From Furman to County Council to nonprofits, Liz Seman wears many hats.
Having two careers at once would be enough to keep most people’s hands full—but Liz Seman isn’t most people. In fact, in addition to her roles as chief of staff and liaison to the board of trustees at Furman University and vice chairwoman of Greenville County Council, where she represents District 24, Seman is actively involved in multiple nonprofits, which could arguably count as a third career. A self-proclaimed competitive person at heart, Seman’s drive is seemingly uncontainable.
After moving to Greenville in 1999 with her husband, Steve, Seman landed a job with the American Red Cross, and from there, her nonprofit journey blossomed. Building on skills she gained through her business degree from Miami University (Ohio), Seman put her talents to use with more organizations than most people interact with in a lifetime. “I am driven to always find the intersection between my skills and talents and the needs of the community,” Seman says. “I believe that when you choose to serve—as a volunteer or as your vocation— you always get back more than you give.”
Seman has made it her life’s work to give back. She has served as chair of the International Transportation and Innovation Center, Meals on Wheels America, and the South Carolina Technology and Aviation Center. Seman has also served on the board of directors for the Peace Center, the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, St. Joseph’s Catholic School, and the Palmetto Bank Community Board, to name a few. Currently, she serves on the board of the Community Foundation of Greenville, VisitGreenvilleSC, and the Upstate SC Alliance. Seman is also a sustaining advisor with the Junior League and is involved with Greenville Women Giving.
“All of these volunteer roles keep me busy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Seman says.
The service supplements her professional endeavors. Seman has served as a County Council Representative since 2008, and is up for reelection in 2024. The only woman on Greenville County Council, Seman currently serves in leadership positions on multiple committees.
“I am very fortunate that my professional and personal roles overlap quite a bit,” Seman says. “There are many meetings I attend wearing multiple hats!”
Multiple hats is an understatement when looking at Seman’s life. From the personal to the political, career to community, she weaves together common threads of leadership, accomplishment, and service.
The Ruth Nicholson Award
The highest honor presented by the Community Foundation of Greenville each year honors the volunteer who has made significant contributions to the community through volunteer work for the Community Foundation or to one of its projects, programs, or areas of emphasis. The award is named in honor of Ruth Nicholson, who was known for her tireless volunteer work for the Community Foundation of Greenville.
Life as Liz Seman
- Seman’s service has been recognized by many awards, including the 2022 ATHENA Leadership Award presented by the Greenville Chamber of Commerce
- She is an Elder at Fourth Presbyterian Church
- One of her favorite local restaurants is Davani’s on Augusta Road
- Seman competed in Dancing with the Carolina Stars in 2014 and won the national 9-dance competition for ballroom dancing at the United States Dance Championships in Orlando this past September.
Here’s a look at the other 2023 Charitable Giving Awards recipients.
