COLUMBIA - Horry County School Board Member Ronald Bessant has been selected by the leadership of the 11 Southern Region states of the National School Boards Association to represent them as a member of the NSBA Nominating Committee. In addition to his service to the citizens of Horry County, Bessant also currently serves as President-Elect of the South Carolina School Boards Association.

Bessant was chosen during the NSBA Southern Region Conference July 21 – 23 in New Orleans, La. He will serve as one of three members from each of NSBA’s five regions on the national nominating committee, which will convene on Thursday, January 29, 2009 in Washington, D.C., to interview candidates who wish to serve as officers and At-Large directors on the NSBA Board of Directors.

“I am reminded Luke 12:48 states ‘for unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.’ I commit my energies and passion for the betterment of all children. I am honored to serve on the NSBA nominating committee for the southern region,” said Bessant.

Bessant was first elected to the Horry County board in 1990. He currently represents District Nine, which includes Loris, North Myrtle Beach and a portion of Greensea Floyds. He has served as vice chairman and several board committees including curriculum, operations and finance, building and school naming. Since his election to the SCSBA board of directors in 2000, he has served as secretary, treasurer, vice president and as the Region 4 Director serving school boards in Dillon, Horry and Marion counties.

“Ronald’s selection will assure that South Carolina’s best interests will be represented on this influential national committee,” said SCSBA Executive Director Paul Krohne. “We are extremely pleased with his election and proud that he will be representing Horry County and South Carolina in the committee’s deliberations.”

Bessant will assume the presidency of the South Carolina School Boards Association in December 2008.