Carlos Phillips (CCE)

 

Carlos Phillips is the impact-driven chief executive of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, the 136-year-old business services organization working to achieve a globally competitive regional economy where businesses succeed, and people prosper. He’s a trusted community leader and a believer in the value of inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems and economies. He drives the Chamber’s business advocacy, connections, leadership development, economic development, and diversity and economic inclusion initiatives. Through his leadership, the Greenville Chamber earned 5-Star Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, improved its balance sheet and financial position, developed three 3-year strategic plans, led the statewide expansion of its minority business accelerator initiative, developed a diversity and economic inclusion-specific strategic plan, and influenced legislation that provides second-chance job opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals.

Phillips has been recognized for his business achievements and community leadership, including being named one of Greenville’s “Top 50 Most Influential” by the Greenville Business Magazine and inducted into its Hall of Fame. He has served on numerous community boards, including the Community Foundation of Greenville, Urban League of the Upstate, Visit GreenvilleSC, and the United Way of Greenville County, where he was recognized as its Advocate of the Year in 2018. He has chaired numerous initiatives, including the UNCF Upstate Mayor’s Masked Ball Leadership Council and the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, and is a current U.S. Chamber of Commerce board member.

Phillips holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Kentucky, a Master of Arts in Organizational Communications from Western Kentucky University and earned Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) designation in 2023