Leadership Hilton Head Island-Bluffton

For nearly four decades, our flagship Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce Leadership program has been the catalyst for change-makers in our community.

Over 10 months, participants get immersed in a transformative experience that goes beyond professional development. Dive deep into the heart of southern Beaufort County, exploring its:

• Vibrant culture and rich history
• Economy and business landscape
• Innovative government structures
• Cutting-edge educational systems
• Evolving social fabric

Each Leadership class also completes a community project. In the past eight years, leadership classes have raised and invested over $189,000 into the community through these projects including Wheels to the Waves, Reel In & Recycle, Bluffton Library Park, sunscreen dispensers at Hilton Head Island parks, playground equipment at Oscar Frazier Park, Matthew's Oak in Shelter Cove Towne Centre, "Follow the Fiddlers" in Old Town Bluffton, signage on Daufuskie Island, and more. 

The Leadership program isn't just about individual growth—it's about creating a powerful network of leaders who support and inspire each other long after graduation. The bonds formed here last a lifetime, with alumni often citing the camaraderie as one of the most valuable aspects of their experience.

Open to professionals living and working in southern Beaufort County, this program is your gateway to making a lasting difference. Since 1985, over 700 people have graduated from the program.

Why invest in leadership? Because we understand that today's emerging leaders are tomorrow's community pillars. Join us in our mission to cultivate a new generation of visionaries who will drive innovation, foster growth, and create positive change across the Lowcountry.

The Leadership Class runs annually from August 2024 through May 2025 with a graduation ceremony in June 2025. 

Questions? Please contact Events & Programs Manager Lauren Ericksen, [email protected].

Welcome Class of 2025!

• Paul Arvantides, Don Ryan Center for Innovation
• Bethany Brown, Hilton Head Island Island Recreation Association 
• Sarah Brown, Sea Love Candle Car Boutique
• Amy Conners, Hilton Head Regional Healthcare
• Madeline Cox, Outside Hilton Head
• Jim Damico, South Atlantic Bank
• Angela Douglas, Town of Bluffton 
• Kathleen Duncan, J.K. Tiller Associates, Inc.
• Andrew Dunlap, Shoreline Construction
• Libby Gilden, Part of the Family, LLC
• Daniel Guerrini, Alliance Global Partners
• Hannah Hartberger, Town of Bluffton
• Stephanie Jurczak, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Bluffton
• Kristen McIntosh, Art League of Hilton Head
• Mallory Munson, The Sea Pines Resort
• Sheila Paz, LOCAL Life Magazine 
• Ryan Pye, Hospice Care of the Lowcountry
• Olivia Root, Taylor's Quality Landscape Supply
• Dalton Shaw, The Fraum Center for Restorative Health 
• Lindsay Taylor, Just Tri Performance
• Morgan Thompson, Town of Hilton Head Island
• Connie Turlington, Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort
• Jose Vargas, Hargray Communications  
• Ryan Wise, Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island

Thanks to our 2024-2025 Board of Regents

• Adam Martin, Chair (Class of 2022), Haig Point
  Kiley Fusco, Vice Chair (Class of 2014), City of Pooler
• Brian Neumann, Past Chair (Class of 2014), Revolution Network
• Joan Richardson, Treasurer (Class of 2022), Carey & Company
• Cary Welker, Secretary (Class of 2023), SERG Restaurant Group
• Nicki Charles, Mentors (Class of 2016), Community Foundation of the Lowcountry
• Susana Cook, Sponsorships (Class of 2016), Hilton Garden Inn
• Henry Criss, Book Presentations (Class of 2022), Fraum Center for Restorative Health
• Allyson Etheridge, Recruiting (Class of 2023), Daniel Ravenel Sotheby's International Realty
• Lynn King, Sponsorships (Class of 2014), Kevin King Associates
• Emily Kraus, CEAs (Class of 2024), The Sea Pines Resort
• Bethany Marcinkowski, CEAs (Class of 2024), United Way of the Lowcountry, Inc.
• Russell Rogers, Recruiting (Class of 2023), Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue
• Cinda Seamon, Mentor Coordinator (Class of 1991), Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue
• Ryan Williams, Assistant Treasurer (Class of 2024), South Atlantic Bank