Board of Directors
SC Equality is led by an active Board of Directors who are strategically positioned throughout the state.
Jeff Ayers, Vice Chair
Jeff Ayers lives in Charleston, SC. Originally from Lake City, SC, Jeff is a former funeral director and is now an independent consultant for US Airways, for which he created the TLC program. A former board chair of Charlotte's Metrolina AIDS Project, he has also served with such organizations as The Names Quilt Project, Rotary International and was former President of the Lake City Fire and Rescue Squad.
Malissa Burnette
Malissa Burnette lives in Columbia and is a Partner at the law firm of Callison Tighe. Certified by the SC Supreme Court as a Specialist in Employment & Labor Law, she has been practicing law for 33 years. Malissa is experienced in all aspects of civil rights and discrimination law as well as family law. She has been named one of the Best Lawyers in America. Malissa joined the Board of Directors for SC Equality in 2009 and serves the organization as a project manager and member of the Nominating Committee.
Stephen Freedman
Stephen Freedman is a recent graduate of Irmo High School and is currently a Department of Defense Civilian contractor. He will be attending school in the fall to pursue his associate degree in Paralegal studies. The founder of the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) at Irmo High School, Stephen worked alongside SC Equality to courageously fight the School Board and administration in order to start a GSA in Lexington Richland District 5. He serves as the Board's Volunteer Coordinator and leads our ongoing efforts to support and empower the creation of GSAs throughout the state.
Roxanne Meetze
Captain Roxanne Meetze is a Deputy in the Richland County Sheriff's Department. She was the first woman given the title of deputy in Richland County and has a 16 year career in law enforcement. Roxanne is responsible for the Richland County Sheriff's Office Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officer program, which began in 2004. Highly recognized and honored, she resides in Lexington, SC with her partner of six years, Kristy, also a Deputy in the Richland County Sheriff's Department.
Dianne P. Odom, Treasurer
Dianne Odom is a Certified Public Accountant, practicing in Irmo South Carolina. She has been licensed for 18 years and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She joined the board of South Carolina Equality in 2009. Dianne serves as the Board Treasurer and lives in Irmo with her family.
B. Dean Pierce, Chair
Dean Pierce is General Counsel and CEO of Reba Management (a Hilton Head Island based property management company) and Coral Resorts, LLC (a Hilton Head Island based real estate development and sales company). Before moving to Hilton Head, Dean practiced law as an associate and later as a partner at the Columbia law firm of King & Vernon, P.A. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Furman University in 1990 and his Juris Doctor Degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1993. Dean is currently serving as Chair of the Board.
Todd Shaw
Todd Shaw is an Associate Professor of Political Science and African American Studies at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. He teaches and researches in the areas of American racial and ethnic politics, African American politics & culture, community/grassroots activism, and public policy. Todd, who is also actively involved with SC Black Pride, joined the Board of SC Equality in 2009. He leads our Opening Doors Campaign and serves on the Nominating Committee.
Veronica Walters
Veronica Walters resides in Myrtle Beach, SC. She attended UNC-Wilmington and received her BA in Theatre. Her background in local theatre production is extensive and includes several movies. She currently operates her own business, V. Walters Services. In 2005, she co-founded the T-Time support group and has been a presenter at the Southern Comfort Conference in Atlanta. Veronica was a Board member and past President (2009-10) of The Center Project LGBT community center in Myrtle Beach. Besides now being part of SC Equality, she is currently Vice President of Red Ribbon Friends, a LGBT fund raising organization that supports Careteam of Horry/Georgetown, who provide services to directly assist persons with HIV/AIDS. Veronica joined the board in 2011.
Ann Willbrand, Secretary
Ann Willbrand lives in Aiken with Pat, her partner of over 10 years. After teaching organic chemistry for 22 years as an Associate Professor, in 2007 Ann retired from the University of South Carolina in Aiken. In 2004, Ann began working with SC Equality as a delegate from the CSRA Rainbow Alliance. She participated in the Fairness for All Families campaign in 2005-2006 and officially joined the SC Equality Board of Directors in June 2007. Ann now serves as the Board’s Secretary.
C. Douglas Yates