SC Hospitality Association President Missing

The Columbia Police Department is asking for the public's help locating S.C. Hospitality Association President Tom Sponseller, who has been missing since Saturday. 

Sponseller, 61, was last seen in the association's office on Lady Street in downtown Columbia at noon Saturday, according to the association website. 

"The SC Hospitality Association members and staff are deeply concerned for Tom Sponseller’s whereabouts," the association wrote in a statement. "He is a prominent hospitality industry leader here in our state as well as nationally. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tom’s family and friends."

Sponseller has served as the president of the association for almost 22 years. He is also the hospitality industry's main lobbyist at the State House.  

The family created a Facebook page called "Help Find Tom Sponseller" with downloadable flyers and information about Sponseller.

Sponseller, a Citadel graduate, grew up in Greenville, according to his biography on the association website. He is married and has three adult children who also work in the hospitality industry.

He previously worked for a company that operated the outdoor concessions stands for the University of South Carolina Athletic Department. 

Sponseller is balding with gray/white hair, and is about 6 feet 1 inches tall. He weighs about 160 pounds. He has hazel eyes and usually wears glasses. 

Anyone with information about his whereabouts should call Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.