Lowder joins Prisma Health board of directors

A well-known doctor in Sumter is joining the corporate board of directors for Prisma Health.

The health care system, which owns and operates Tuomey Hospital in Sumter, recently announced the election of Clay Lowder, MD, and S. Richard Hagins to its corporate board.

Lowder, a family medicine physician, has been practicing for 27 years. He is the founder, president and managing partner of Colonial Healthcare, which has expanded out of Sumter to multiple South Carolina locations, providing ambulatory services and value-based health care.

In addition to practicing medicine, Lowder is an author, motivational speaker and business leader.

He is a graduate of Clemson University and received his medical degree from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine.

"Dr. Lowder is an innovator in patient-centered ambulatory care, especially in our rural communities. He is passionate about the work Prisma Health is doing in the areas of value-based care, workforce development and patient experience," Prisma Health President and CEO Mark O'Halla said.

"I am honored to join the board of Prisma Health," Lowder said. "I look forward to working with my fellow board members and leadership team to help guide the organization as it continues to provide high-quality, transformative health and wellness services to patients and communities throughout South Carolina."

S. Richard Hagins served the U.S. for 23 years as a naval officer before settling in Greenville in 2000, where he founded facility service company US&S Inc. in 2003.

His past community involvement includes serving on the Greenville Chamber of Commerce board, Greenville Metro YMCA Board, the Blood Connection, Commission of Minority Affairs (4th District) and the S.C. State Port Authority Board.

A charter member of 100 Black Men of the Upstate, he currently serves on the board of Habitat for Humanity Greenville, United Community Bank Advisory Board and Upstate Warrior Solutions.

"Rich's lifelong commitment to service has made a profound impact in the business community, specifically in creating opportunities for small businesses and minorities. His long history of community outreach and leadership brings the right mix of skills and experience to help advance our mission to improve the health and well-being of all South Carolinians," O'Halla said.

"Being elected to the Prisma Health board is an honor that reflects my lifelong commitment to service," Hagins said. "Together, we'll address the diverse health needs of the communities we serve as we advance Prisma Health's mission. I'm grateful for the opportunity to make a positive difference."

Hagins received a bachelor's degree in science from Savannah State College in electronic engineering technology and his master's degree from Webster University in business management.

"We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Hagins and Dr. Lowder to our board," said Richard "Dick" Wilkerson, chair of the board of Prisma Health. "Their combined experience in medical services, business leadership and community engagement will be invaluable as we continue to grow and expand our services throughout South Carolina."

Lowder and Hagins join a group of community leaders who serve on the Prisma Health board that includes Craig Brown, Shaniece Criss, Jean Duke, Calvin Elam, Frances DeLoache Ellison, George King Jr., Jerome Odom, Mark O'Halla, Michelle Seaver, the Rev. Thomas Simmons, James Wheeler and Richard Wilkerson.