Greg Hood
James Gregory Hood, affectionately known as Greg, was born on April 15, 1971, in Anderson, South Carolina, to James and Sarah Hood. From an early age, Greg demonstrated a rare combination of athleticism, discipline, and leadership that would go on to define his life’s work.
Early Life and Education
Growing up in Anderson, Greg attended Westside High School, where he quickly became a standout athlete in both football and track. His dedication to sports, coupled with his strong academic performance, earned him a place at Clemson University. There, he enrolled in the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences and graduated in 1994.
While at Clemson, Greg continued to excel athletically, lettering in both football and track and field. A four-time ACC Champion, he contributed to three team titles in track and one in football. He was recognized as Player of the Game for his performance against both the University of Virginia and Duke University.
Military Service
Parallel to his college career, Greg served his country as a Communications Specialist with the U.S. Army National Guard’s 151st Signal Battalion. He received his initial training at Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina, followed by specialized communications training at Fort Eisenhower (formerly Fort Gordon), Georgia. Greg served during Operation Desert Shield and the Gulf War in various leadership roles, including Squad Leader, Personnel Recruiter, and Physical Training Cadre. His six years of honorable service earned him multiple commendations and a legacy of discipline and dedication.
A Career in Education and Leadership
Following his military service, Greg began a 17-year tenure at Christ Church Episcopal School (CCES) in Greenville, South Carolina. There, he wore many hats—Admissions Officer, Webmaster, Head Track Coach, Assistant Head Football Coach, and Defensive Coordinator. His final and most impactful role at CCES was Director of Diversity, where he also served on the school’s administrative council.
As Chair of the Diversity Initiatives Committee for the Palmetto Association of Independent Schools (PAIS), Greg led statewide efforts to recruit and retain minority students and faculty across South Carolina’s independent schools. Under his guidance, the committee organized leadership conferences and diversity training that influenced educational policy and practice, even inspiring similar initiatives in North Carolina.
National College Preps and Beyond
Greg’s passion for equity in education led him to found National College Preps, a program dedicated to supporting student-athletes aiming to become first-generation college graduates. The program has helped produce 39 college graduates, with many advancing into careers in law, medicine, military, education, and the arts. Notably, five athletes have progressed to compete at the professional (NBA and NFL) and Olympic levels.
Personal Life
Greg has been married for 25 years to Tressa Lewis-Hood, a Senior Business Analyst at DXC Corporation. Together they have one son, Quinton Hood, a student at the Clemson University Honors College, pursuing a double major in Mechanical Engineering and Business.
Outside of his professional and civic commitments, Greg enjoys traveling with his family, woodworking, gardening, and watching college football.
Current Work and Community Engagement
Today, Greg works as a private business consultant, specializing in Human Resources and Operations Management. He continues his commitment to community health and education through a board appointment with Hear To H.E.A.L., a nonprofit focused on mobile healthcare services, medical student support and education.
