TTC's Most Influential Women

Trident Technical College was well-represented last week at the Charleston Regional Business Journal’s 2014 Influential Women in Business awards luncheon.

TTC President Mary Thornley and TTC Foundation Trustee, Andrea Limehouse, were on the list of 12 CEOs, executives, volunteers and rising stars honored at the luncheon. 

Thornley, who won in the executive division, has her teachers to thank for helping her to become a leader in Charleston area’s education. 

“Teachers inspired me,” she said.  “A daughter of factory mill workers, I attended a mill village school.  Yet I had caring, dedicated teachers, all of whom I can still name to this day.”

It is under Mary Thornley’s leadership that TTC has grown to become the second-largest provider of undergraduate education in the state. 

“That growth, I believe, is the logical result of meeting our mission,” says Thornley.  “That growth is essential to the economic vitality of our three counties.”

Judging from the number of Limehouse Produce trucks seen throughout the Charleston area on any given day, one could surmise that Andrea Limehouse is a very busy woman, managing the day-to-day operations as co-owner of the business.

Yet, somehow she manages to devote much of her time volunteering, and it is for that reason she was an honoree in the volunteer division of the awards. Not only is Limehouse treasurer of the TTC Foundation board of trustees, but she is heavily involved with Lowcountry Local First, Clemson University, Lowcountry Food Bank and the Charleston Wine & Food Festival. 

According to Kim Hallin Sturgeon, Executive Director of the TTC Foundation, "Andrea Limehouse has been a true champion of education, food and farming for many years. Through her generosity of both time and treasures, Andrea plays a significant role in the success of the organization she serves."

SC Biz News, publisher of the Charleston Regional Business Journal, designed the Influential Women in Business Awards to recognize local women who have demonstrated professional excellence and leadership in their careers and through community service. These are business leaders who are influential in their companies or industries, have a solid reputation for integrity and ethical behavior, and a track record of accomplishment. 

Certainly Mary Thornley and Andrea Limehouse embody all of those qualities, and more, and we couldn’t be prouder of them both!