Mitch Carnell

I grew up in Woodruff,South Carolina and graduated from Mars Hill College, Furman University, The University of Alabama and Louisiana State University. I received and Honorary Doctrate from Lander University and the Order of the Palmetto from the state of South Carolina. I am a Fellow of the American Speech Language and Hearing Association and was awarded the Honors of the SC Association.

My first wife, Liz, died just before Hurricane Hugo struck Charleston in September, 1989. We have two wonderful grown children, Suzanne and Michael. I married Carol Steinbrecher in July, 1998. I have three of the world's most outstanding grandchildren: Christopher Smith, Christina and Colin Carnell. I have a sister, Jean, who walks on water. I was the President?CEO of the Charleston Speech and Hearing Center for 35 years.

My passion is helping people and organizations communicate more effectively. I am the creator of Say Something Nice Day and Say Something Nice Sunday.All of my writing and speaking is aimed at bringing people together. My heroes are FDR, Jimmy Carter and Pope Francis. My favorite poet is Carl Sandburg. At Bill Clinton's first inauguration I stood through a concert of the Grateful Dead so I could sit through a concert with Peter, Paul and Mary. I have written devotionals for Reflections, Open Windows, and Secret Places and essays for www.ethicsdaily.com.