Black History Month is a time to honor trailblazers whose work, vision, and leadership continue to shape industries across the nation. At the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance, we are proud to spotlight African American leaders in manufacturing who have not only excelled in their fields but have also paved the way for future generations. In this post, we celebrate the accomplishments and get some career advice from two inspiring leaders: Thalya Hairston, Vice President of Quality at Coca‑Cola Consolidated, and Tommy Preston, Jr., Global Chief Talent Officer at The Boeing Company.
Thalya J. Hairston – A Legacy of Quality and Mentorship
With an impressive 37-year career in food and beverage manufacturing, Thalya J. Hairston brings decades of expertise and a deep commitment to excellence. A proud graduate of Virginia State University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Pre‑med, Thalya quickly embraced the manufacturing industry and has grown into a leader responsible for national and global accountability.
At Coca‑Cola Consolidated—the largest Coca‑Cola bottler in the United States—Thalya plays a critical role in developing and implementing a robust Quality and Food Safety Strategic Plan. This plan not only affects over 17,000 teammates and 300 product brands but also touches the lives of 60 million consumers. For Thalya, the joy of her work lies in the tangible results that come from collaboration with an exceptionally talented team and the knowledge that their efforts make a real difference.
Beyond her professional achievements, Thalya is deeply involved in mentorship and community service. Whether guiding young professionals through formal and informal mentorship programs or giving back through her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and community initiatives like Family Promise of Cobb County, she remains committed to inspiring the next generation of manufacturing leaders. Her advice to young professionals?
“Stay curious, be resilient, and continuously seek opportunities for learning and growth. Embrace challenges as opportunities and never hesitate to ask questions or seek mentorship.”
Tommy Preston, Jr. – Championing Talent and Community Engagement
Tommy Preston, Jr. offers a dynamic perspective on manufacturing through his role as the Global Chief Talent Officer at The Boeing Company. With a background rooted in a manufacturing family from South Carolina and over 15 years of professional experience in the manufacturing industry, Tommy embodies the spirit of innovation and commitment that manufacturing brings to our state and country.
At Boeing, a company renowned for developing and manufacturing commercial airplanes, defense products, and space systems, Tommy leads a global team focused on attracting, onboarding, developing, and retaining exceptional talent around the world. His work is particularly important at Boeing South Carolina in North Charleston, home of the 787 Dreamliner, where more than 8,000 teammates contribute to its production. . Tommy takes pride in helping guide Boeing’s culture transformation efforts—a mission he describes as one of the greatest honors of his career.
Tommy’s commitment to the community is equally noteworthy. He founded Cocky’s Reading Express at the University of South Carolina, which has helped distribute nearly 170,000 books to children across South Carolina over the past 20 years. This program, which began as an idea in his college dorm continues to thrive with an ambitious goal to raise $100,000 to provide 20,000 books to young readers, ensuring that the gift of literacy reaches even more children. Additionally, Tommy has provided years of service to SCMA, having served as the first African American Board Chair in the organization’s history.
To young people considering a career in manufacturing, Tommy offers a powerful message:
“Manufacturing is the backbone of our nation’s economy and isn’t just a job—it’s a pathway to a long, meaningful career. For South Carolinians, these are careers right in your own backyard, and you don’t need a four-year college degree to succeed in this industry.”
Inspiring the Future of Manufacturing
As Black History Month draws to a close, we proudly celebrate Thalya Hairston and Tommy Preston, Jr.—trailblazers who embody the excellence, innovation, and community spirit at the heart of the manufacturing industry. Their remarkable journeys demonstrate that success is forged not only through technical expertise and hard work, but also through a deep commitment to mentorship, community engagement, and relentless personal growth.
