Darlington resident receives statewide honor
Kathy S. Heustess, President and CEO of ArborOne Farm Credit, based in Florence, SC, was honored at the Palmetto Center for Women (PCW) Honors Luncheon (formerly the TWIN Awards) on Tuesday, February 23. The luncheon, sponsored in part by AgFirst Farm Credit Bank, was held at The Zone at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia and drew nearly 800 attendees.
Mrs. Heustess, who is originally from Green Sea and grew up on a tobacco farm, was honored for her contributions to agriculture. She and her husband Billy lived in Darlington for approximately 23 years while raising their two children, Matt and Grant.
Heustess, who became President and CEO of ArborOne in 2012, has the overall responsibility and accountability to the stockholder borrowers of ArborOne to provide a financially stable, strong and reputable cooperative that pays a consistently strong patronage refund, while providing solid, financially sound credit services to the agricultural community.
Heustess joined ArborOne in 1989 and has also held the positions of Controller, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. She is a graduate of Francis Marion University, and serves on the University’s Foundation Board.
The award luncheon featured keynote speaker Vivian Howard, TV star of “A Chef’s Life” and Owner & Head Chef of Chef & The Farmer in Kinston, N.C. Governor Nikki Haley was also awarded the PCW Award for her leadership as the governor of South Carolina. During their remarks, both Haley and Howard encouraged women to follow their dreams and to be mindful of self-doubt, as younger generations look up to these exemplary women.
The PCW Honors Luncheon recognizes women whose outstanding achievements distinguish them as leaders and role models in the community. Since the inception of the awards in 1980, over 700 women have been honored who have made outstanding contributions to their professions and their community.
“Being a part of this inspiring group of women is an honor I will forever cherish,” said Mrs. Heustess. There are women here who have had impact in every corner of our state, and I am blessed to be among them.”
Fittingly, the theme of the luncheon was “Fresh from the Farm”, with a locally-sourced menu and Certified SC-Grown products piled in a basket as the centerpiece.
“The PCW Honors Luncheon is a great opportunity to recognize the leadership and achievements of amazing women in our community,” said Jeanelle McCain, PCW Executive Director. “As we continue a long tradition of honoring outstanding women, we also recognize the businesses and organizations that have supported their advancement. We are also truly grateful to our generous sponsors of the PCW Honors Luncheon, and particularly the agriculture community for providing much of the food.”
The 2016 PCW Honors Recipients are as follows:
Agriculture: Kathy Heustess, Loni Rikard, Allison Stapleton.
Arts: Bonnie Goldberg, Nancy Marine.
Corporate: Kim Butler, Michelle Clayton, Ann Gluse, Judith L. McInnis, Debbie Shurr, Dr. BJ Simons, Susan Thomas.
Education: Dr. Mary Holloway, Deborah Holmes, Dr. Maria Kratsios, Jennifer Mancke
Entrepreneur: Michelle Bowen, Delores Wingard Steinhauser.
Government and Law Enforcement: Kinli Abee, Paula Harper Bethea, Dana Rogerson Higgins, Pat Lawter, Rebecca Vance, Lt. Frieda Wyatt, Sgt. Maria Yturria.
Health and Wellness: Denise R. Holland, Elise Matthews, Patricia Moore-Pastides.
Hospitality: Jessica Shillato.
Media & Communications: Emily Clay, Renee Layson.
Volunteerism: Carol Herndon Perrin, Karen Phillips, Norah Rogers, Barbara Webb.
Inspiring Young Women: Helen Clay, Mary King.