About Us

The Columbia Council for Internationals (CCFI) is a 501(c)3 non-profit, all-volunteer group organized in 1965 to offer assistance to international students arriving at the University of South Carolina (USC). CCFI is officially recognized by the university to offer services to its international students; we also provide services to international students in other degree-granting institutions in the Columbia area.

The CCFI also provides hospitality and professional program support for US State Department-sponsored, short-term international visitors that are sent to the Columbia area and are channeled through the agencies affiliated with the National Council for International Visitors (NCIV).

CCFI is affiliated with the National Council for International Visitors (NCIV) and NAFSA: Association of International Educators.

Board of Directors

Officers

Jim Byrum
President

Betty McGregor
Immediate Past President
Recording Secretary

Don Caughman
Vice President
Ways and Means Co-Chair

Arthuree Ricks
Corresponding Secretary

Denise Cellier
Treasurer

Members

Mary Willis
International Hour Chair

Ellen Reynolds
Dottie Boatwright
Hospitality Co-Chairs

Carol Spivey
Arrival Hospitality Co-Chair

Harriet Showman
NCIV Consultant

Zella Woody
Volunteer Recruitment Chair

Beverly Izlet
Membership Chair

Mary Revels
Historian

Alan Davis
Furnishings Chair

Mary Callahan
Judy Timmons
Community Host Chair

Amanda Phifer
Newsletter

Mary Rogerson
Evaluation and New Programs

Rachel Haynie
Public Relations and Publicity

Barbara Gatlin
Speakers Bureau Chair

Neil Mellen
Ways and Means Co-Chair