Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Columbia Chamber names its Ambassador of the Year

Christina Lee Knauss //September 26, 2022//

Columbia Chamber names its Ambassador of the Year

Christina Lee Knauss //September 26, 2022//

Listen to this article

David Pankau has received the Ambassador of the Year award from the Columbia Chamber of Commerce.

He will be honored at the Chamber’s 119th Annual Gala on Oct. 6, according to a news release.

The award, sponsored by Colonial Life, is presented to a member of the community who demonstrates outstanding business ethnics and has influenced positive promotion and preservation of the Midlands area.

“David Pankau is a leader in the business community whose tireless efforts have helped to grow and shape Columbia as we know it,” said Carl Blackstone, president and CEO of the Columbia Chamber.

Pankau was with BlueCross BlueShield for 30 years and served as president and CEO from 2010 until his retirement July 1.

He holds a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University and a master’s degree in public health from the University of South Carolina. Pankau served on the board of directors of Midlands Business Leadership Group, Palmetto Business Forum and the National Institute for Health Care Management. He has also served on BlueCross BlueShield’s board of directors since 2010.

Pankau has worked with many regional organizations including Junior Achievement, Transitions Homeless Center, St. Lawrence Place, Healthy Learners and United Way of the Midlands.

“It is an honor and a privilege to recognize David with this year’s award,” said Tim Arnold, president of Colonial Life. “David is an outstanding leader, and many organizations in the community have benefited from his passion for driving lasting change.”

 

t