Leadership Hilton Head Island-Bluffton

For 40 years, the 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

The class also completes a community project. In the past nine years, leadership classes have raised and invested over $196,600 into the community through these projects including Safe Shore, Wheels to the Waves, Reel In & Recycle, Bluffton Library Park, playground equipment at Oscar Frazier Park, "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 is open to professionals living and working in southern Beaufort County and runs from August 2025 through May 2026.

Questions? Please contact  Laura Alice Henderson, Director of Programs and Events at [email protected].

Welcome Class of 2026!

• Paige Allgire, Fraum Health
• Theresa Avery, Beach House Hilton Head Island
• Haven Banks, MiraSol Health
• Sheila Cosgrove, Sheila Cosgrove Coaching and Consulting
• Shemeica East, The Sea Pines Resort
• Michael Fries, The Fries Team @ EXP Realty
• Juliann Garcia, Burr & Forman LLP
• Ean Gardner, The G-Free Spot Bakery, Inc.
• Sherry Halphen, United Way of the Lowcountry
• Dustin McGraw, Palmetto Electric Cooperative
• Ashby Mims, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry
• Maurice Mitchell, Novant Health
• Eydie Moody, Bluffton Police Department / Town of Bluffton
• Dawn Morgan, Collins Construction & Realty One Group Inclusion
• Jeremiah Orr, Sparklight
• Annmarie Reiley-Kay, Coastal Discovery Museum
• Chris Solano, The Greenery, Inc.
• Gary Sutton, University of South Carolina Beaufort
• Meghan Traylor, Outside Brands
• Jillian Vannoni, Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort
• Heather Woolwine, Town of Hilton Head Island
• Joyce Wright, Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park

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