Who We Are

Chris Clouden

Chairman of the Board

Chris has an extensive background in recreation and event management. He spent 10 years working in Parks and Recreation for the City of New York before relocating to Charlotte, North Carolina. He was responsible for upgrading eight fitness facilities and played a key role in the capital design of seven centers, totaling more than $33 million. After moving to Charlotte, he managed major events owned and operated by the Charlotte Regional Sports Commission and the Charlotte Sports Foundation, including the annual ACC Football Championship and the Belk Bowl. Prior to joining Lancaster County, he was the Executive Director of The Market at 7th Street, a food hall created to be an incubator for local small businesses in Center City Charlotte. He also serves on the Lindsay Pettus Greenway Board and in the past has served on the boards of Right Moves for Youth and Alzheimer’s Association of Western Carolina. Chris lives in Fort Mill with his wife and two children.

Stephanie King

Vice Chair

Stephanie King is the Associate Director of Training & Development at Nutramax Laboratories. Throughout her career, she has held multiple learning & development (L&D) positions, accumulating over 24 years of leadership and training experience. Stephanie graduated from The Ohio State University with a BS in Food Business Management and went on to earn her MBA from Ohio Dominican University. She became a certified professional in Talent Development (CPTD) in 2018 and graduate of Leadership Lancaster in 2022. Stephanie began her advocacy for youth as a mentor in the Leaders of Tomorrow program through the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) for 13 years. Her community involvement includes service to her church, the Dress for Success program, and Meals on Wheels. She currently volunteers with HOPE of Lancaster County as a facilitator for their Getting Ahead program. In 2009, she joined Franklin University as an adjunct professor where she taught for 12 years alongside her corporate L&D career. Currently, she sits on the advisory board for their Ross College of Business. Stephanie is a native of Columbus, Ohio and moved to the Carolinas in 2019 with her husband of 23 years and their two children. She is passionate about education and the empowerment of our next generation of leaders. “I’m excited about this opportunity to support our young people through Partners for Youth and hope to leave a positive impact on all that I serve.”

Benjamin Riggins

Treasurer

Benji Riggins is a 1999 undergraduate of Clemson University. He also received his Master’s of Professional Accountancy from Clemson University in 2001. He has over 15 years of experience in providing accounting, tax, and business consulting services. Benji has also served as Treasurer of the PFY Board, Big Thursday of Lancaster, and Lancaster County Clemson Club. Benji is married to Jennifer Crenshaw Riggins and they have three daughters – Braxton, Braylyn, and Bridges.

Elizabeth Hyatt

Secretary

Elizabeth Hyatt is a native of Lancaster, growing up in the Buford community. She is an attorney and the owner of Hyatt Law, LLC, and The Family Center at Judiciary Square, a supervised visitation and mediation center. Elizabeth obtained her undergraduate degree in Special Education from Converse College and went on to earn her law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law. Her background in education has given her a unique perspective on legal issues, especially those surrounding children. An active member of the community, she is a 2006 graduate of Leadership Lancaster County and is a member of Tabernacle United Methodist Church, where she has served on numerous committees as well as in the Chancel Choir. She is the immediate past President of the Lancaster County Bar Association, and serves on the Board of Governors of the South Carolina Association for Justice. A current board member of the Lancaster Rotary Club, Elizabeth has served as President of the Carolinas Literacy Network Board of Directors, and on the boards for the Learning Institute for Tomorrow, Habitat for Humanity, Family Connections, Safe Passage, and the Safe Kids Bright Futures Committee. Elizabeth is married to Wes Peninger and they have a blended family of five adult children.

Chris Coats

Board Member

Chris Coats is a native of Kershaw and currently resides in Lancaster. He is a 2010 graduate of Andrew Jackson High School and a 2014 graduate of Clemson University. A past recipient of the Lancaster County Clemson Club Scholarship through Partners for Youth and a 2020 graduate of Leadership Lancaster. Chris has worked for Founders Federal Credit Union for over 10 years and currently serves as a Branch Manager in the Lancaster Market. During his time at Founders, he has earned multiple Exceptional Member Service and Think Member awards for his commitment to member-focused service. He is a proud member of Kershaw Second Baptist Church and has volunteered with HOPE in Lancaster and Samaritan’s Purse. Chris also currently serves on the Indian Land Community Festival Board. He and his wife, Jordan, are raising their two sons, Crew and Briggs, with a focus on faith, community, and service.

Silberio Francis

Board Member

Silberio M. Francis Sr. migrated to the United States at the age of nine from Colon, Panama, and has since devoted his life to serving others. He is a dedicated community leader, military veteran, and ordained pastor with decades of service across public safety, faith, and civic engagement. A proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran (1974–1986), Silberio also served with distinction in New York City law enforcement (1986–2001).
Silberio holds a bachelor’s degree in theology from Foothills Theological School and has been deeply involved in community service throughout Lancaster County. He currently serves as Vice President of the James R. Clark Sickle Cell Foundation, President Elect of the Lancaster Rotary Club, and a board member for multiple organizations including the Lancaster County Literacy Council, Partners for Youth, and the Community Relations Board. As an ordained pastor with Missionary Church International, he has provided spiritual guidance and support to the local community since 2012.
A life member and Chaplain of the Marine Corps League 1169, Silberio is also an advocate for education and literacy, ESL instruction, and youth development. His unwavering commitment to service is grounded in faith, leadership, and a lifelong dedication to making a difference.

Gregg Gause

Board Member

Gregg Gause is the co-owner of H & H Storage in Kershaw, SC. A graduate of the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Gregg serves as treasurer of the Lancaster Chapter of the South Carolina Waterfowl Association. Additionally, he serves as a high school and American Legion baseball umpire. He is married to former Partners for Youth board member Annette Gause and has three children – Christina, Madden and Marsh. Gregg is an active member of Second Baptist Church in Lancaster and is an assistant basketball coach at Andrew Jackson High School.

Seth Graves

Board Member

Seth Graves, a native of Kershaw and current resident of the City of Lancaster, graduated from Andrew Jackson High School before attaining a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Clemson University. In 2013, he received a Lancaster County Clemson Club Scholarship through Partners for Youth, an organization that greatly benefited him, and now takes pleasure in giving back to it. Currently employed as a professional engineer at Keck & Wood, Inc., Seth is involved in various infrastructure projects across Lancaster and neighboring counties, driven by his passion for ensuring communities have the necessary infrastructure to thrive. Active within the community, Seth is a member of the Lancaster Breakfast Rotary, Second Baptist Church, and Big Thursday. He and his wife, Amanda, are proud parents of two children, Wyatt and Blythe.

Debbie Jaillette

Board Member

Debbie Jaillette’s professional career and nonprofit volunteerism have been entirely focused in and for Lancaster County. At Kanawha Insurance Company, she rose from an entry-level accounting administrator to Vice President of Human Resources during her 28-year tenure. Afterward, after many years as a Board Director and Board Chair of the Lancaster County Council of the Arts, she accepted the position of Executive Director in 2011 and successfully served until December, 2023. In addition, she has had a long music career in community theater and church and is currently the Music Director/Accompanist at St. Luke United Methodist Church. She remains a member of Tabernacle United Methodist Church. Her belief that no-one needs to wait even a minute to be of service to their community and nonprofit organizations has resulted in a personal and professional commitment to many important organizations: Lancaster County Community Foundation, Olde English District Commission, Lancaster Rotary Club, USC-Lancaster Town Gown Advisory Group, Lancaster County Health and Wellness Commission, Junior Achievement, Arras Foundation, Lancaster County Council of the Arts, SC Fellowship of Worship Arts, Community Playhouse of Lancaster County, HOPE of Lancaster, American Red Cross, Palmetto Citizens Against Sexual Assault. Debbie is a graduate of USC-Lancaster and holds several HR and insurance designations.

Debbie and husband, Kevin, have two grown sons, Burton and Eric (both Military Veterans), who chose to come back to Lancaster County to live, work and raise their families. Debbie and Kevin are blessed with eight grandchildren and two rescue dogs, Jesse and Maisie.

Tracey Mobley Chavous

Board Member

Tracey A. Mobley Chavous, PHR, is a seasoned human resources executive with more than 20 years of progressive leadership experience in higher education. A proud native of Lancaster, South Carolina, she serves as Director of Human Resources at the University of South Carolina Lancaster, where she provides strategic oversight of talent acquisition, employee relations, benefits administration, regulatory compliance, and organizational development. Her deep ties to the Lancaster community fuel her commitment to advancing institutional excellence and investing in the success of employees and students alike.

Tracey also serves as Equal Employment Opportunity Officer and Title IX Coordinator, ensuring equitable practices and policy integrity. In addition, she contributes to student success as Coordinator of University 101 and First-Year Experience programs and as a lecturer, bridging operational leadership with student-centered impact. Her expertise includes workforce development, inclusive excellence, employee engagement, and conflict resolution.

She serves on the Executive Board of the Richland County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and is the South Carolina Coordinator for Conflict Resolution for the South Atlantic Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., supporting chapters with integrity and strategic clarity. She holds a Master of Arts in Human Resources Development from Webster University, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from University of South Carolina, and an Associate in Science from the University of South Carolina Lancaster. She is certified as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR). Happily married to Brent Chavous, she is dedicated to strengthening institutions and creating lasting impact in the communities she calls home.

Debbie and husband, Kevin, have two grown sons, Burton and Eric (both Military Veterans), who chose to come back to Lancaster County to live, work and raise their families. Debbie and Kevin are blessed with eight grandchildren and two rescue dogs, Jesse and Maisie.

Porsha Mungo-Brown

Board Member

Porsha Mungo-Brown is the Clinical Director of Test Easy Laboratory LLC and co-owner of Mungo Services Tax in Lancaster SC. Porsha is a native of Lancaster and graduated from Lancaster High School, then went on to obtain her associate degree in criminal justice and business. Porsha is an active member of Lancaster Rotary Club and enjoys community services projects and all things sports. She is married to Malcolm Brown and together they have five children – Kendijah, Anaiya, Darius, Jaquel and Taylor. Porsha is an active member of Mt. Carmel AME Zion Church in Heath Springs.

Nick Ochoa

Board Member

Nick Ochoa is a Branch Manager with Founders Federal Credit Union, where he has been employed for 5 years. He is a 2018 graduate from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice. He is also a 2024 graduate of Leadership Lancaster. Growing up in Lancaster, Nick has always wanted to give back to the community and feels that it is an honor to serve on the Partners for Youth Board. During his free time, Nick partners with STEM camps and Founders FCU to teach students financial literacy and personal finance.

Sam Prete

Board Member

Sam Prete is a native of Lancaster and graduated from Lancaster High School. He went on to enlist in the Marines and served as an Aviation Electrician. After his time in the Marines Sam attended York Technical College and received an associate degree in Electronics Engineering. During his time at York Technical College, he began working for Comporium. Sam has worked at Comporium for 23 years and held various positions. He currently serves as the Plant Manager for the Rock Hill territory. He is responsible for all operations including Construction, Splicing, Installation & Repair, and Residential Security. Sam is a certified Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma and enjoys working on process improvements. He also was a part of the 2024 Leadership Lancaster program. He is an active member of First ARP Church in Lancaster. He enjoys the outdoors, cooking, CrossFit, and spending time with friends and family. Sam and his Wife Susan have been married for 26 years and have three daughters.

Matt Williamson

Board Member

Matt Williamson is a native of Lancaster and graduate of Lancaster High School (Honors); graduate of the United States Air Force Noncommissioned Officer Academy (Highest Honors); graduate of USC Lancaster (High Honors) and USC Columbia (Magna Cum Laude); and is a South University alumnus. He is also a decorated U.S. Air Force disabled veteran. Matt joined USCL Office of Federal TRiO Programs in 2009 as the Opportunity Scholars Program (OSP) Career/Cultural Specialist and was selected Director and Principal Investigator, Office Of Federal TRiO Programs in 2017. Matt and his high school sweetheart Sylvia, have one son, daughter-in-law and two grandsons.

Matt has received numerous educational, employee and community awards and special recognitions at the local, state and national levels. In addition, Matt volunteers for numerous local non-profit organizations and is past president of the Lancaster Rotary Club (2022-2023); a board member with Palmetto Citizens Against Sexual Assault, Lancaster Promise Neighborhood, and the Springs Close Foundation, as well as past president of Mental Health America Lancaster County. He has served nearly 38 years as deacon at Zion Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church.

Norris Williams

Ex Officio

Dr. Norris L. Williams currently serves as the Interim Superintendent of the Lancaster County School District and brings more than 25 years of educational leadership experience to the role. He previously served as the Deputy Superintendent of Operations and Administration and has held leadership positions across South Carolina, including Principal of Clover Virtual Academy, Director of Blue Eagle Academy, Assistant Superintendent in Sumter School District, and Principal of Dutchman Creek Middle School in Rock Hill. A proud graduate of South Carolina State University, Winthrop University, Converse College, and Gardner-Webb University, Dr. Williams has been recognized as South Carolina Principal of the Year and Administrator of the Year by the South Carolina Music Educators Association. He is committed to fostering student success, supporting families, and strengthening school communities. Dr. Williams and his wife, Serena, have two sons, Norris and Noble, and enjoy traveling, reading, and spending quality time together as a family.

Sharon Novinger

Executive Director

Sharon Frain Novinger has been the Executive Director of PFY since March 2007. During her leadership she has successfully implemented and administered $6 million in federal grants that have impacted all 4K classes in Lancaster County and Clinton Elementary School; overseen the distribution of $1.3 million in scholarships for the Gear Up programs and PFY’s annual scholarships; led PFY’s involvement with a multitude of community collaborations positively impacting our county’s parents and youth; and, awarded teacher classroom grants, professional development grants, and community grants to dozens of recipients. Her dedication to education has been a constant throughout her life starting with her father as a career military training specialist and her mother an early elementary teacher. Before PFY, she was a communications director at Savannah College of Art and Design as well as led the United Way of Lancaster County. She grew up in Martinez, Georgia, is an American Leadership Fellow, Lancaster Breakfast Rotary member, and is an alumnus of St. Andrews Presbyterian University.

• Jodie Plyler
• Cheri Plyler
• Steve Sherrill, Chair
• Mika Sinclair
• Derrick Smith
• Brad Small, Chair
• Stefanie Stacks, Chair
• Marvin Starks
• Anicia Stevenson
• Kevin Stilwell
• Dr. John Taylor
• Pamela Trimnal, Chair
• Dr. Bert Welch
• Keeonn Wilson
• Adrienna Witherspoon
• Jerry Witherspoon, Chair
• Tyson Blanton Wright, Chair