CHARLESTON, S.C. — Bernie Mazyck, President & CEO of South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development (SCACED), was recognized as Charleston Southern University’s 2024 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year at the university’s Homecoming Chapel and Alumni Awards Luncheon on October 2, 2024.
This year marks the 30th Anniversary of the South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development (SCACED), and Mazyck has served as its first and only President and Chief Executive Officer. SCACED is the state's trade association and funding intermediary for community-based economic development and financial institutions focused on building wealth in low-wealth communities in South Carolina. Under Mazyck’s leadership, SCACED and its member organizations developed projects valued at over $200 million, with an economic impact in South Carolina of over $400 million. Through SCACED’s members and partners, over 2,500 families purchased their first home, CED organizations created over 6,000 jobs, and thousands of poor families build wealth in rural and distressed communities in South Carolina. Mazyck also served as the chief architect of the passage of the South Carolina Community Economic Development Act.
Charleston Southern University’s Distinguished Alumnus of the Year award is the most prestigious award given by its Alumni Association and is the hallmark of an alumnus who strives for excellence in all endeavors. It honors the person who has distinguished him or herself in three areas: service to the university, service to the community and achievement in his or her field of endeavor.
“I am honored to receive this year’s Distinguished Alumnus award from my alma mater,” said Mazyck. “Attending Charleston Southern was a formational experience on which I launched my professional career and I am privileged to continue serving the university and expand its network.”
Mazyck is a 1981 graduate of Charleston Southern University with a BS in Biology. He also earned a Master of Divinity degree with a concentration in Ministry with the Poor from the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta. In 2000, Bernie completed the Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government at the John F. Kennedy School at Harvard University.
About SCACED (www.scaced.org)
SCACED is a coalition of over 200 individuals and organizations who support the development of healthy and economically sustainable communities throughout South Carolina. For 30 years, SCACED and its members have worked collaboratively to build wealth and create economic opportunity for all SC residents including a focus on minority communities and other groups who have been left out of the economic mainstream. Learn more about SCACED here.
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