Charlie Farrell is a banking and finance graduate of the University of South Carolina where he played basketball for Coach Frank McGuire. He flew jet fighters (F-4, A-4, A-7, F-16) with the Marine Corps and SC Air National Guard. In 1980 he formed The Farrell Group, specializing in programs to develop leadership skills. Repeat clients include 3M, Mayo Clinic, Federal Reserve Bank, Ocean Spray Cranberry, and Michelin. He travels extensively, having visited all fifty states and thirty foreign countries.

Charlie has authored numerous articles and two other books. Courage to Lead is in its eighth printing. Keep Your Wallet Open and Your Mouth Shut is a humorous look at how fathers can survive the wedding of a daughter.

Charlie was Director of Executive Education in the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina and was Director of the SC Aerospace Task Force. He also served as Executive Coordinator of the SC Military Base Task Force. For his efforts, he was awarded The Public Service Commendation Medal by the Secretary of the Army, and The Commander’s Public Service Award by the Department of the Air Force.

Charlie is a member of the Richland School District One Hall of Fame. Governor Henry McMaster awarded him The Order Of The Palmetto, the state’s highest civilian honor. He and his wife, Susan, reside in Columbia, SC. They have two children and two grandchildren.