Pamela Evette

Pamela Evette is an American businesswoman and politician serving as the 93rd Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina since 2019. A member of the Republican Party, she is the first woman elected to the office and serves under Governor Henry McMaster. Her tenure has focused on economic development, tax reform, and workforce initiatives across South Carolina.

Early life and education

Pamela Evette was born on October 10, 1967, in Brecksville, Ohio. She was raised in a family with a strong entrepreneurial background, which influenced her future career path. Evette attended Kent State University, where she earned a degree in business administration. During her time at the university, she was actively involved in student government and various business organizations, laying the groundwork for her later ventures in both the private sector and public service.

Business career

Following her graduation, Evette moved to South Carolina and embarked on a successful career in business. She co-founded and served as president of Quality Business Solutions, a prominent Greenville-based company specializing in payroll processing and human resources services. Under her leadership, the firm grew significantly, earning recognition from publications like Inc. 5000 and establishing her as a notable figure in the state's business community. Her experience in entrepreneurship and job creation became a central theme in her subsequent political campaigns and policy advocacy.

Political career

Evette entered politics as a political donor and activist within the South Carolina Republican Party. In 2018, she was selected by gubernatorial candidate Henry McMaster as his running mate for the 2018 South Carolina gubernatorial election. The McMaster-Evette ticket won the general election, defeating the Democratic challenger James Smith and his running mate Mandy Powers Norrell. Her election made history, as she became the first female lieutenant governor in the state's history, breaking a barrier previously held by officials like Nancy Stevenson.

Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina

Upon taking office in January 2019, Evette assumed the constitutional duties of presiding over the South Carolina Senate and serving on several state boards, including the Department of Commerce Board and the State Fiscal Accountability Authority. She has been a vocal advocate for pro-business policies, including further reductions to the state's income tax and regulatory reforms. Evette has chaired the South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority and led trade missions to promote South Carolina exports in markets like Germany and Israel. She and McMaster were re-elected to a second term in the 2022 South Carolina gubernatorial election, defeating Democratic nominee Joe Cunningham.

Personal life

Pamela Evette is married to David Evette, and the couple has three children. They reside in Travelers Rest, South Carolina, and are active members of their local community and church. Evette has been involved with various charitable organizations, including those focused on children's health and veteran support, such as the Children's Hospital of Greenville and Upstate Warrior Solution. Her family often participates in community events across Upstate South Carolina. Category:1967 births Category:Living people Category:Lieutenant Governors of South Carolina Category:Kent State University alumni Category:Republican Party lieutenant governors in the United States Category:Businesspeople from South Carolina Category:People from Greenville County, South Carolina Category:Women state lieutenant governors in the United States