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 a critical analysis of the state's plan to provide liquor liability insurance to small businesses through taxpayer funding. 

Sam also manages our weekly email series, The Statehouse Update, and The Saturday Bulletin, 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, research initiatives, and social media strategy.

Lindsay Elliot

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 Director 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.

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].