Octavia Williams-Blake

Octavia Williams-Blake is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in human resources, health management, and community service. Currently serving as the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at McLeod Health since October 2002, Williams-Blake has also held leadership roles in workplace health and safety. In addition to responsibilities at McLeod Health, Williams-Blake is a Board Member of First Reliance Bank since June 2021. Previously, Williams-Blake served as an elected City Council Member in Florence, South Carolina, making history as the first woman and first African-American elected At-Large. Early career experience includes roles at Pepsi Bottling Ventures, Sony Electronics, and the State of South Carolina. Williams-Blake holds a Doctor of Law degree from the University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia College.