LLC
James served as Governor of South Carolina from 1999 to 2003. Gov. Hodges has a legal and business background, serving as a partner in the McGuireWoods law firm and the President of their consulting operation, McGuireWoods Consulting. James has extensive experience dealing with issues involving local, state, and federal regulation and legislation.
What is your vision for the future of SCQ and South Carolina (and region)?
Through SC Quantum, South Carolina can emerge as a national leader in quantum computing, which will benefit both our higher education system and economic development.
Chip Huggins
USC, Senior Director of Development & Economic Engagement
Chip grew up in Columbia SC, attended USC, and graduated BS Management, Winthrop University. Afterward, Huggins was in real estate & other businesses and eventually elected to SC House of Representatives District 85 in 1999. Rep. Huggins represented Chapin & Irmo for 23 years until 2022. He is currently at the University of South Carolina as Senior Director of Development & Economic Engagement.
What is your vision for the future of SCQ and South Carolina (and region)?
I am excited about SCQ’s path forward for the future. It’s abilities and usages are valuable in so many areas, and will help to propel our state and region to another level not only for the 21st Century but for centuries to come. Quntum will create many opportunities for so many in technology & innovation, leading to job creation and economic development for many generations.
Colonel Curtis Lee USMC (Ret)
Founder/Principal at Kairos Sophos Consulting
Curtis is a retired Marine Corps colonel, former corporate executive, independent consultant, angel investor, and community builder. Col. Lee has always been attracted to technology, new initiatives, and entrepreneurship. This has led to his involvement in starting new businesses, and charities, and even starting a new military unit. His broad experience and the network he has developed over many years will contribute to SCQ's success.
What is your vision for the future of SCQ and South Carolina (and region)?
My vision is for us to build a strong foundation for a robust quantum-based economy for South Carolina and the greater Southeast. I see us collaborating with other like-minded organizations to enable investment and advancement of quantum literacy/education, workforce development, and economic development, with the goal of becoming a leader in the upcoming quantum revolution.
Dr. Joan P. Marler
Clemson University
Dr. Marler received her PhD in Physics from the University of California-San Diego, studying the atomic physics of matter and anti-matter interactions. She is an experimental atomic physicist and is motivated by understanding the quantum properties of atoms and ions at the single-atom level. Dr. Marler has been a faculty member in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Clemson University since 2013.
What is your vision for the future of SCQ and South Carolina (and region)?
My vision for SCQ and South Carolina, is that a synergistic foundation is developed that cements an increasing role for South Carolina in the Quantum landscape. Specifically, I would like to participate in the development of a sustained quantum-ready workforce including education and post-graduate opportunities for students in South Carolina and the region.