Rotary Club Of Aiken

Ross Williams. President of Titan Farms, Edgefield
2026-03-09 12:30 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | Newberry Hall, 117 Newberry St SW, Aiken, SC, 29801, United States
his role as president, Williams will oversee daily operations, lead cross-functional teams and drive the execution of the company’s strategic goals. With a deep understanding of Titan Farms’ values and a focus on quality, sustainability and innovation, Williams is well-equipped to guide the company’s ongoing success.
“I am honored to take on the role of president at Titan Farms,” said Williams. “Having worked alongside Chalmers Carr and the incredible team here, I am inspired by the company’s legacy and excited to lead us into a new chapter. Together, we will continue to focus on operational excellence, innovation and exploring new opportunities while staying true to our commitment to quality and sustainability.”
Chalmers Carr, Titan Farms’ founder, will transition to the role of CEO, where he will focus on strategic initiatives and long-term growth while continuing to support key operational efforts. Carr will work closely with Williams to ensure the company’s mission and vision remain central to all decisions.
“This is an exciting milestone for Titan Farms,” said Carr. “Ross has been an integral part of our leadership team for 11 years, and his expertise and forward-thinking approach make him the ideal choice for president. I look forward to working alongside Ross as we position Titan Farms for even greater success in the years ahead.”
Titan Farms remains committed to its mission of producing high-quality, fresh produce for their customers. As president, Williams will lead with a focus on collaboration, innovation and operational excellence, ensuring alignment across all departments and sustaining Titan Farms’ reputation as an industry leader.

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Pastor Lex Perry with C4 Impact
2026-03-16 12:30 - 13:30
The mission of C4 Impact – Aiken is to be a transformative force in the lives of the homeless, the recovering, and those reentering from incarceration by meeting immediate needs, fostering hope, and guiding them into a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11 ESV

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Women's History, Andrea Thomas Moderator
2026-03-23 12:30 - 13:30
Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society and has been observed annually in the month of March in the United States since 1987. Women’s History Month 2026 takes place from Sunday, March 1, through Tuesday, March 31.

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KT Ruthven, Aiken Real Estate & 2026 Outlook
2026-03-30 12:30 - 13:30
K.T. grew up in New Jersey, his parents left for the South when he went to college. While trying to decide where to settle down during his senior year of college, K.T. came for a visit during spring break…and was hooked. Aiken does that to a great many folks!
K.T. started his career in real estate in 2003. He holds several industry designations and has been very active with the Aiken Association of Realtors and the South Carolina Association of Realtors. K.T. was awarded the “Best of the Best Real Estate Agent” in 2006, 2011 “Realtor of the Year” and 2018 “Young Professionals to Follow” in Aiken.
Outside of real estate, K.T. and Martha (wife) are very involved in the community. In a town like Aiken, it is easy to have fun and get involved in a wide variety of activities.

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Peggy Ford, Executive Director of Children's Place, Child Abuse Prevention Month
2026-04-06 12:30 - 13:30
During April, we recognize National Child Abuse Prevention Month (NCAPM) and the importance of communities working together to support and strengthen families and prevent child maltreatment. Throughout the year, communities are encouraged to increase awareness about child and family well-being and work together to implement effective strategies that support families and prevent child abuse and neglect.
NCAPM activities are implemented in partnership with our National Child Abuse Prevention Partners, the Federal Inter-Agency Work Group on Child Abuse and Neglect, and families with lived expertise.
NCAPM and other Federal child abuse-related activities are authorized by the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA). CAPTA provides funding to States to support the prevention, assessment, investigation, prosecution, and treatment of child abuse and neglect. It also provides grants to public agencies and nonprofit organizations, including American Indian/Alaska Native Tribes and Tribal organizations, for demonstration programs and projects. About CAPTA: A Legislative History provides more information about this important legislation.

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Paul Crook, Executive Director of the Etherredge Center
2026-04-13 12:30 - 13:30
Welcome to the Etherredge Center at the University of South Carolina Aiken, a cornerstone of artistic expression and cultural engagement in the heart of our campus. Established in 1986, the Etherredge Center stands as a testament to the university’s commitment to fostering creativity and enriching the lives of our community members. Named in honor of Cecil and Virginia Etherredge, whose philanthropic support helped make its construction possible, the Etherredge Center has been a vital hub for the performing and visual arts ever since its opening.
With a 687-seat main theater, a 110-seat thrust theatre (O’Connell Theatre), an art gallery, and versatile event spaces, the center provides a platform for students, faculty, and visiting artists to showcase their talents and share their passion with audiences of all ages.
From captivating theatrical productions and musical performances to inspiring exhibitions and educational workshops, the Etherredge Center offers a vibrant and inclusive cultural experience for all who walk through its doors. Join us as we celebrate the power of the arts to inspire, provoke thought, and unite communities.

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Melanie Shull, Founder and CEO of Shull Ag
2026-04-20 12:30 - 13:30
Shull Ag is a farmer-owned engineering and consulting firm based in South Carolina, focused on helping producers grow beyond compliance. We provide agricultural engineering, consulting, and enterprise development services that strengthen operations, expand income streams, and bring new economic opportunities directly to the farm. By combining firsthand farm experience with technical expertise, we help producers reduce dependence on the federal government and achieve lasting, long-term success—building stronger, more profitable agricultural businesses across South Carolina.

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Eva Finnen, Executive Director of Great Oak Equestrian Assisted Programs
2026-04-27 12:30 - 13:30
Great Oak provides equine assisted activities that
promote the physical, emotional, and psychological
health of individuals with disabilities. At Great Oak, we change lives. Our programs are the catalyst for unbridled personal growth and awareness. We share our
knowledge to empower individuals and their families.
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Major Nick Gilliam, Aiken County Detention Center recovery and Re-entry program
2026-05-04 12:30 - 13:30
The mission of the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office Detention Division is to enhance public safety by safely and securely managing persons entrusted into our custody. We will accomplish this by providing quality customer service, using sound ethical correctional principles, embracing diversity and building partnerships with our stakeholders.

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Megan Pruitt, Aiken Corp
2026-06-01 12:30 - 13:30
Presented by the Aiken Corporation, The Tom Young Center for Research & Innovation is a dynamic hub for STEM activities, workforce development, and community engagement in downtown Aiken. Developed in partnership with the City of Aiken, the University of South Carolina Aiken, and Savannah River National Laboratory, the building will be home to the Aiken Energy & Innovation Exchange and will offer interactive programming alongside a professional, rentable conference and meeting space for businesses, organizations, and the community. Sign up to receive updates on progress, events, programming, and opportunities to get involved.
Located within our Tom Young Center for Research & Innovation facility, The Aiken Corporation offers versatile rental spaces designed to support business growth, community engagement, and professional gatherings of all sizes.
Whether hosting corporate meetings, exhibitions, nonprofit galas, or trainings, our spaces are designed to adapt to your vision.

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Graham Neff, Clemson University Director of Athletics
2026-06-08 12:30 - 13:30
Graham Neff was named Clemson’s 14th Director of Athletics on December 23, 2021 in the midst of his 13th year at Clemson and is now in his fourth year in the role. During his tenure, Neff has established himself as a forward-thinking leader with a focus on student-athlete well-being and academic and athletic success. Additionally, he’s helped to navigate a complicated national landscape, working closely with key stakeholders to stay at the forefront of the issues with an emphasis on the impacts to Clemson.
He’s overseen significant facility development, including investments in football and a women’s sport expansion project to house Clemson’s new lacrosse and gymnastics teams, and in 2025 opened the 55,000-square-foot Watt Family Performance and Wellness Center. He led the bringing of Clemson’s multimedia rights in-house, developed a comprehensive NIL program and launched a streaming service, Clemson+. Recently, Clemson announced the formation of Clemson Ventures, which is an innovative take on commercial revenue generation within the athletic department, including sales, media creation, digital marketing, NIL and events verticals. Additionally, IPTAY has seen record-breaking growth in the past two years, which included the largest gift in IPTAY history.
Academically, Clemson’s graduation success rate has been above 91 percent for eleven consecutive years, tops the nation among public Power Five institutions for two straight years with a 96 percent mark for the most recent data release, and student-athlete total GPA has been above 3.0 for 12 straight semesters.
All of this led to Clemson being named one of Front Office Sports’ Best Collegiate Athletic Departments nationally.
On the field, it has led to significant results. In the 2022-23 season, Clemson’s teams won four ACC championships in a single season for the first time since 1998-99. In the 2023-24 year, four programs advanced to national quarterfinals in a single season, an accomplishment that had not occurred since 1979-80. In 2023, the men’s soccer program claimed its second national championship in three years. Men’s soccer also won the 2023 ACC title, while there was a historic run by the men’s basketball program, which knocked off powerhouses Baylor and Arizona in the NCAA Tournament. Women’s soccer advanced to its first College Cup as well.
Clemson made its return to the College Football Playoff in 2024 after claiming the ACC Football Championship and won an ACC Championship in Softball and Women’s Indoor Track & Field in 2024-25, as well as NCAA appearances from Lacrosse (Sweet 16), Men’s Soccer (Sweet 16), Gymnastics (Regional Quarterfinals) and men’s and women ‘s tennis.
Neff has been in senior leadership positions within Clemson Athletics since 2013, including as chief financial officer and director of capital projects prior to his most recent role as deputy director of athletics. Neff has helped oversee the build and financing of more than $200 million in facility improvements, aided in the continued development of IPTAY, and served as a sport administrator for football and men’s basketball.
Neff works consistently with key university stakeholders, including the university Executive Leadership Team, The Board of Trustees, IPTAY Board of Directors, Athletics Council, as well as several university committees and appointments.
During his time as a sport supervisor, the football program won two national championships, the men’s basketball program made a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Sweet 16 run in 2018.
Neff has helped develop several key areas of the department, including the financial philosophy, fundraising, student-athlete welfare, and external operations management, and in 2019 was named one of Sports Business Daily’s Power Players and in 2021 was named to SBJ’s 40 Under 40 list.
Prior to his role as Deputy AD, he joined Clemson in April 2013 as Associate AD of Finance and Facilities. Before Clemson, Neff served two-plus years in several senior administrative roles at Middle Tennessee State Athletics, with emphasis in finance, facilities and external operations.
A civil engineering graduate of Georgia Tech, he served as a student manager for Coach Paul Hewitt and the men’s basketball program, advancing to a Final Four in 2004. Neff worked in the Financial Advisory Services group at Deloitte and Touche from 2006 to 2008, prior to returning to a finance and ticketing role at the Georgia Tech Athletic Association. He earned an MBA from Georgia Tech in 2010.
Neff and his wife Kristin have three sons, Grady and twins Emmett and Nolan.

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Chuck Munns, Denmark/Greenland
2026-06-15 12:30 - 13:30
Greenland is the world’s largest island, a self-governing autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. Situated between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, it has a population of roughly 57,000 people and its capital and largest city is Nuuk. Despite its name, over 80% of its landmass is covered by an imposing ice sheet.
Key Characteristics
Geography & Climate: Greenland is physically part of the North American continent but politically and culturally tied to Europe. The vast majority of the island is glaciated, leaving only the coastal areas habitable.
Economy & Resources: The island relies heavily on subsidies from Denmark, which make up roughly 20% of its GDP. However, as climate change accelerates and the Arctic opens up, the territory is increasingly viewed as a hotbed for shipping, rare earth minerals, and other valuable resources.
Culture & Society: The majority of the population is of Inuit descent, and the culture is heavily shaped by deep traditional ties to hunting, fishing, and community. The official language is Greenlandic (Kalaallisut).
\nGeopolitics & Exploration
Due to its highly strategic location between North America and Europe, Greenland is an important military asset, housing U.S. installations like the Thule Air Base. Tourism is also a growing sector, drawing visitors to experience massive calving glaciers, dramatic fjords, and the midnight sun.

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Don Hutchins, NATO yesterday, today and tomorrow?
2026-07-06 12:30 - 13:30
Don will be discussing the origin of the Alliance, its achievements and growth over the years, and its potential roles in our future world.

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Mary Beth Ree, SRS Museum
2026-07-20 12:30 - 13:30
The SRS Museum is uniquely situated to narrate the amazing history of the Savannah River Site. The SRSM was established to preserve and interpret the technological and scientific achievements, the social impacts, and the ecological accomplishments of the SRS, while inspiring future generations to pursue technologies that improve our world. The SRSM shares the historic and scientific accomplishments of a region indelibly changed by science.
Free guided tours are available upon request. We ask that groups call ahead to be scheduled. The SRSM tours cover the Site’s pre-federal history, the production era of SRP, along with the ecological and legacy management currently ongoing.

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