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Meet the 2024-25 Lake Murray Country Ambassadors

October 15, 2024

Reading Time: 2 minutes

We are thrilled to announce the return of the

Tourism Ambassador Program!

These ambassadors will help highlight the beauty, culture, and outdoor adventures of the Capital City/Lake Murray Country region.


A person with glasses and a beard is smiling, wearing a yellow knit beanie and a maroon sweatshirt. They are resting their face in their hands while sitting outdoors against a white brick wall.

John Tjaarda

Local Birding Expert & Area Director, South Carolina Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Protection

“The Capital City/Lake Murray Country region offers everyone, from the casual backyard birdwatcher to the intense rare bird ‘twitcher,’ tons of opportunities to discover new species and learn new things about our birds.”

Hear more about John on Episode 8: Bird is the Word of the Explore Lake Murray Country Podcast!

 


A woman with blonde hair smiles at the camera while standing on a mountain trail. She is wearing a black t-shirt and pink shorts, with a strap across her shoulder. Behind her, there are green hills and a cloudy sky.

Katie Maglocci

Director of Operations, Palmetto Outdoor

“While in school, I craved something else to connect me to the city (Columbia) besides just being a student. That’s when I got a summer job at Palmetto Outdoor… I fell in love with how accessible our rivers are.”


 

A man in a blue suit smiles and points toward the camera while holding a baby dressed in a light blue shirt and bow tie. The setting is a conference room with a carpeted floor and a table in the background.

Sloan J. Griffin

Mayor, Town of Blythewood

“Welcome to Blythewood, where adventure and charm await! Our delightful suburb of Columbia, nestled in northern Richland County, is ready to show you a fantastic time!”

 

 

 


As we head into another exciting year, our ambassadors are here to highlight the best of what the Capital City/Lake Murray Country region has to offer. From exploring Blythewood with Mayor Griffin, to paddling adventures with Katie at Palmetto Outdoors, and birdwatching with John, there’s so much to discover and learn from ambassadors. Be on the lookout for their stories and experiences throughout the next year!