The Next Chapter

A note from our Executive Director, Sam Herskovitz

The sound of cicadas is the only thing loud enough to drown out the huffing and puffing of my bulldog, Gracie, as we walk down Saluda Avenue. Having grown up in Northern California – far from the humidity and this signature summer soundtrack – I’m struck by life’s surprises and grateful for the opportunity this new chapter holds. 

As the Boyd Innovation Center enters its own next chapter, I’m excited to join as Executive Director and to help shape a thriving, founder-focused, high-growth tech startup community right here in Columbia, South Carolina.

Why Me, Why Now

Professionally, my background lives at the intersection of SaaS product management, leadership development, and team performance. In some ways, the BIC feels like an “in real life” version of what I’ve spent my career doing – designing better ways to serve people, whether through products, experiences, or developing leaders and teams. Now, I get to channel that energy into building solutions that serve an entire community which is in turn creating meaningful solutions to serve others.

Personally, raising two young children here in Columbia it became clear to me that I want to invest where my feet are. To participate, serve, and improve the place my children will call home. To create opportunities for them and for others. I want to help Columbia thrive.

Looking Ahead

The Boyd Innovation Center exists to unlock potential – of people, of ideas, and of our region. We believe innovation can come from anywhere and anyone. Bold ideas matter, and it's the hard work, honest relationships, and intentional support that bring them to life. We see startups as engines of transformation: for individuals, teams, and communities. The Boyd Innovation Center will serve founders, startups, and be a driving force that helps great ideas become real businesses, creating long-term value for Columbia and the state.

My Focus

I’m stepping into this role with gratitude and a huge sense of opportunity. Thank you to The Boyd Foundation, our previous Executive Director, Caroline Crowder, and so many others, for the foundations laid. Stay tuned for more details to come, but my focus will be on building the next phase:

• Clarifying our goals and strategy

• Delivering real value to founders and teams at multiple stages

• Expanding our reach and ecosystem

• Fostering a vibrant and energetic community inside and outside our walls

I also believe in strong opinions, loosely held—so I’ll be listening closely to our founders, teams, and supporters as we grow.

Let’s Build Together

If you’re reading this, you probably care about entrepreneurship, innovation, or Columbia’s future. I’d love for you to be part of what we’re building.

Here’s how you can jump in right now:

1. Founders: Say hello. Email me or DM me on LinkedIn. Tell me your favorite thing about the BIC/GrowCo—and what you wish we offered: sherskovitz@boydinnovation.org 

2. Partners & Supporters: If you believe in building an entrepreneurial future for South Carolina, let’s talk. Whether you’re a university, agency, funder, employer, or community org—we’re stronger together.

3. Mentors & Builders: If you’ve done this before—started, scaled, or supported something meaningful—consider paying it forward. We need your wisdom (and battle scars) in the room.

And, of course, subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the loop on all things innovation in Columbia, and share with anyone in your network who's building, creating, or dreaming up their next venture.

We’re just getting started. I hope you’ll come along for the ride.