Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Buchanan
Hi Brandon, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am Brandon Buchanan, an experienced professional with a strong background in business and healthcare administration. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Healthcare Administration, both from the University of South Carolina. My career has been marked by a series of progressive roles, where I have developed and honed my skills in project management, data analysis, digital marketing, and business development.
Currently, I serve as the Business & Industry Liaison for the Midlands Workforce Development Board in Columbia, SC. My responsibilities include facilitating communication between internal teams and external partners, spearheading training initiatives, and overseeing government programs.
Prior to this, I was a Business Services Analyst at Lexington Medical Center, where I played a key role in developing new service lines and improving system functionality to meet business objectives. My experience also includes managing an eye care practice, developing a molecular laboratory to combat COVID-19, and providing financial data analysis at Thomas Health Systems.
In addition to my professional roles, I have been actively involved with the Midlands Reentry Coalition Council, LMC’s The Foundation, and Historic Columbia. My technical skills encompass project management, healthcare business intelligence, data visualization, and various software and data analysis tools.
With a strong foundation in both business and healthcare, I am passionate about driving community growth, improving operational efficiency, and fostering collaborative partnerships between government, businesses, and education to achieve impactful outcomes.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I face considerable skepticism from some local business leaders who are sometimes hesitant to engage in a strategic partnership with government organizations. To address this, I organized several one-on-one meetings with these leaders to better understand their concerns and to share the potential benefits of collaboration. I showcase successful case studies from past partnerships and maintained transparent and consistent communication. By addressing their specific concerns and demonstrating a genuine commitment to mutual success, I am often able to build trust and secure their participation.
It is also difficult to remove the “silos” that develop between agencies. Government agencies are sometimes resistant to work together because credit and data are valuable resources to government departments that fear reduced budgets or downsizing. This leads to lowered motivation to work interdependently to achieve goals. These are some of the challenges that make success for our community members and businesses a daily struggle.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I enjoy my position as the Business and Industry Liaison for the Midlands. The role of a Business and Industry Liaison is multifaceted, primarily focused on bridging the gap between business organizations and key public stakeholders such as high schools, technical colleges, and government agencies. I specifically provide outreach and serve to educate businesses on the opportunities available to them by the state. Resources range from talent pools, grant funding, employee upskilling or data on current labor trends. I also work with the education system within the Midlands to help address the need for future skilled workers. There is opportunity for high school students to earn certificates and degrees that will earn them a fair wage without the burden of a 4 year degree and thousands of dollars of student loan debt. I am most proud of the ability to get into high schools and help guide students who are on a different path than the traditional 4 year degree.
Overall, a Business and Industry Liaison plays a crucial role in fostering a collaborative environment where businesses and communities can thrive through strategic partnerships, effective communication, and well-managed programs and initiatives.
What matters most to you? Why?
The people we serve are what matters. A community that is well trained and economically stable is the ultimate goal.
Pricing:
- All SC Works and WIOA Services are Free
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.scworksmidlands.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scworksmidlands/
