Forging Tomorrow's Leaders: A Legacy of Excellence
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 (August - May), 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 $200,000 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 2026 through May 2027.
Recruitment for the Class of 2027 runs from March 19 - May 20. To apply for the Class of 2027, click here.
Leadership recruitment informational coffees (click here to RSVP):
- Thursday, April 23: 8:30 am, Chamber Boardroom, Hilton Head Island
- Thursday, April 30: 4:30 pm, Hilton Garden Inn, Bluffton
Questions? Please contact us 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 2025-2026 Board of Regents
- Lynn King, Chair (Class of 2014), MiraSol Health
- Bethany Marcinkowski, Vice Chair (Class of 2024), United Way of the Lowcountry, Inc.
- Adam Martin, Past Chair (Class of 2022), Hampton Lakes
- Cary Welker, Secretary (Class of 2023), SERG Restaurant Group
- Ryan Williams, Treasurer (Class of 2024), Coastal States Bank
- Nicki Charles, Mentors (Class of 2016), Bluffton Self Help
- Susana Cook, (Class of 2016), Hilton Garden Inn
- Henry Criss, (Class of 2022), Fraum Health
- Allyson Etheridge, (Class of 2023), Daniel Ravenel Sotheby's International Realty
- Kristin Keller, (Class of 2014), Palmetto Electric
- Emily Kraus, (Class of 2024), Hilton Head Preparatory School
- Russell Rogers, (Class of 2023), Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue
- Cinda Seamon, (Class of 1991), Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue
- Connie Turlington, (Class of 2025), Disney Resort
- Jose Vargas, (Class of 2025), Sparklight
Thank you to our 2025-2026 Leadership Program Sponsors!
Projects
Discover in-depth, impactful projects our previous classes have worked on over the years.
Photos
See how Lowcountry professionals have come together to learn about the local area and determine ways they can contribute to the community.
Junior Leadership Program
Discover a signature, unique leadership program for local high school students.
