Board Chair Allison Terracio (left) and Marketing Director Pamela Bynoe-Reed (right) Recognized for Excellence in Transportation Leadership
Columbia, S.C. (August 20, 2025) – The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET) is celebrating two of its top leaders who have received statewide recognition for their impact on public transportation.
Richland County Councilwoman and COMET Board Chair Allison Terracio has been named the Transportation Association of South Carolina (TASC) Elected Official of the Year. Pamela Bynoe-Reed, The COMET’s Director of Marketing & Community Affairs/PIO, has been recognized as Support Manager of the Year. Both awards were presented during the TASC Annual Conference and Expo on Wednesday, August 20, at the Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center.
These prestigious honors highlight the recipients’ pivotal roles in securing the $990 million voter-approved Richland County Penny Tax Referendum, which has provided transformational funding for public transit in the Midlands.
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition alongside Pamela,” said Terracio. “Our work on the penny tax referendum was truly a community effort. This award belongs to all the residents who believed in our vision for better transit services.”
As Board Chair, Terracio has advanced The COMET’s mission to provide safe, reliable, and accessible transit across Richland and Lexington counties. She represents Richland County Council District 5, which includes neighborhoods from Historic Waverly to St. Andrews, as well as the campuses of the University of South Carolina, Allen University, and Benedict College.
Bynoe-Reed, a 20-year communications and marketing leader, has earned national recognition for her innovative campaigns, including the award-winning “Saving Sarah’s Seat.” She was also named a 2025 SC Women in Business honoree and is currently pursuing an MBA at USC’s Darla Moore School of Business.
“The success of the penny tax referendum was the result of teamwork, community engagement, and the leadership of our Executive Director and Board,” said Bynoe-Reed. “I’m grateful to work alongside such dedicated colleagues who are committed to improving transportation access for all residents in the Midlands.”
Maurice Pearl, Executive Director/CEO of The COMET, praised both leaders:
“We are incredibly proud of Allison and Pamela. Their dedication and vision were instrumental in passing the penny tax referendum, which will transform transportation in our region for generations. These awards reflect not only their leadership but also the power of collaboration between elected officials and transportation professionals.”
The TASC Annual Conference and Expo brings together transit professionals, elected officials, and industry partners from across South Carolina to share best practices, discuss emerging trends, and honor outstanding contributions to public transportation.
