Back to All News
Back to All News
Dr. Delores Dacosta to Receive South Carolina’s Order of the Palmetto
Published Date
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Dr. Delores Dacosta, Executive Director of the South Carolina Commission for Community Advancement and Engagement (ADVANCE SC), will receive the Order of the Palmetto on September 30, 2026, at 2 p.m. in the office of Governor Henry McMaster (South Carolina State House, 1100 Gervais St., Columbia, SC 29201).
The Order of the Palmetto is South Carolina’s highest civilian honor. Established in 1971, it recognizes a lifetime of extraordinary achievement, service, and contributions with statewide or national impact.
A native of Awendaw, Dr. Dacosta has devoted her career to public service and strengthening communities across South Carolina. As Executive Director, she has guided the commission’s transformation into ADVANCE SC, expanding its work in community engagement, research, small business support, and partnerships that connect residents with opportunity.
“I am deeply grateful for this honor,” Dr. Dacosta said. “I am who I am because of the deposits so many people have made in my life. My name may be on this award, but their fingerprints are all over the journey that brought me here. I look forward to continuing to walk together in service to the people of South Carolina.”
About ADVANCE SC
The South Carolina Commission for Community Advancement and Engagement’s mission is to strengthen South Carolina’s rural and under-resourced communities by providing comprehensive research, community-centered strategies, and collaborative partnerships aimed at creating an economically prosperous future. For more information, visit https://advance.sc.gov/.
WHAT: Dr. Delores Dacosta, Executive Director of theSouth Carolina Commission for Community Advancement and Engagement (ADVANCE SC), to receive the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, from Governor Henry McMaster.
WHEN: Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 2 p.m.
WHERE: Governor’s Office, South Carolina State House, 1100 Gervais St., Columbia, SC 29201
WHO: Order of the Palmetto recipient Dr. Delores Dacosta, Governor Henry McMaster, and invited guests
CONTACT: For more information, call Shireese M. Bell, Public Information Director, at 803-563-0283 or sbell@advance.sc.gov.
SCCCAE Board of Commissioners October Meeting Rescheduled for Dec. 10
Read Full ArticleThe South Carolina Commission for Community Advancement and Engagement Board of Commissioners October meeting has been rescheduled for December 10, 2026. The meeting was originally scheduled for October 16th and has been moved to the board's next regularly scheduled meeting date.
The Board of Commissioners meeting will be held at 10 a.m. at the Commission’s Board Room located at 246 Stoneridge Dr., Ste. 250, Columbia, SC 29210.
-
Upcoming Advisory Committee and Board of Commissioners Meetings
Read Full ArticleThe South Carolina Commission for Community Advancement and Engagement will hold a Native American Indian Advisory Committee meeting and a Board of Commissioners meeting in October.
The Native American Indian Advisory Committee meeting will begin at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, via Zoom. The meeting will be held to discuss the election of nominees for the State Recognition Committee.
The Board of Commissioners meeting will be held on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 9 a.m. at the Commission’s Board Room located at 246 Stoneridge Dr., Ste. 250, Columbia, SC 29210.
-
Dr. Delores Dacosta Receives SC’s Highest Civilian Honor
Read Full ArticleCOLUMBIA, S.C. — Dr. Delores Dacosta, Executive Director of the South Carolina Commission for Community Advancement and Engagement (ADVANCE SC), has been awarded the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor. Governor Henry McMaster recognized Dacosta during a ceremony on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at the South Carolina State House.
-
Dr. Delores Dacosta to Receive South Carolina’s Order of the Palmetto
Read Full ArticleCOLUMBIA, S.C. — Dr. Delores Dacosta, Executive Director of the South Carolina Commission for Community Advancement and Engagement (ADVANCE SC), will receive the Order of the Palmetto on September 30, 2026, at 2 p.m. in the office of Governor Henry McMaster (South Carolina State House, 1100 Gervais St., Columbia, SC 29201).
The Order of the Palmetto is South Carolina’s highest civilian honor. Established in 1971, it recognizes a lifetime of extraordinary achievement, service, and contributions with statewide or national impact.