Previous Coverage: Missing Person: President of SC Hospitality Assoc.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Columbia Police Chief Randy Scott hopes the public can assist officers in locating a missing person. The family of Tom Sponseller, who was born on May 18, 1950, is concerned for his safety and well being. “We wanted to announced and solicit the community’s assistant in locating one of the Columbia leaders, Mr. Tom Sponseller,” says Columbia Police Chief Randy Scott. At a press conference Monday afternoon, Chief Scott asked for help in finding Tom Sponseller. The man who has served as President of the South Carolina Hospitality Association for more than 20 years was reported missing Saturday. “What we do know right now is Mr. Sponseller has not been in contact currently with any of his family members,” says Chief Scott. His wife reported him missing after several attempts to contact him were unsuccessful. Crandall Sims reporting, “Tom Sponseller was last seen here at his office on Lady Street, midday Saturday. Police say he was here for a meeting with co-workers, something they say isn’t unusual for the executive.” But police say when family members arrived at his office, Sponseller was no where to be found, but his car was. “It was parked in the garage where he normally parked,” says Chief Scott. Calls to his cell phone have gone unanswered. “Everyone to include me, half of Columbia has probably tried to call his cell phone and he has not answered,” says Chief Scott. The South Carolina Hospitality Association released the following statement in part, regarding Sponseller. “The SC Hospitality Association members and staff are deeply concerned for Tom Sponseller’s whereabouts. He is a prominent hospitality industry leader in our state as well as nationally. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tom’s family and friends.” His family has also created a “Help Find Tom Sponseller,” Facebook page to help in the search. In the meantime, Chief Scott says investigators are continuing to search for Sponseller. “At the end of the day, I hope all the work they’ve put in is for nothing and Tom comes back,” says Chief Scott. Sponseller is a 61-year-old white male, approximately 6 feet 1 inches tall, weighing 160 pounds. He has gray/white hair, hazel eyes and typically wears glasses. If you see Sponseller or know his whereabouts, you are asked to call CRIMESTOPPERS at 1-888-CRIME-SC or the Columbia Police Department at (803) 545-3500.