Board Member Erin Pate was presented the Yezbak Award by Board Chair Tiffany Santigati for her service to the organization.
The award, which is named for former Board Chair David Yezbak, highlights Pate’s commitment to the prevention of child abuse and neglect in South Carolina.
“Erin has a passion for the mission and improving the lives of children and families throughout South Carolina,” Santagati said. “This passion has a multiplier effect on board members and helps all of us more fully value family strengthening and upstream prevention programs. We are very fortunate and grateful for her service.”
Children’s Trust CEO Sue Williams also acknowledged Pate’s support of the organization’s fund development efforts and organizational leadership. In her six 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.
“Erin leads by example. She is generous with her time and talents,” Williams said. “We appreciate how she advocates for Children’s Trust at area events and how she engages fellow board members in the work.”
Pate is the fifth recipient of the annual award. Jane Pulling (2018), Elizabeth Gressette (2019) and Tiffany Santagati (2020) Steven Leicht (2021) 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 convservation field.
Erin was appointed by Gov. Henry McMaster and represents the 7th Congressional District on the Board of Directors.
