CIU’s 10th Annual
Leadership Summit
Wednesday, March 3, 2027
Columbia International University
Columbia, SC
Featuring David Beasley
Former South Carolina Governor • Former Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme • Founder of Breaking Bread Together
Better Leadership Starts with Better Conversations
Every leader eventually faces a room full of people who don’t agree. The ones who move a team, a business, a church or a community forward are the ones who can keep everyone at the table.
Join David Beasley for a compelling conversation about what he has learned from decades of bringing people together — from the South Carolina Statehouse to war zones around the world.
Explore how to:
Lead people who see the world differently
Turn tense conversations into honest dialogue
Build trust that holds up under pressure
Find common ground that moves people forward
What You Will Learn
Whether you’re leading a business, a team, a classroom, a non—profit, or a church—Jon’s dynamic message will empower you to:
- Build a culture of positivity and purpose
- Overcome adversity and energize your people
- Elevate personal performance and inspire others to do the same
About David Beasley
David Beasley has spent decades leading at the intersection of service, diplomacy and humanitarian work.
After serving as governor of South Carolina, Beasley became executive director of the United Nations World Food Programme from 2017–2023. His work took him into more than 75 war-torn countries and required building relationships with heads of state and leaders across deep political, cultural and national divides.
In 2020, the World Food Programme received the Nobel Peace Prize, which Beasley accepted on the organization’s behalf, for its work combating hunger and helping create conditions for peace in conflict-affected areas.
Today, Beasley continues his work of bringing people together through Breaking Bread Together, a national initiative encouraging people with different perspectives to listen to one another, discover shared values and strengthen their communities.
“We’ve forgotten how to disagree without losing sight of each other’s humanity.”
~David Beasley
Event Schedule
March 3, 2027
Columbia International University, 7435 Monticello Road, Columbia, SC 29203
10:30 AM – 11:45 AM | Keynote Session @ Shortess Chapel
Hear David Beasley share lessons from decades of leadership, humanitarian work and bridge-building around the world.
NOON – 1:15 PM | VIP Sponsor Luncheon @ Moore Fitness Center
An exclusive opportunity for sponsors and their guests to hear more from David Beasley in a smaller setting.
Bring Your Team. Invest in Better Leadership.
Sponsors don’t just hear about breaking bread. They share a meal with the man leading the movement.
$3,000 Full Sponsor
- 8 seats at the Keynote Session and the VIP Luncheon
- Sponsor recognition on all Leadership Summit promotions
- Sponsor recognition in CIU Today magazine (circulation: approx. 13,000)
$1,500 Half Sponsor
- 4 seats at the Keynote Session and the VIP Luncheon
- Sponsor recognition on all Leadership Summit promotions
- Sponsor recognition in CIU Today magazine (circulation: approx. 13,000)
To pay by credit card:
To pay by check:
Advancement Department
Columbia International University
PO Box 3122
Columbia, SC 29230
Questions or Premium Sponsorship Options
Contact Event Co-Chairs:
- Dr. Hans Finzel | CIU Board Chair | (303) 808-7581 | hans.finzel@ciu.edu
- Randy Halfacre | CIU Community Ambassador | (803) 360-0253 | randy.halfacre@ciu.edu
