South Carolina Legal Services (SCLS) is excited to announce that Shunna Vance Jeter has joined the non-profit law firm as its new Executive Director. With a legal practice and executive leadership background characterized by a deep dedication to social justice and community empowerment, Ms. Jeter is poised to lead SCLS in its mission to provide vital legal services to low-income South Carolinians while supporting South Carolina’s economically disadvantaged communities.
Before her appointment at SCLS, Ms. Jeter made significant strides as the Chief Executive Officer of GLEAMNS Human Resources Commission, a community action agency dedicated to helping low-income individuals and families gain and maintain self-sufficiency. There, she managed agency operations, formulated and enforced policies, supervised personnel decisions, and safeguarded financial stability. Her leadership effectively coordinated a team of over 450 employees across 14 counties, administered a substantial budget, and tirelessly advocated for the needs of low-income families and communities.
The SCLS Board of Directors, chaired by Charles Boykin, is enthusiastic about Ms. Jeter's leadership capacity. Boykin affirms, "Shunna Jeter combines a strong legal and executive background with a profound commitment to justice and community service, making her supremely qualified to navigate SCLS into a promising future.”
Ms. Jeter’s previous legal career is notable for handling complex legal issues, providing strategic counseling, and leading initiatives to strengthen community support systems. Her outstanding service has been recognized with several honors, including being named the South Carolina Community Action Program Administrator and Executive Director of the Year.
Andrea E. Loney, whom Ms. Jeter succeeds, expresses her complete confidence in Jeter’s ability to lead: “I am confident that with Ms. Jeter at the forefront, SCLS will enhance its efforts to expand access to justice for the low-income residents of South Carolina and ensure that our most vulnerable have the legal representation they deserve.”
Ms. Jeter holds a Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. In addition to her professional achievements, she is actively involved in her community, participating on various advisory boards and supporting initiatives to uplift underrepresented groups.
Ms. Jeter expresses, “I am honored to serve in the prestigious role of Executive Director of SCLS. Building upon the incredible legacy of Ms. Andrea Loney, I am excited to partner with the SCLS Board of Directors, staff, and community to continue the invaluable work of ensuring access to justice for all South Carolinians."
