Marlboro Development Team added two independent board members to its Board of Trustees in December, by including two individuals with business and social services experience to the governing board. The industrial development organization is the for-profit subsidiary of Marlboro Electric Cooperative, Inc., and is focused on attracting new industry and jobs to the region.

Mrs. Maria Cooper is a Drug Abuse Treatment Specialist for the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Bennettsville. Prior to her work at FCI, Cooper was a Community Training Coordinator at the Florence County Disabilities and Special Needs Board and a Treatment Specialist at the South Carolina Department of Social Services. Cooper is active in her church where she teaches Sunday school in the College and Career Department and also sings in the choir. She currently resides in Florence, S.C., with her husband and two children.

Mr. Donald A. Evans is the owner-operator and founder of Southern Packaging Corporation, a moving supply company located in Bennettsville. His previous community involvement includes membership on the Marlboro Economic Development Board, Marlboro County Chamber of Commerce, Pee Dee Work Force Investment Board, Rotary Club (25-year member), volunteer fireman for Blenheim and Bennettsville, charter board member of the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation in Marlboro County and presently serves on the Marlboro County Airport Commission. Evans served in the South Carolina National Guard and is a past member of ESGR, Employer Support for Guard and Reserves. Evans is also an active member of Salem Baptist Church and resides in Bennettsville with his wife of 50 years, and they have two sons.

“Similar to other for profit entities reaching this level of success, MDT was required to add two new board seats to its existing Board of Trustees that have no direct ties to its parent company, Marlboro Electric, therefore establishing completely independent voting directors.” says MDT Board Chairman Bo McInnis. “We feel that Mrs. Cooper and Mr. Evans exemplify the values of MDT and their business and professional experience will provide the Board with a unique perspective on development issues as it grows into the future.”