School District Five has named Allen Knotts the new Chief Operations Officer for the district. He replaces Dr. Gerald Gary who left the district to become superintendent of the Sumter School District.
Knotts has been serving the role in an interim capacity since April. He joined the district in August 2022 as Director of Facilities. Before joining the district, Knotts served as director of engineering at University Health Care System, where he handled engineering and plant operations for multiple facilities totaling over 1000 beds. Knotts also served as the Director of Engineering at McLeod Health and as an engineering operations manager at Palmetto Health in Columbia. While at Palmetto Health, Knotts helped with building Prisma Health Baptist Parkridge. Knotts is also acting 1st Sergeant of the G6 with the South Carolina National Guard, based out of Joint Force HQ.
“I am incredibly honored and deeply grateful to Dr. Ross and the Board of Trustees for the opportunity to serve as Chief Operations Officer,” Knotts said. “Having served as the Director of Facility Operations since 2022, I have seen firsthand the dedication, hard work, and passion that defines this district. Stepping into this new role is a responsibility I do not take lightly. I am eager to build upon the strong foundation left by Dr. Gerald Gary and wish him the very best in his new role as superintendent of the Sumter School District. My top priority remains ensuring a safe, secure, and highly productive environment where our students can thrive and our staff feels fully supported. Thank you all for your continued trust and collaboration. I look forward to working alongside each of you in this new capacity to serve our community.”
Knotts received his associates degree in applied science from Midlands Technical College and his bachelors of science in technology management from Excelsior College. He earned his masters in business administration from Western Governors University. He is also a certified Journeyman Electrician and MGI Health Care Electrician.
“Mr. Knotts has already demonstrated the steady leadership and a strong commitment to excellence that this role demands during his time as interim Chief Operations Officer,” said School District Five Superintendent Dr. Akil E. Ross, Sr. “His extensive experience and deep understanding of our district’s operations have prepared him well to lead this important work. I am confident Mr. Knotts will continue making a positive impact on our schools, our facilities and the students and staff we serve.”
