SCECA District Presidents

District 1

TJ Cheeks

TJ Cheeks is a devoted wife, proud mother of four adult children, and a passionate serial entrepreneur dedicated to serving her community. More than 13 years ago, TJ began her journey in early childhood education as an in-home childcare provider. Through hard work, determination, and a genuine love for children, she expanded her vision by opening Cheeks Daycare Academy, where she proudly serves as Owner and Director. Guided by the academy’s motto, “Where Children Play to Learn,” TJ is committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and educational environment where every child can thrive. Known affectionately for calling the children “her babies” or “the littles,” TJ believes every child deserves to be loved, encouraged, and given the opportunity to succeed regardless of their age or background. Community service is at the heart of everything TJ does. Her greatest passion remains investing in the lives of young children and strengthening the community she proudly serves. Her leadership is rooted in compassion, service, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to making a positive difference. TJ lives by the inspiring words: "You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start in order to be great.”

District 2

William S. Richburg, Jr.

William Richburg Jr. is an educator, financial services professional, community leader, and devoted father who is passionate about empowering individuals and strengthening communities. With 19 years of experience in education, he currently serves as a Pre-K teacher with the Marlboro County School District, where he is dedicated to creating engaging learning experiences that foster the academic, social, and emotional development of young learners.  William also serves as District 2 President of the South Carolina Early Childhood Association (SCECA), where he advocates for excellence in early childhood education and supports educators through leadership, collaboration, and professional development. His academic accomplishments include a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education. As the proud father of three children, he understands the importance of investing in the next generation and is committed to creating opportunities that help families, students, and communities thrive. 

"All you can do is all you can do, and all you can do is enough." — Art Williams

Vivian Y. Goldsborough is a proud native of Chester, South Carolina, and the Owner and Director of Kreative Kare Childcare. Her passion for children and serving others began at the age of 17 when she lovingly cared for one of her cousins from the time, he was just three months old. Committed to fulfilling her God-given purpose, Vivian earned degrees in Early Childhood Education and Business Management. She is the proud mother of three children and a devoted grandmother. Under Vivian's leadership, Kreative Kare Childcare has achieved the highest rating through South Carolina's ABC Quality Program and proudly partners with Chester County First Steps and York County First Steps to provide exceptional early childhood education and comprehensive family support services. Her commitment to excellence has established Kreative Kare as a trusted resource for children and families throughout the community. Vivian is an active member of the South Carolina Early Childhood Association (SCECA), where she currently serves as President of District 3. Vivian leads both her life and her business through her unwavering faith in God, drawing daily strength and encouragement from Romans 8:28: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." 

District 4

Tammy Compton

Tammy Compton is the owner of The Spark-Early Learning Consulting and a part-time trainer for Palmetto Shared Services Alliance. She holds a BA in Sociology from Furman University, a Masters in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Carolina. She began her career in the sales field with Proctor & Gamble. Upon becoming a mom, she left and opened her own child care center. During her 25 years as a child care owner/director, her center achieved A+ status with the Program and a 5 Star rating in Quality Counts. She served as the Quality Counts Program Director for Spartanburg County First Steps for 7 years. She has  been recognized by SCECA with the “Saundra Ground Education Award” for promoting higher education for child care providers. 

In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, traveling and loves spending time with her grandchildren.

Her favorite is quote: "You can’t put a limit on anything! The more you dream, the farther you get!"  

By Michael Phelps

District 5

Aletha Simpson

Aletha Smith Simpson is a proud native of Anderson County, South Carolina, and a dedicated entrepreneur with a passion for serving her community. After attending Winthrop College, she returned to her hometown to pursue a career in cosmetology, earning her credentials and successfully launching her own salon. Her commitment to excellence and strong work ethic laid the foundation for her continued growth as a business owner.

Building on her entrepreneurial spirit, Aletha founded Just Like My Own Childcare Center, where her genuine love for children is at the heart of everything she does. Inspired by her personal journey and the joy of motherhood, she has created a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment where every child is treated with care, attention, and respect. Aletha has been married to her husband, Corey Simpson, for 23 years. Together, they are proud parents of their daughter, Novah, whose intelligence and talents continue to inspire them daily.With a belief that every child deserves to feel valued and empowered, Aletha leads with compassion, integrity, and purpose—ensuring that each child in her care is treated “just like her own.”

District 6

Aramis Hillary

Small business owner and real estate investor, Aramis Hillary, is a South Carolina native with a background in team leadership and management. Hillary is a former collegiate athlete of The University of South Carolina and Coastal Carolina University. He is one of the top
independent real estate producers across the state of South Carolina with an extremely diversified portfolio of commercial, residential, and rehab properties.

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate,
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.
We were all meant to shine as children do. It’s not just in some of us, it’s in everyone.
And, as we let our own light shine, we consciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

-Marianne Williamson