Zach McKay is a 2017 graduate of the Citadel and former pitcher of their baseball team. After graduation, he embarked on a career in public service. He started his professional journey with the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce where he found his desire to be involved community development. He soon joined the staff of Senator Lindsey Graham, which further fueled his desire to continue working with the public. Currently, Zach holds the position of Executive Director of the Marion County Economic Development Commission where he continued to make a positive impact on the local community and fulfill his dream of working in public service. Zach is a passionate economic development professional who is known for an unwavering drive and the ability to pull people together for a common cause. On September 30th, 2023 Zach’s life took a tragic turn. A fall left him with a crushed C5 vertebrae and a spinal cord injury that resulted in paralysis from the shoulders down. He spent 17 challenging days at the University of Tennessee Trauma Center facing immense physical struggles. Despite his circumstances, Zach’s indomitable spirit shone through, and he continues to remain optimistic about his recovery. After this time at the UT Trauma Center, Zach was transferred to the Shepherds Center for rehabilitation. He has faced additional physical challenges, but continues to fight and maintain a positive attitude and the determination to regain his mobility. During this time, he has stayed in contact with his community from his hospital room as his desire for community progress continues. The physicians at Shepherds are hopeful Zach will be discharged after the new year. Zach remains adamant he will continue his work in public service upon his return to South Carolina. Zach’s personality is one of strong will and perseverance. These attributes combined with his unwavering determination, will no doubt help him achieve his objective.

Family and friends of Zachary McKay are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with Catastrophic Injury.