Hi my name is Gregory Perry. I’m originally from Greenville SC, and am the youngest of two children of a widow. I was a three-year letter man in high school football and led my school’s National Honor Society. Being the first in my immediate family to go to a large college, I was very active in Clemson University’s reserve officer training corps. I graduated from there in 1985 and earned a commission as a lieutenant in the US Air Force.

 

I began my career in the Air Force in operations as a launch control officer for a ground cruise missile system. Additionally, I worked in various operational functions throughout three European countries and returned to the US as an operations planner, an administrative director for a fighter squadron, and an executive officer for the inspector general. I also completed the Air Force senior military leadership school and a MBA in Acquisitions and Contracting from Western New England College. After living in three states and two countries, I finished my 20-year Air Force career in acquisitions and program management, acquiring advanced avionics equipment and aircraft simulators for the Air Force.

 

After retiring from the Air Force, I directed the development of a 50-person staff and led a 500-person volunteer force as the chief operating officer for a nonprofit. Responsible for all aspects of operations and facilities located on two campuses, I developed, implemented, and reviewed policies and procedures with focus on risk mitigation. I served as the key negotiator in arranging use of facilities by the community, business partners, and vendors. I managed all personnel functions including coaching, mentoring, hiring, salary administration, and training and development. I awarded work contracts, created strategic partnerships with government officials, as well as managed the daily operations of the office personnel.

 

After completing a highly effective tenure in the nonprofit arena, I am now excited to teach AFJROTC at Spring Valley High School in Columbia SC. I am married to the former Jacqueline Kinlaw of Manning SC, and have two boys, Mackenzie and Joshua.