Aiken, SC | October 2, 2026
Successteam Foundation for Youth Development welcomed community leaders, educational partners, sponsors, parents, and supporters to Aiken Technical College for its 2nd Annual Executive Leadership MVP Breakfast, a morning dedicated to celebrating partnership, highlighting organizational progress, and connecting the next generation of leaders with the community investing in their futures.
Hosted by Nolie Burns of Life Identified, the breakfast brought together individuals and organizations whose continued commitment helps advance Successteam’s mission of preparing young people for leadership, higher education, careers, and service.
More Than a Breakfast: Leadership in Action
One of the morning’s defining experiences centered on Successteam Youth Council Scholars. Following a month of professional etiquette and networking development facilitated by Burns, scholars had the opportunity to apply their training in a professional environment alongside community executives, educators, and organizational leaders.
Through meaningful conversations, introductions, dining etiquette, and networking, scholars demonstrated the importance of combining education with real-world exposure. The experience reflected Successteam’s commitment to preparing scholars not simply to enter professional spaces, but to confidently engage and contribute within them.
Celebrating the Progress of Year 11
The program featured remarks from Aiken Technical College President Dr. Forest Mahan, Successteam Parent Association President Brandis Bannister, and Successteam Youth Council Presidents.
During his State of Successteam address, Founder and CEO Tim Behling reflected on the organization’s progress beyond its 10-year anniversary, highlighting significant Year 11 developments, including:
- Expansion of the Successteam Youth Council into two chapters serving the CSRA and Midlands regions.
- Development of the SELF Fellowship to cultivate emerging leadership and professional talent.
- Redesign of organizational curriculum to align with the evolving needs of today’s scholars.
- Participation in Launch Carolinas to strengthen organizational sustainability and growth.
- Continued development of educational partnerships, family engagement, alumni initiatives, and organizational infrastructure.
Recognizing the Community Behind the Mission
A signature component of the morning was the presentation of the 2026 Executive Leadership MVP Awards, recognizing nearly 30 individuals and organizations for their leadership, generosity, advocacy, and contributions to Successteam’s mission including Gerald Jones Subaru, Family Financial Consultants, Vinea Capital, The Gifting Tree Foundation, SRNS, Anthony Thuan StateFarm Agency, SRP Federal Credit Union, Verizon TCC, Chick-fil-A Aiken, Aiken County NAACP, Power:ED, Claflin University, Columbia College, Food Lion, and more!
The morning culminated in the announcement of President, Dr. Forest Mahan & Aiken Technical College as the 2026 Executive Leadership MVP of the Year.
The recognition celebrated the institution’s longstanding commitment to providing a consistent environment where Successteam scholars can learn, develop, and lead. The partnership represents the power of educational institutions and community organizations working together to create meaningful opportunities for more than 7,000+ young people.
Building What’s Next
As Successteam continues through Year 11, the organization remains focused on expanding opportunities for scholars and families across the region. Upcoming initiatives include the next Successteam Youth Council recruitment and intake season, continued community service, expanded family engagement, and preparations for the Class of 2027 Commencement & Induction Ceremony.
The breakfast also marked the beginning of a double-header weekend of leadership development, followed by the Successteam Jr. Leadership Academy on October 3, where Youth Council Scholars helped lead programming for middle school students preparing for high school. Together, the two events demonstrated a central principle of Successteam’s leadership model: young people should have opportunities not only to receive development, but also to lead and invest in others.
A Message of Gratitude
Successteam extends its sincere appreciation to every attendee, MVP recipient, partner, parent, and supporter who contributed to the success of the 2nd Annual Executive Leadership MVP Breakfast.
As the organization builds beyond its first decade, continued community investment remains essential to preparing future-ready scholars.
Watch our special thank-you video:
https://youtu.be/SvgIz-HTaG4
To learn more about Successteam Foundation for Youth Development and opportunities to support its mission, visit https://connect.successteam.org.
Successteam Foundation for Youth Development | Where Youth Become Leaders.