Anthony Stovall is a father of five, grandfather of nine, retired senior military leader, educator, business owner, author, and community advocate proudly serving the Columbia community he calls home. Rooted in faith and service, with family ties to Biloxi, Mississippi, his life’s work centers on strengthening people and communities.With over 39 years in the U.S. Air Force, including service as an air traffic controller, Anthony led in high-stakes environments where accountability and mission success were critical. His career included multiple combat deployments and senior leadership roles, including Command Senior Enlisted Leader responsible for nearly 4,000 personnel and Air Traffic Control Functional Manager shaping enterprise-wide policy.He holds a graduate degree in Transformational Leadership and is completing a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Organizational Leadership.Following military service, Anthony became a university professor and founded TLS Global Management Services and the Non-profit FHL Leadership Group, advancing leadership development and workforce readiness. Through FHL, he’s awarded nearly 30 scholarships and led regional mentorship initiatives.Active in civic leadership, he serves with the Community Relations Council, NAACP initiatives, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and 100 Black Men.Anthony’s philosophy: “Everything starts and ends with leadership.”Read Full Bio

Education & Workforce Readiness:Ensuring students graduate prepared for real-world success with the skills, certifications, and clear career pathways needed to thrive. By expanding career and technical education and strengthening partnerships with Midlands Technical College and industry, we can better align education with opportunity and prepare students for today’s and tomorrow’s jobs. Read more

Public Safety & Community Stability:Building safer communities through prevention, accountability, and engagement. This includes expanding youth programs, strengthening partnerships between law enforcement and residents, and addressing root causes of crime through mentorship, opportunity, and access to resources so families feel safe, supported, and connected. Read more

Jobs, Economy & Cost of Living:Building an economy that works for local families by supporting small businesses, expanding workforce training, and increasing access to capital for entrepreneurs. By strengthening job pipelines and supporting local industry, we can drive sustainable growth, increase incomes, and make everyday life more affordable. Read more

Healthcare & Mental Health Access:Expanding access to quality, affordable healthcare for individuals and families across District 79. This includes increasing access to primary care, strengthening mental health services, and supporting preventive care initiatives to address gaps, improve availability, and build healthier communities. Read more