The Columbia Area Development Partnership (CADP) has appointed Janisha Thomas, Chief Human Resources Officer at the Ritedose Corporation, to its Board of Directors. Thomas brings more than 20 years of human resources and organizational leadership experience across manufacturing and corporate environments. She joined Ritedose in March 2023 as Chief Human Resources Officer. Headquartered in Columbia since 1995, Ritedose is one of the world’s leading sterile pharmaceutical manufacturers specializing in Blow-Fill-Seal technology and employs more than 550 people.
“Janisha brings deep expertise in workforce strategy and talent development to our team while adding her perspective as an executive at Ritedose, one of the leaders in Richland County’s fast-growing life sciences sector,” CEO of CADP Jeff Ruble said. “As our region continues to attract advanced manufacturing and life sciences investment, having leaders like Janisha at the table strengthens our alignment in industry recruitment, workforce development, and talent retention. Her appointment also reflects the important leadership role Ritedose continues to play in Richland County’s economy.”
Thomas joins a nine-member Board of Directors representing business, government, education, and community leadership from across Richland County. Together, the Board provides strategic oversight for CADP’s work to attract new employers and investment, support the growth of existing industry, strengthen the county’s competitive business environment, and build partnerships that create long-term economic opportunity.
“I have worked closely with CADP since its launch in 2025, and I am excited to join the board and play a role in building a stronger, more vibrant economy driven by innovation and putting people first,” Janisha Thomas said. “Richland County’s future is bright, and I look forward to collaborating with this dedicated team to expand opportunities, attract investments, and enhance the quality of life throughout the Columbia region.”
Thomas will serve a three-year term on the CADP Board running through June 2029.
At CADP’s annual meeting, board members also elected the following members to CADP’s executive committee: Jesica Mackey, Chair of Richland County Council; Damon Jeter, Principal Founder of JET Corp Consulting Group; Kim Smith, Founder and CEO of Health Evolve Technologies; and Dr. Stephen Cutler, Vice President of the Office of Economic Engagement and Dean of the College of Pharmacy at the University of South Carolina.