Fisher Phillips Attorney to Head Diversity Council

COLUMBIA, SC (January 4, 2010) - Cheryl Behymer, a partner in the firm's Columbia office, was selected to chair the SC Diversity Council beginning in January 2010. She has a long history of specializing in affirmative action plans and audits, employment discrimination and harassment and cases involving the Family and Medical Leave Act. As head of the council, Cheryl will work with employers around the state to increase knowledge and positive action relating to diversity in the state's workplaces.

Cheryl said: "Diversity can be a complex factor in today's workplace, and I'm excited about this chance to further help South Carolina employers understand and encourage diversity." Alongside her ongoing activity with the SC Diversity Council, Cheryl has served on the Cultural Council Board of Richland and Lexington counties and in 2009 received the prestigious honor of being named a Riley Institute Diversity Fellow.

The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce entered into an enhanced partnership with the SC Diversity Council to encourage, support and educate employers as they seek to value and strengthen diversity in the workplace. Already an affiliate of the South Carolina Chamber, the SC Diversity Council merged into the Chamber's committee structure to become a stronger, unified voice of the business community.

Working together, the Chamber and the SC Diversity Council educate the business community on diversity-related issues, encourage open and honest discussion among business leaders, provide communication channels between key community, legislative and business organizations and strengthen the business community through professional development in the area of diversity awareness and training.