A Force for Good

When TTC Foundation Board Chair Tammy Coghill was three, her father’s job at the National Security Agency took the family to England to live for three years.

She said it was like living in a storybook.

“It was the quintessential, two-story, stone farmhouse in the English countryside,” she said. “I had a hedgehog and a small rabbit in the garden and I rode my tricycle and scooter to school.”

These days, Coghill’s adult life in the U.S. is a bit more fast-paced. Between her position at Dominion Energy as the manager of economic development and local government, and her board and volunteer work, she and her husband, Tim, have found that cats (like their feline housemate, Daisy) fit their lifestyle a bit better than hedgehogs.

As Dominion Energy’s liaison for economic development and the single point of contact for city and town officials across much of the eastern portion of South Carolina, Coghill assists public officials in serving and educating their constituents on matters relating to electric and natural gas service, particularly during times of extreme weather, which could impact service. She also works closely with municipal, county, regional and state partners to help existing industries make the case for expansion in South Carolina as well as locate new industries here.

For Coghill, the link between economic development efforts and workforce training is necessary and critical to a community’s health.  

“That’s why I got involved with Trident Tech,” she said. “It is a true asset to the community, educating individuals while meeting the business community’s workforce needs.”

Having served on the TTC Foundation Board of Trustees since 2015, Coghill is now in her second year as board chair. She said it has been a joy to be involved with the TTC Foundation.

“I have such reverence, respect and passion for the whole world of education,” she said. “But TTC is special. Students are receiving a world-class education from passionate educators who care about their success.”

Coghill has been involved with many organizations in the community. She has been a member of the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for seven years, serving on the executive committee for six of them. She also currently serves on the Charleston Regional Development Alliance Board.

When she joined the Trident Technical College Foundation Board of Trustees, Coghill already knew about the important role TTC plays in ensuring accessible education and fostering workforce development.

What she has learned since then is the magnitude of what that means.

“I get to see first-hand how nimble the college is in responding to changes in workforce demands,” she said. “After every board meeting, I walk away having learned at least one more thing that I didn’t know about the college.”

Coghill points out the growth of the automotive industry, specifically electric vehicles, and TTC’s response in getting the workforce ready for EV maintenance. But it’s also about all the other necessary jobs in the company.

“They will need landscapers, accountants and IT – TTC has programs for all of that,” she said.

Having spent her childhood wanting to be a teacher, Coghill has always had an affinity for education. Her career went in a different direction when she discovered her passion for public service, so she is thrilled that the road has led her back to education.

She started her first year as TTC Foundation board chair with the goal to get trustees to help spread the word about the community’s best resource, ending the year with 100% board giving.

“Board participation is very important to demonstrate the commitment of our closest stakeholders, so other possible supporters can see who gives back at home.” she said.

Her efforts as board chair also resulted in the most successful A Night in the Valley fundraising gala in TTC’s history, along with the expansion of TTC Foundation’s social media presence.

Lisa Piccolo, Vice President of Development and Executive Director of the TTC Foundation, has enjoyed working with Coghill and appreciates her leadership and support. 

She said, “Tammy is an outspoken advocate for the transformative power of education. She brings a calmness to every interaction, gently coaching and mentoring others to success. As a skilled relationship builder, Tammy welcomes diverse thoughts and opinions, fostering increased engagement among Trustees. We feel so fortunate to have her leading the TTC Foundation Board of Trustees.

Coghill's commitment to TTC goes beyond her work as a volunteer and leader. One of the ways she likes to give back to organizations like Trident Tech is through donations of her photography to silent auctions like A Night in the Valley. 

"I've had a camera in my hand since I was 13," she said. "I enjoy photographing nature and landscapes, it quiets the mind and spirit." 

All of this helps her recharge for her work and volunteer activities, and Coghill is very excited about her second year as chair. 

“There is so much good being done here,” she says. “High school students are graduating with college credits. First-generation graduates are transforming their lives and demonstrating the power of education. Current workers can upskill. Employers have a nimble workforce. The entire community benefits from Trident Tech”

8/17/24/staff