Deborah McKetty Receives Order of Palmetto

Community leader Deborah McKetty was honored on Friday, April 10, 2026, with the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor.

McKetty is the interim president of the Greenville Housing Fund, and she has worked in nonprofits and community service roles throughout her career.

She recently retired as president of the South Carolina Community Loan Fund, and previously served as vice president and chief impact officer of United Way of Greenville County.

In presenting the award, Nate Barber, president of the South Carolina Community Loan Fund, said, “There's hardly anyone in this state that has had the impact on community and economic development that Deborah has had. Specifically, she's had a huge impact on community development and the financial industry.”

And South Carolina State Sen. Karl B. Allen, who represents the 7th Senate District, said, “To South Carolina, you are no longer just a citizen, no longer just a registered voter. You are now in the history books in the journal of South Carolina as a darling of South Carolina.”