Steve Skardon: A Champion of Community Building in South Carolina
In his extended tenure as the head of the Palmetto Project, Steve Skardon has touched many lives with his tireless efforts for social and economic improvement in his home state of South Carolina. Intriguing elements from his life story range from inconsequential encounters in Cuba with Marxist leader, Fidel Castro, to groundbreaking work on education, poverty and health care in the area.
A Career Spanning Diverse Domains
Steve Skardon’s journey has been fascinating. He has effectively served at the crossroads of policy and politics, both in his home state of South Carolina and in Washington where he worked for a couple of years with top leaders. Stories of different dimensions dot his career – a casual introduction to Fidel Castro on a visit to Cuba in 1985 as a staffer for an official U.S. House delegation and initiating impactful initiatives to improve the lives of South Carolinians.
From Bus Driver to Nonprofit Leader
Skardon was once a school bus driver. As a teenager in Summerville, he drove 14 students from the area to the Porter Gaud School in Charleston. After he graduated from George Washington University in the early 1970s, he worked as a reporter at the Florence Morning News before shifting to the National Association of Retired Federal Employees as a campaigner and lobbyist. In the mid-1990s, he took over the leadership of the then 9-year-old Palmetto Project, expecting to be around for a couple of years.
The Palmetto Project: A Progressive Platform
Instead of the couple of years he had anticipated, Skardon stayed with the Palmetto Project for three decades, constantly working towards social and economic improvement in South Carolina. The organization, under his helm, was involved in more than 30 projects, making a notable difference in countless lives. Some of its key initiatives include the Palmetto Voter Project, Insure South Carolina, Welvista and Imagine South Carolina.
Significant Projects Initiated
The Palmetto Voter Project led the state’s first unified voting system towards increasing civic participation. Meanwhile, Insure South Carolina – the first nonprofit health insurance agency in the state – serves as a one-stop solution for South Carolinians for healthcare resources. Welvista, which began as a program under the Project, now independently dispenses $50 million worth of free medications annually to South Carolinians. Finally, Imagine South Carolina played a significant role in increasing public dialogue in response to a growing number of hate crimes in the state in 1996.
Continuing the Legacy
Having led the Palmetto Project with vigor for 32 years, Skardon is finally ready to retire. Although he is stepping back to enjoy his twin grandsons, his focus on community building will remain firm as always. Aaron Polkey, a Charleston native of Gullah Geechee heritage, will take over as the President and CEO of the Palmetto Project. With significant experience in social justice nonprofits, Polkey brings a fresh perspective and energy to the organization.
As the leadership baton at the Palmetto Project changes hands, Steve Skardon leaves a legacy of tireless service and uncompromising dedication. His endeavors have brought about numerous improvements in various public spheres, making a significant impact on the lives of many in South Carolina.
