COLUMBIA, S.C. - Charlie Farrell, the former executive coordinator for the South Carolina Military Base Task Force has been awarded the Order of the Palmetto by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster.

The Order of the Palmetto is the state's highest civilian honor awarded to citizens of South Carolina for extraordinary lifetime service and achievements of national or statewide significance, and is a once in a lifetime achievement.

Charlie Farrell is a banking and finance graduate of the University of South Carolina where he played basketball for Coach Frank McGuire. He flew jet fighters with the Marine Corps and Air National Guard. He owned two commercial printing companies before he formed The Farrell Group, specializing in programs to develop skills in leadership, teamwork, and personal productivity.  His repeat clients include General Electric, 3M, Mayo Clinic, Federal Reserve Bank, Ocean Spray Cranberry, and Michelin.  He travels extensively, having visited all 50 states and 30 foreign countries.

Charlie has authored numerous articles and two books. Courage To Lead, in its eighth printing, is used by many organizations and universities in their leadership training.  Keep Your Wallet Open and Your Mouth Shut is a humorous look at how fathers can survive the wedding of a daughter.

Charlie was director of Executive Education in the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina.  He was director of the South Carolina Aerospace Task Force and also served as executive coordinator for the South Carolina Military Base Task Force. Charlie was inducted into the Richland School District One Hall of Fame.