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 and Doctorate. His doctoral dissertation, later a NYU Press book, 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 with his wife Kristin and their three children Stephen (11), Elizabeth (8) and Margaret (4). He is a member of First Presbyterian Church (ARP), Columbia where he serves as deacon, Sunday School teacher and editor of First Pres Magazine. He is a member of the board of trustees of Coastal Carolina University in Conway, SC where he chairs the Academic Affairs Committee and Vice-Chairman of the Board of ARP Magazine.

Robert (Bobby) G. McDonald
Vice President

Mr. McDonald is a graduate of Erskine College where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education, and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary where he received a Master of Divinity degree emphasizing Family Ministry and Ethics.

Born in Charleston, Mr. McDonald was raised on the campus of Connie Maxwell Children's Home in Greenwood where his parents served on staff. He has served on staff of several local churches overseeing Christian Education and Evangelism programs. His areas of expertise are marriage counseling, parenting education, family and child development and ethical issues involving the family.

Most recently, he served as Special Representative of the President at Erskine College and Theological Seminary. Mr. McDonald resides in Greenwood with his wife Marlo and their two Children Andy (6) and Abby (4) and Anna (6 months). He is member of Harris Baptist Church where he serves as Bible Study Leader, Sunday School Teacher and on several administrative committees.