Mary Holloway, Ph.D., and Theodore “Ted” Riley bring decades of leadership, professional expertise, and community service to the Alston Wilkes Society.

The Alston Wilkes Society is pleased to welcome Mary Holloway, Ph.D., and Theodore “Ted” Riley to its Board of Directors.

Both new members bring distinguished professional backgrounds, a strong commitment to community service, and a shared belief in the mission of the Alston Wilkes Society. Their experience and insight will help strengthen the organization as AWS continues providing hope and vital services to veterans, at-risk youth and adults, individuals returning to their communities after incarceration, and families throughout South Carolina.

Mary Holloway, Ph.D.

Dr. Mary Holloway joins the Board following a distinguished career in higher education administration. Before retiring, she served as Vice President of Student Development Services at Midlands Technical College, where her leadership centered on helping students overcome barriers, access opportunities, and move toward successful futures.

Her extensive educational background reflects her lifelong commitment to learning and personal growth. Dr. Holloway earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of South Carolina, a Master of Education degree from Clemson University, a Bachelor of Science degree from Lander University, and an associate degree from Piedmont Technical College.

In addition to her work in higher education, Dr. Holloway has remained active in community service. Her previous involvement includes board service with Mission Lexington and the Girl Scouts, as well as many years serving on a local facilities board in Columbia.

Dr. Holloway’s experience working with students from a wide range of backgrounds gives her a valuable perspective on the importance of education, encouragement, and access to supportive resources. She joins the AWS Board because she believes in the organization’s mission and its commitment to helping people build more stable and hopeful futures.

Theodore “Ted” Riley

Theodore D. “Ted” Riley is an attorney and founding member of Riley Pope & Laney, LLC, in Columbia. He provides government-relations consulting services and practices in the areas of regulatory and administrative law.

A native of Greenville, Riley earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of South Carolina in 1988. After graduating, he served in Washington, D.C., as an international affairs analyst for the Central Intelligence Agency. He later returned to South Carolina and earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law.

Riley began his legal career with Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, where he worked with the firm’s government-law team in administrative, commercial, and regulatory law and legislative affairs. He also served as a special prosecutor for the Fifth Circuit Solicitor’s Office. Riley later worked with Haynsworth Marion McKay & Guérard and its successor, Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, providing government-relations services and practicing administrative and regulatory law.

In 2001, Riley joined longtime friends and business partners Lowndes Pope and Roy Laney to establish Riley Pope & Laney. For more than two decades, he has represented clients ranging from nonprofit organizations to Fortune 500 companies.

Riley also brings significant experience in community leadership. He has served on the boards of the National Dropout Prevention Network, Palmetto Project, and Winston’s Wish. His volunteer service includes Youth Corps and numerous local community, church, and school organizations. In 2014, he participated in the South Carolina Diversity Leaders Initiative and was recognized as a Riley Institute Diversity Fellow.

An avid runner, Riley enjoys sports, travel, and adventure with his family. He and his wife, Nancy, live in Columbia and have four children.

Strengthening Our Mission Through Leadership

Dr. Holloway and Riley bring different professional experiences but share a strong commitment to service, opportunity, and stronger communities.

Their backgrounds in education, law, government relations, nonprofit leadership, and community engagement will provide valuable perspectives as the Alston Wilkes Society continues responding to the evolving needs of the people and communities it serves.

“We are grateful to welcome Dr. Holloway and Mr. Riley to the Alston Wilkes Society Board of Directors,” said AWS President and CEO Anne Walker. “Their experience, compassion, and commitment to service will be tremendous assets to our organization and the people who depend on our programs.”

The Alston Wilkes Society extends a warm welcome to Dr. Holloway and Mr. Riley. We are grateful for their willingness to serve and look forward to the leadership, insight, and dedication they will bring to our mission.