Martha Smith
Accounting Specialist
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.
Martha joined the Contender team as an Accounting Specialist in 2022. After earning her Masters of Education degree from the Bob Jones University, Martha enjoyed a 30 year career in Special Education, twenty of which was providing education to preschool children and children with special needs at the Meyer Center for Special Children in Greenville, SC.
Her role at Contender includes a variety of responsibilities, including entity and invoice management, contract review and accounts payable reporting.
