The Charleston Regional Business Journal has announced its 2025 Women of Influence honorees, and among the distinguished group is Dr. Erica S. Taylor, Assistant Superintendent for Communications, Business & Community Partnerships at Orangeburg County School District (OCSD).
The Women of Influence distinction recognizes high-achieving women whose careers, leadership, and service have created lasting impact. Honorees are selected by a panel of past recipients and the CRBJ editorial team, elevating those who lead with vision and open doors for others.
Dr. Taylor is no stranger to influence. For more than 24 years, she has been a force in education communications, shaping strategy, storytelling, and engagement in ways that have transformed schools and communities across South Carolina and beyond. At OCSD, her leadership spans communications, technology, partnerships, governmental and legal affairs, board relations, grants, and intercultural engagement. At the core of it all is her belief that authentic communication builds trust, and trust builds stronger schools. Her record speaks volumes. She was named a finalist for SchoolCEO’s “Marketing Communicator of the Year” in recognition of her innovative approach to storytelling in public education. Most recently, she was elected President-Elect of the South Carolina/National School Public Relations Association (SC/NSPRA), a role that positions her as a leader among leaders in her profession. In addition, she is a nationally recognized speaker and strategist, frequently presenting at state and national conferences on advancing education through the power of communication.
Beyond her work in public education, Dr. Taylor is deeply rooted in community service. She serves as vice chairperson of the Charleston Urban
League’s board of directors and lends her expertise to several boards, including the Franklin C. Fetter Health Care Systems, Orangeburg Chamber of Commerce, Orangeburg County Accommodations Tax Committee, and The Lowcountry Food Bank. She is also a proud member of the Public Relations Society of America, a Paul Harris Fellow with the Historic Rotary Club of Orangeburg, an Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. member, and an active member of the Charleston Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.
“I have always believed that communication is not just about sharing information, it is about building bridges, creating trust, and inspiring possibility,” said Dr. Erica S. Taylor. “To be named a Women of Influence is an affirmation of the work I’ve been blessed to lead in every community I have served; and my prayer is that my journey shows others, especially young women, that their voices matter and that leadership rooted in service
can change lives.”
Dr. Taylor holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership from Charleston Southern University, a Master of Science in Broadcast Journalism from Florida A&M University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Professional English from South Carolina State University. She also earned a Certificate in Fundraising from Indiana University’s Center on Philanthropy. At home, she is equally proud of her role as wife to (Ret.) Major Nathaniel Taylor Jr. and mother to three children, Nathaniel (Trey) III, Jaxon Evan, and Lacee Christina.
The 2025 Women of Influence Awards Luncheon took place on October 10, 2025, at The Francis Marion Hotel (387 King Street, Charleston, S.C.).
For additional information, please contact Taylor R. Johnson, Communications and Multi-Media Specialist, at taylor.johnson@ocsdsc.org”>taylor.johnson@ocsdsc.org or 839-253-2070.
