We believe that our mission to promote the principles of limited government and individual liberties, free markets, and traditional South Carolina values is best served by our team of competent and experienced individuals.

Michael Burris 

Chief Executive Officer

Michael brings extensive expertise to the South Carolina Policy Council (SCPC) from his previous role as Vice President of Operations at Acme Marinas, a Charleston-based real estate private equity firm. With 15 years of leadership experience across both the military and private sectors, Michael has demonstrated a consistent track record of success. His seven-year tenure as a naval officer included three deployments during the Global War on Terror, underscoring his commitment to service.

In 2022, Michael was selected for the prestigious Presidential Leadership Scholars program, where he engaged with former U.S. presidents and cabinet officials, reigniting his dedication to public service. He holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Real Estate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina.

Sam Aaron

Research Director

As a native South Carolinian, with a deep-rooted passion for his state and its people, Sam has served with the SCPC since 2022. In his prior role as an analyst, he has been instrumental in securing taxpayer victories on income tax and has authored several landmark reports, including Roadmap to Universal School Choice, How SC Can Tackle ESG, and many others. 

Sam also manages our weekly email series, which keeps South Carolinians informed on the issues that matter most. In addition to his research and writing, Sam oversees our intern program, email campaigns, polling, research initiatives, and coordinates with senior and visiting fellows. Sam holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of South Carolina.

Neil Wolin

Director of Advocacy and Digital Communications

Originally from the Peach State, Neil has served in communications roles within local, state, and federal campaigns and government departments. From county-level special projects to General Assembly work, he has demonstrated a dedication to sound policy. Neil brings experience in nonprofit legislative action, most notably in Second Amendment policy.

He has written for a statewide news outlet and has an extensive background in social media marketing. Prior to his role as Director of Advocacy and Digital Communications, Neil served with the Policy Council as a Research Analyst. Now at SCPC, he manages digital strategy, legislative advocacy, and coalition-building, while overseeing media relations, online campaigns, and content creation across platforms. He holds a Master of Public Administration from Georgia College and State University.

Lindsay Elliott

Administrative Director

Lindsay Elliott joined the South Carolina Policy Council in October of 2008. She is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the organization and works closely with the CEO and staff on overall strategy and mission of the Council.

Prior to joining the Policy Council, Lindsay was a recruiting assistant in the private sector. She worked alongside account managers and recruiters as the link for all internal and external communications. She also coordinated company events and acted as the liaison to more than 100 consultants. Lindsay received her Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from the University of South Carolina in 2005.

Brendan Connors

Research Analyst

Brendan joined the South Carolina Policy Council after interning with both Senator Tim Scott and SCPC. Now a full-time research analyst, he brings a strong interest in government reform and an outsider’s perspective on how to make South Carolina work better for South Carolinians.

Originally from Connecticut, Brendan came to South Carolina for college and now proudly calls the state home. He previously led campus initiatives to promote free speech, organizing events and debates with nationally recognized speakers. Brendan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of South Carolina.

Vance Ginn, Ph.D.

Senior Economic Fellow

Vance Ginn, Ph.D., is a nationally recognized economist and one of the country’s leading voices for free-market policies that drive economic growth, expand opportunity, and promote fiscal responsibility. As founder and president of Ginn Economic Consulting and host of the Let People Prosper Show podcast since 2022, Ginn has dedicated his career to advancing policies that empower individuals and limit government overreach.

His influence grew on the national stage when he served as associate director for economic policy (chief economist) at the White House’s Office of Management and Budget under President Trump from June 2019 to May 2020. There, he helped shape federal economic policy during a critical period, focusing on fiscal discipline, tax reform, and regulatory relief. This experience further cemented his commitment to limited government and long-term economic prosperity.

Rick Brundrett

News Editor at the Nerve

Rick helped launch The Nerve on Jan. 11, 2010, after spending nearly a dozen years covering South Carolina’s court system for The State newspaper in Columbia, S.C. He also has worked as an investigative reporter for The Greenville News in Greenville, S.C., and as the projects editor for The Island Packet/Beaufort Gazette newspapers near Hilton Head Island, S.C. In addition, he was a longtime S.C. consultant for the former Court TV cable television program. Rick is a summa cum laude graduate of Central Michigan University and spent the first dozen years of his career working mainly as a police reporter for The Herald-Palladium newspaper in St. Joseph Township, Mich., where he grew up.

Rick has won numerous reporting and writing awards over the years in Michigan and South Carolina, including while with The Nerve. If you have a news tip, feel free to contact him at 803-394-8273 or [email protected].