Curtis M. Loftis, Jr.
 

In the South Carolina Statehouse	Trekking on Mt. Rainier

          Mr. Loftis is the founder and chairman of the Saluda Charitable Foundation, as well as its benefactor. His primary areas of interest in the mission fields are the housing and medical care of the elderly, and the care and education of orphans.

          In February 2007, South Carolina Lieutenant Governor André Bauer named Curtis as the Director of the Lt. Governor's Office on Aging (LGOA). The LGOA is the chief governmental agency that deals with older adults in South Carolina. It administers state and federal programs through a statewide Aging Network to 720,000 senior citizens. With several specific reform-oriented goals in mind, Curtis made a 12-16 month commitment to the position.

          In June 2008, Curtis stepped away from the helm of the Office on Aging after meeting and exceeding all of his goals. Reforms included cutting the office's administrative budget by 20% and directing that money to programs and senior citizens. One new project resulted in one of the nation's first Senior Center for seniors with developmental disabilities. A major policy reform enhanced the office's transparency and accountability, greatly increasing the power of the LGOA to service the real needs of South Carolina's senior citizens.

          As Director of the LGOA, Curtis served on the SC Advisory Council on Aging, the State Public Health Preparedness Advisory Council, the Coalition for Successful Aging, the Adult Protection Coordinating Council, the Development Disabilities Council and the Medicaid Transportation Advisory Committee.

          Prior to government service, Curtis was a business owner and was further engaged as a real estate investor and developer. He ceased day-to-day association with his business in 2001 and, until March 1, 2007, he was involved with the Saluda Charitable Foundation in a full-time capacity. He has been active in local and national politics.

          He is a member of the First Baptist Church of West Columbia. He is also a member of the Saluda-Ternopil Board of Directors and an active member of Doctors on Missions.

          Curtis is a lifelong resident of South Carolina and a 1981 graduate of the University of South Carolina where he served as president of the student senate and president of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity.

          Mr. Loftis travels extensively, and enjoys skiing, mountaineering, rock climbing and scuba.