Clinton C. McKinney, Sr.
VP, Finance & Investments
Joshua Howard
President & Chief Legal Officer
Josh is a seasoned attorney with over two decades of experience providing strategic counsel to businesses and developers across the southeast region. Josh oversees the Contender family of brands, encompassing a diverse portfolio of commercial and residential real estate ventures, as well as development initiatives.
Under his leadership, he has assembled a high-performing team of professionals in management, legal, finance, and real estate. Josh holds a Bachelor's degree from Clemson University and earned his Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from the University of South Carolina School of Law. Prior to his current role, he served as a Partner at Womble Bond Dickinson, LLP and Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, PA. He also held a law clerk position with the Honorable Henry M. Herlong Jr. of the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Josh has consistently demonstrated a commitment to community leadership, maintaining an active presence in both the southeast legal community and the South Carolina business sector.
Clinton joined Contender as VP of Finance & Investments as a seasoned financial executive, private equity professional, and strategic advisor with extensive leadership experience across the banking, private equity and business consulting sectors throughout the Carolinas.
During his banking career, he was responsible for originating, developing, and managing high-value commercial and private banking relationships representing $500 million to $1 billion in combined client assets and credit facilities. After transitioning from the banking sector into private equity and consulting, Clinton contributed his expertise to a private equity firm by designing a successful investment strategy, financial analysis, and value creation initiatives resulting in the firm’s valuation which exceeded $3 billion, representing significant enterprise growth.
He is equally committed to serving his community through nonprofit leadership, board service, and philanthropic engagement, believing that lasting success is defined by both financial achievement and meaningful community impact.