Board Member Erin Pate was presented the Yezbak Award by Board Chair Beverly Hamilton for her exemplary service to the organization. This is the second time Pate has received this recognition.
Board member Erin Pate testified to the Committee on Children about the importance of prevention in 2024.
The award, named for former Board Chair David Yezbak, highlights Pate’s commitment to preventing child abuse and neglect in South Carolina.
“Erin’s commitment as a board member has been unwavering,” Hamilton said. “She has thoughtfully challenged us all to strategically place Children’s Trust in a position to address the needs of families in South Carolina.”
Children’s Trust CEO Sue Williams also acknowledged Pate’s support of fund development efforts and organizational leadership. In her eight years of service to the Board, Pate has actively served as chair of the Governance Committee and as a member of the Nominating and Policy Committees.
“Through her dedication and compassionate leadership, Erin has been a guiding force for our organization,” Williams said. “She has embodied the true spirit of service and advocacy in our work to prevent child abuse and neglect.”
Pate received this award in 2022 and again this year. Jane Pulling (2018), Elizabeth Gressette (2019) and Tiffany Santagati (2020) Steven Leicht (2021) and Phillip Vann (2023) are the previous honorees.
A graduate of the University of South Carolina, Pate has had a career in nonprofit leadership and management including serving as the CEO of the S.C. Association of CPAs and was the founding executive director of the S.C. Association on Nonprofit Organizations. Pate is now project lead with EHP & Associates, serving a variety of clients in the conservation field.
Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Pate and represents the 7th Congressional District on the Board of Directors.
