Chamber President James McQuilla Named One of SC's Top Black Leaders

Orangeburg County Chamber President Named One of Post and Courier's 12 Black Leaders to Know in South Carolina

Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO James McQuilla has been selected as one of The Post and Courier's 12 Black Leaders to Know in South Carolina for 2026, presented by Huntington Bank.

The recognition highlights McQuilla's wide-ranging impact across education, government, business, and community leadership — a career that began with 12 years of perfect school attendance and a governor's certificate, and has since spanned roles from Citadel admissions counselor to associate municipal judge to federal procurement company founder.

Since taking the helm of the Orangeburg County Chamber during the COVID-19 pandemic, McQuilla has worked to reshape the narrative around Orangeburg and its potential. As he told The Post and Courier, "I refuse to allow the few to paint a picture of the many."

A Citadel Class of 1988 graduate, McQuilla also serves as president of the Orangeburg County Rotary Club, chairman of the Orangeburg Redevelopment Council, and chairman of the Orangeburg Regional Innovation Center. He was recently named to SCBiz's top 500 list of South Carolina's most influential business leaders.

This latest honor adds to a growing list of recognition for McQuilla's leadership — and for Orangeburg's rising profile statewide. Congratulations, James.