Meet the BANCO Team
Heyward Bannister
Founder, BANCO (Bannister Company)
Bannister formed BANCO/Bannister in 1992 as a public relations, marketing, and political consulting firm with a focus on reaching the minority community. He has managed and/or consulted on over 400 political campaigns, including local, regional, statewide, and even presidential campaigns. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of South Carolina.
A Strategic Team Creating Results
Cornelius Cakley, Graphic Designer
Cornelius is a designer with extensive experience in graphic design, print, and digital media. For over 30 years, he has graphically designed and conceptualized projects and materials for clients ranging from local public officials to the White House Administration. He has a wealth of experience in both the private and public sectors, having worked with non-profit organizations, PR firms, grassroots organizations, government agencies, and political campaigns.
Cornelius has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Benedict College and a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Media Design from Full Sail University. Currently, he serves as Chair of the Fine Arts Department at Claflin University.
Betty Gregory, Public Affairs
Betty is an experienced consultant who coordinates various local and statewide initiatives, grassroots campaigns, coalition and network building, communications, and implementing strategic plans to achieve goals and results. She has a stellar track record of success for clients. She is skillful in coalition building and engaging stakeholders while planning, developing, coordinating, and implementing various campaign activities to achieve optimal results for BANCO clients.
Nicole H. Holland, Communications Strategist/Writer
Nicole has extensive experience in media and community relations. For almost 30 years, she has arranged and coordinated media events, placed media buys, and provided media training for numerous clients and public officials. She began her career in broadcasting, later moving into public relations.
Nicole has developed marketing and outreach strategies, coordinated special public appearances for elected officials and celebrities, and secured placements in state and local media for numerous clients and candidates. A graduate of the University of South Carolina, she holds bachelor’s degrees in Broadcast Journalism and African American Studies and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Williet Vaughn, Project Assistant
Williet is an experienced executive project assistant with expertise in corporate events, internal communications, and project and logistics management. She brings a wealth of experience to each project, having spent 30 years in the corporate setting. She has been responsible for handling projects for many of BANCO’s high-profile clients. Williet’s previous work with Fannie Mae provided her with solid management experience and many client and community relations opportunities.