Meet Our Newest Board Members
Build Carolina is excited to welcome three new community partners to our Board of Directors. Denise, Gary, and Anne Marie join us at a unique and pivotal time as we expand our statewide impact and deepen partnerships across the tech talent ecosystem.
Their work demonstrates their shared commitment to advancing South Carolina’s tech community through demand-driven training, connection, and support.
"The addition of Denise, Gary, and Ann Marie to our Board of Directors brings a valuable blend of perspectives that will help advance Build Carolina's mission," said Patti Leahy, Chair of the Build Carolina Board. "Denise's frontline experience in fintech and in hiring and mentoring Build Carolina graduates offers invaluable insights from the employer's perspective. At the same time, Gary combines academic rigor with entrepreneurial vision, serving as both an economist and a two-time founder of AI companies. Ann Marie's impressive background, spanning workforce development, strategic partnerships, and executive leadership, completes this powerful trio. I'm confident their expertise, alongside our existing board leadership, will accelerate our efforts to create accessible technology career pathways and strengthen South Carolina's position as a growing hub for innovation and tech career growth.”
Get to know Gary, Denise, and Ann Marie—and hear why they’ve chosen to get involved.
Denise Bice
VP of Strategic Initiatives and Special Projects, World Finance
Denise Bice brings a wealth of experience in finance, technology, and people operations and has seen the impact of Build Carolina’s work from the hiring side over the years.
“I’ve had the chance to hire some amazing talent from Build Carolina, and I’ve seen firsthand the impact their programs have. I’m excited to join the board and help support the next wave of developers coming through.”
Gary M. Shiffman, Ph.D.
Professor of Economics, Clemson University Powers College of Business
Gary M. Shiffman is a war veteran, economist, and two-time AI company co-founder. In addition to teaching at Clemson, he serves on several Boards of Directors, including Build Carolina, NextGEN, and SCLaunch, Inc.
“Joining the Board of Build Carolina aligns with my passion for developing human potential through education and encouraging creativity and risk-taking in the tech sector. Supporting Build Carolina benefits individuals seeking to better themselves, a noble mission, and strengthens South Carolina's entire economy, getting us on a better course for the future.”
Ann Marie Stieritz
C-Suite Executive
Ann Marie Stieritz is a seasoned executive with a strong background in leadership, workforce development, and global engagement. Her career spans public, private, and nonprofit sectors, with a focus on driving impact and building strategic partnerships. She is also an active civic leader and advisor.
"It is a genuine pleasure to join the Board of Build Carolina, particularly as the organization is growing statewide and embarking on national partnerships. The vision of a thriving accessible tech ecosystem for all in our state is one I look forward to contributing to and making a reality."
Please join us in welcoming Denise, Gary, and Ann Marie to the Build Carolina Board of Directors! Their leadership and insight will be instrumental in guiding our next chapter as we continue building pathways into tech careers across South Carolina and beyond.