Cynthia Bennett
Benita Lefft
Sandra Sims
Erin Wilson James
Rita Patel Munse
Cynthia Bennett
Cynthia Bennett is Vice President of Commerce Councils and Philanthropy at South Carolina Manufacturers and Commerce, where she oversees day-to-day administrative and operational functions and supports education and workforce development initiatives.
With more than 25 years of experience, Cynthia has worked closely with schools, businesses, and community partners to strengthen student achievement and promote postsecondary education to support South Carolina’s workforce needs. She is known for her collaborative approach and strong statewide relationships.
Cynthia holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of South Carolina and serves as Executive Director of the SC Chamber Education and Workforce Foundation, which includes programs such as the HBCU STEM Program, SC Business Week, and Economic Engagement initiatives.
She lives in South Carolina with her husband, James Bennett, and their two sons.
Benita Lefft
Benita E. Lefft is a transformational banking executive with more than three decades of leadership experience spanning commercial and retail banking, credit administration, operational excellence, and enterprise-level strategy. She currently serves as President and Chief Operating Officer of Optus Bank, where she oversees Commercial Banking, Retail Banking, Deposit Operations, Human Resources, and Marketing. In this role, she leads organizational strategy, drives operational efficiency, and advances mission-aligned growth across local and national markets.
Throughout her career, Benita has built a reputation for elevating performance, strengthening risk and regulatory frameworks, and leading large, multi-disciplinary teams through complex organizational change. Prior to joining Optus Bank, she spent 30 years at Wells Fargo, rising to Senior Vice President and holding several high-impact executive roles. Her leadership included managing a $35 million budget and a 360-member national credit organization, directing strategy for a $1 billion problem-asset portfolio, and overseeing operational risk, customer service measurement, and business continuity for a $23 billion commercial loan portfolio.
Benita’s expertise extends across strategic planning, credit policy, regulatory compliance, digital transformation, and enterprise operations. She has successfully led major merger-integration initiatives, implemented enterprise-wide process improvements, and delivered multimillion-dollar efficiency gains. Her work has been recognized through multiple performance awards, including STAR Manager and Top Performer distinctions.
A respected voice in the banking industry, Benita has been featured on NPR discussing the critical role of Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) in strengthening underserved communities. She has also been highlighted in CEO Perspectives produced by the National Community Investment Fund (NCIF), as well as Forbes and Fortune Best in Banking for her leadership and impact. Her thought leadership extends to the South Carolina Bankers Association’s Morning Vault Podcast, where she has spoken on leadership, culture, and the future of community banking. She is also a frequent contributor to women’s leadership platforms, sharing insights on executive presence, career advancement, and leading with purpose.
A committed community leader, Benita serves on the Board of the South Carolina Bankers Association, chairs the Pearls of Service Foundation, and is President and Organizer of the Greater York County Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction. She also serves on the Board of Pensions for the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church and is a Life Member of the University of South Carolina Alumni Association and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. She is a frequent speaker on leadership, banking, and organizational excellence, including engagements with South Carolina State University’s Executive Leadership Series.
Benita holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Dayton and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science from the University of South Carolina. She is widely regarded as a strategic, values-driven leader who brings clarity, discipline, and vision to every organization she serves.
Benita is married to Joseph R. Lefft, and they are parents to Gadson and Alexis. They continue to honor the life and legacy of their late son, Joseph Evan Lefft.
Sandra Sims
Sandra P. Sims is a dynamic entrepreneur, civic leader, and community servant whose career reflects a lifelong commitment to excellence, service, and purpose-driven leadership.
Sandra is the co-founder and managing partner of a thriving multi-brand business group that includes Carolina Concessions, LLC, The Sims Companies, and affiliated enterprises. She leads Carolina Concessions, LLC, overseeing food court operations at the Columbia/Jackson Airport and directing a portfolio of vibrant dining venues — including Sky Bar Café, The BBQ Pitt, Sunrise Café, and Riverbanks Bar and Grill. Under her leadership, the franchise portfolio has grown to include nationally recognized brands such as Dunkin’, Pizza Hut, Jimmy John’s, the Friendly Cater to Go, and Samuel Adams Brewhouse Columbia/Jackson.
As Vice President of The Friendly Caterer and Boss Hogg BBQ, Sandra provides executive leadership for high-volume catering operations serving regional events of all sizes, including the prestigious Atlanta Jazz Festival. Her operational expertise spans event planning, quality assurance, and seamless event execution. Prior to her entrepreneurial pursuits, Sandra completed a distinguished 32-year career with Colonial Life Insurance, where she served as a Field Office Manager with progressive leadership responsibilities in sales operations, team development, and client services.
Sandra’s impact extends well beyond the corporate and entrepreneurship sector.  She serves as President of the Midland Baptist Association Woman’s Auxiliary, leading regional church Women’s Departments in community outreach and ministry initiatives. She is an active member of the Columbia Chapter of The Links, Incorporated and the Columbia Chapter of The Moles, where she contributes to civic service, mentorship, and community improvement. Additionally she served eight years on the Prisma Health–Richland Board of Directors, including two years as Secretary, supporting strategic planning and institutional oversight.
A dedicated advocate for women’s empowerment, Sandra served as President of Just-A-Sister-Away from 2015 to 2020, an organization committed to mentoring and uplifting women. She also serves as Director of the Richland County Music Festival, championing a countywide arts initiative that celebrates jazz, gospel, and visual arts while supporting local high school music programs.
Sandra is a faithful member of First Nazareth Baptist Church, where she serves on the Deaconess Ministry, the Women’s Missionary, and the Budget Committee, standing alongside her husband in faith and service.
Guided by Proverbs 3:5–6 — “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” — Sandra leads with humility, integrity, and an unwavering sense of purpose. In her personal time, she enjoys traveling, reading, cheering on the South Carolina Gamecocks football team, the Gamecock Women’s Basketball team, and South Carolina State University athletics, and finding every opportunity to serve others.
Sandra is happily married to her best friend and business partner, Herbert Sims, with whom she has shared 27 years of love, faith, and entrepreneurial partnership.
Erin Wilson James
Erin Wilson James is the Executive Vice President of Universal Benefits Incorporated, the 2nd largest and fastest growing marketing firm in final expense and sales in the nation, founded in 1981 with corporate offices in South Carolina. Overseeing agency management and resolutions for 1700 agents in 8 governing states including GA, SC, NC, MD, VA, NJ, PA, DE and Washington, DC. She is responsible for marketing development and agent retention. Erin serves as the company liaison with Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance Company promoting daily operational excellence and production growth annually. She was licensed as a life insurance agent at age 18 starting in the mail room and answering phones. Serving in multiple leadership roles throughout the company she was named assistant Vice President in 2017 and then promoted to Executive Vice President in 2022. Erin brings a diverse full spectrum perspective to her leadership role as she is grounded in the CEO’s philosophy that nothing happens until something is sold and the company’s mission to empower entrepreneurs through financial education & training while providing world class service every time.
Erin earned a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Columbia College. She has matriculated in the executive MBA program at the University of North Carolina Kenan Flagler School of Business Charlotte North Carolina. Erin has served on the Board of Directors for the YWCA Upper Lowlands and as Interim Director for the LouVon Family Foundation.
Rita Patel Munse
Rita Patel Munse is the heart and creative force behind Hotel Trundle, Columbia, South Carolina’s first boutique hotel. A South Carolina native with a passion for preservation and hospitality, Rita has redefined the hotel experience by seamlessly blending history, design, and heartfelt service.
Her journey began in her family’s hotel business, where she developed an innate understanding of the industry. With degrees in Interior Design and Architecture, she honed her expertise in crafting spaces that are as welcoming as they are inspiring. In 2018, alongside her husband and business partner, Marcus Munse, she transformed three historic buildings into Hotel Trundle—a love letter to Columbia’s past and future. From locally sourced touches to warm, personalized service, the hotel reflects Rita’s vision of joyful, community-driven hospitality.
Beyond Hotel Trundle, Rita extends her passion to the broader community. She serves on the Prisma Health Children’s Hospital and City Center Partnership boards, championing initiatives that enhance Columbia’s cultural and economic landscape. Her work has earned her recognition as a leader in both business and preservation, proving that great hospitality is about more than a place to stay—it’s about creating lasting connections and meaningful experiences.