Ann Wright, vice president for advancement at the Greenville Tech Foundation, has been named one of the 2025 Most Influential Leaders by SC Biz News. This prestigious recognition honors exceptional leaders whose vision, integrity, and commitment are shaping the state’s future.
Since 2017, Wright has led the Greenville Tech Foundation with a combination of strategic vision and community-centered leadership. Under her direction, the Foundation has more than doubled its endowed scholarships and awarded over $1 million in scholarship funding to more than 1,000 students in the past year alone—many balancing their studies with work and family responsibilities.
“Thanks to Ann Wright’s remarkable leadership of the Greenville Tech Foundation, the college is able to fulfill its mission of empowering individuals, changing lives, and reshaping communities,” said Dr. Larry Miller, president of Greenville Technical College. “She keeps students at the forefront of every effort, providing assistance that enables students to overcome significant barriers to success.”
Wright is widely recognized for forging strong partnerships across education, business, and civic sectors—listening to community needs and turning ideas into impactful initiatives. Her leadership has helped enhance transformative projects through fundraising efforts, such as the Prisma Health Center for Health & Life Sciences, the Truist Center for Culinary and Hospitality Innovation, and the upcoming Center for Welding and Automation Excellence—facilities that address critical workforce needs while creating opportunity for students.
With roots in social work, Ann began her career at the Greenville Housing Authority and then established herself as a community leader through positions of progressive leadership at the American Red Cross in service spanning 32 years. She co-authored the State Disaster Fund Raising Workshop and Fund Raising When Disaster Strikes national courses. Ann led a $2.7 million capital campaign to renovate and expand the Red Cross headquarters in Greenville. In addition, she developed a shared donor database management program for Red Cross regions, which has now been adopted nationwide.
"Ann Wright is one of the most effective leaders I have ever worked with," said Stacy B. Brandon, president, Bank of America Upstate South Carolina. "She inspires her team to magnify their impact, attracts and retains top talent, and creates a culture where service is a joy. Her work has improved countless lives in the Upstate, leaving a lasting impact on every organization she has touched."
Wright’s leadership style is defined by her ability to recognize potential, empower others, and provide the tools for success. She is a mentor, a consensus builder, and a tireless advocate for education as a pathway to opportunity. Whether securing multimillion-dollar gifts, leading strategic initiatives, or guiding the next generation of nonprofit leaders, she consistently inspires others to aim higher, work together, and make a lasting difference.
The Most Influential Leaders honorees will be celebrated on September 15, 2025, at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, beginning with a networking reception at 4:00 p.m., followed by dinner and the awards program at 5:00 p.m.