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Dr. Oran P. Smith
President & CEO
Dr. Smith is a graduate of Clemson
University where he received his Bachelor of Arts in
Political Science, and the University of South Carolina,
where he received a Masters (MPA) and Doctorate (Ph.D). His doctoral dissertation, later
published by New York University (NYU) Press, was entitled
The Rise of Baptist Republicanism. He has written numerous journal articles and book chapters on politics, government, and the role of Christians in politics.
His areas of expertise are research, communications, politics and public affairs. He is a former member of Gov. Carroll Campbell's economic development staff and the staff of the Business & Industry Political Education Committee (BIPEC).
A native of Greer, Dr. Smith lives in Leesville. He is a member of First Presbyterian Church (ARP), Columbia where he
has served as deacon and Sunday School teacher. He is a member of the
Board of Trustees of Coastal Carolina University in Conway, SC where he chairs the Academic and Student
Affairs Committee and is Chairman of the Board of ARP Magazine. |
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Kevin M. Caiello
Director of OperationsKevin is
a graduate of Columbia Bible College and Seminary (now Columbia
International University) where he received his degrees in Bible
(B.S.) and Intercultural Studies (M.A.). He joined the staff of
Palmetto Family in 1994 as the first full-time employee, and
other than a 4 year break to work in a teen abstinence ministry,
has worked for Palmetto Family ever since.
His areas of responsibility include
communications (website, publications, mailings, etc.),
administration (accounting, data management, systems management)
and technology.
Kevin resides in Lexington with his wife and
three
sons and is a member of St. Andrews Evangelical Church where he
has served in International Student Ministry, Youth Ministry,
Singles Ministry, and as home group leader. |
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Somer Grasser
Media and Social Media Coordinator
Somer is
Bob Jones University graduate very active in SC politics. She
received a degree in Political Science from Bob Jones University
in 2006. Somer managed her first political campaign her senior
year of college, Eric Bedingfield, a SC House member from the
Upstate. In the following years she went on to work as Upstate
Coordinator for Senator John McCain’s Presidential bid in 2007,
Upstate Field Director for Friends of Fred Thompson in 2008, and
Campaign Manager for Senator Lee Bright in 2008.
Upon finishing the Bright campaign, Somer was drafted to North
Carolina where she oversaw the National Republican Committee’s
Victory Program in the Eleventh Congressional District of NC.
Gaining much experience in the campaign realm, Somer was hired
by in-coming Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins of Kansas. Somer bridged
the gap between the Congressional office and conservative
groups, especially pro-life groups, throughout the 2nd
Congressional District, so much so that she was asked to work
for Kansans for Life as their Development Director in early
2010.
Missing her SC roots, Somer decided to make a move back to the
state and begin her own business of consulting, public relations
and fundraising. Carrying on her passion in the pro-life
community, she works closely with pro-family non-profits
including Palmetto Family Council, South Carolina Citizens for
Life, and Piedmont Women’s Center. Never giving up campaigns,
she also continues to consult races such as the Donner for US
Senate, Garry Smith for SC House, Wendy Nanney for SC House, and
Sullivan for SC Senate.
Having worked closely with a score of legislators on political
campaigns and fundraising, Somer’s network in Columbia is
impressive. She is known for her conservative values, political
experience, and strong pro-life stance.
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