Charleston Hall of Fame
Herbert L. Drayton III
Managing Partner
HI Mark Capital
Over the past 12-18 months, Herbert L. Drayton III has been a significant voice in driving economic development, innovation, and community impact in the Charleston region.
Drayton is chair of the Business Advocacy Committee and DEI Executive Fellow at the Charleston Metro Chamber, where he has championed initiatives promoting inclusive business growth. His involvement with the CRDA Innovation Strategy Steering Committee contributes to shaping a vision for Charleston’s emergence as an innovation-led economy.
In his role as treasurer of SC Quantum, Herbert supports the expansion of the quantum ecosystem in the Carolinas, with a focus on education, entrepreneurship, and engagement.
He also mentors life sciences startups through SCbio, offering guidance to companies like Vova Ida Therapeutics. Nationally, as a member of the SEC’s Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee, he advocates for policies that improve access to capital for diverse entrepreneurs.
Drayton is heavily involved in his community and is immediate past chair of the Coastal Community Foundation and chair of Palmetto Goodwill, focusing on enhancing economic mobility. Through his efforts, Drayton says he believes he will drive meaningful change that strengthens the Charleston region’s economic landscape.
He says he loves South Carolina “because it’s home.”
Drayton’s advice to young professionals is “A seasoned mentor willing to genuinely pour into you and your efforts is priceless.”
Chris Fraser
Regional Managing Director
Avison Young
As regional managing director of Avison Young’s South region, as well as South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia, commercial real estate offices, Chris Fraser is a passionate leader and problem solver for his clients and colleagues, and is focused on empowering others to succeed.
Avison Young creates economic, social and environmental value as a global real estate adviser, powered by people.
Based in Charleston, South Carolina, Fraser is heavily involved in the community, with volunteer leadership roles throughout the region including areas of education, arts and economic development.
With decades of office leasing, development and management experience, he provides sound experience based advice to his Clients. As an early adopter of technology tools and processes, Chris uses data and analytics to inform his work and his team.
During his tenure as executive board member of the Galliard Management Corporation, 2014-2021, Fraser oversaw the startup and opening operations for the then-new 1,800-seat performance space in Charleston.
He has also served as chairman of the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and has been a member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond Charleston Industry Roundtable.
Andrew T. Hsu, Ph.D.
President
College of Charleston
Andrew Hsu, Ph.D., was named College of Charleston’s 23rd president in November 2018 and took office in May of the following year.
Before coming to College of Charleston, Hsu served as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at the University of Toledo, a public research university in Ohio, with more than 250 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs.
During his time at University of Toledo, Hsu led the university through a strategic planning process and managed its implementation.
He previously served as dean of engineering at San Jose State University and associate vice president for research and dean of the Graduate School at Wright State University.
Hsu came to the academic world from the engineering industry, having earned a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology before working with Sverdrup/NASA and Rolls-Royce.
In 2009, he became the co-patent holder for anion exchange membranes.
Hsu is chair of the Board of Governors for Rocket Innovation and has served on the leadership council of CalCharge, a statewide nonprofit organization in California; the board of governors of Edison Materials Technology Center; the board of governors of the University Clean Energy Alliance of Ohio; and was appointed chair of the Indiana Bioproduct Commission.
He is a fellow of the American Council on Education and an associate fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
J. Elliott Summey
Executive Director and CEO
Charleston International Airport
J. Elliott Summey became the executive director and CEO of the Charleston County Aviation Authority (CCAA) on July 1, 2020. With a successful background in economic development and land planning, including corporate relocation, Summey’s executive experience informs CCAA’s post-pandemic strategic plan and evaluation of revenue diversification opportunities.
Having previously served on CCAA’s board of directors, Summey played a key role in the state’s largest airport achieving record growth in air service, passenger volume, and financial performance over a decade. He has a deep understanding of the industry, CCAA’s history, current operations, and strategic outlook.
Summey was elected to three terms on the Charleston County Council, serving as chairman, vice chairman, Finance Committee chair, Economic Development Committee chair, and member of other committees. He guided major transportation infrastructure projects during his tenure.
A lifelong resident of the Lowcountry, Summey is known as a strong leader and visionary who prioritizes employee engagement. He works effectively with local and state officials.
Summey is a College of Charleston graduate and actively involved in the community, serving on various boards, including the International African American Museum, South Carolina Board of Juvenile Parole, Charleston Museum, and others.
He said the advice he would give to a young professional or colleague is, “Hard work works, and always seek knowledge from others.”
Summey said community involvement is important to him because “it is how I can give back to the people who have given to me and the opportunity for me to leave my community better than I found it.”
Stuart Whiteside
Principal in Charge
Seamon Whiteside
In 1985, Stuart Whiteside and Kenny Seamon established Seamon, Whiteside and Associates, Inc. in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Their goal was to blend civil engineering and landscape architecture to create inspiring and long-lasting places for clients and the community.
Notable local projects over the years include I’on, Mount Pleasant Towne Center, Credit One Tennis Stadium, and the Nexton community.
Whiteside graduated from Clemson University with a degree in civil engineering and went on to earn a master’s degree a year later. He is a past chairman of the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and has served on the boards of Trident Tech Foundation and the Trident CEO Council. H
Seamon Whiteside has grown to five offices in the Carolinas with nearly 200 employees. The firm recently added land surveying and water resources engineering services. In the next few years, Seamon Whiteside plans to expand to additional cities and states in the Southeast region.
Charleston 50 Most Influential People
Matt Brewer
President and CEO
Choate Construction
As president and CEO of Choate Construction, Matt Brewer oversees the development and implementation of the firm’s long-term strategic plan. While delivering over $2.2 billion in annual revenue, Brewer guides Choate’s employee-owners in fostering impactful relationships with industry partners.
A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Brewer served as chairman of the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce board in 2024. He’s currently a member of the chamber’s executive committee and has served as chairman of both the Regional Policy Committee and Business Advocacy Committee. He is a graduate of Leadership Charleston.
Wendy M. Brewer
Partner, Private Wealth Financial Adviser
Roseate Group of Wells Fargo Advisors
Wendy M. Brewer is an adviser and partner at Roseate Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, which is one of only 100 practices nationwide on the 2024 Forbes Top Wealth Management Teams: Private Wealth ranking. Brewer also is on the 2024 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors and Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State lists.
Having begun her career path in 2001, Brewer is a non-practicing Certified Public Accountant and has the Personal Financial Specialist designation from American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. She also earned the Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and Chartered Special Needs Consultant designations.
Dr. W. Melvin Brown III
Owner
Charleston MD
Dr. W. Melvin Brown III began his medical career in the United States Navy, serving as a surface warfare officer and then a medical officer. Brown, who spent 20 years in the military, still holds a part-time position as staff physician for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and in the summer of 2024, opened a new practice, Charleston MD.
Brown, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and MUSC School of Medicine, has served on the MUSC board of trustees and the board of directors for First Capital Bancshares.
George Bullwinkel
Shareholder and Board Member
Maynard Nexsen
As an attorney, George Bullwinkel practices primarily in the areas of real estate acquisition and development, commercial real estate, and economic development and has played an integral role in Charleston’s growth.
Bullwinkel has been involved in several large, notable real estate development projects for WestRock Land Development, Gramling Brothers, and Newland Communities.
Bullwinkel is involved with nonprofits including the Urban Land Institute and March of Dimes. He has served on the boards for the Hibernian Society, the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE), Charleston Chamber of Commerce, and the Charleston Parks Conservancy Board.
Reginald Burgess
Mayor
City of North Charleston
Reginald L. “Reggie” Burgess, a native of North Charleston’s historical Union Heights and Liberty Hill neighborhoods, joined the North Charleston Police Department in 1989. By 2018, he reached the pinnacle of his police career as the Chief of Police for North Charleston.
On Jan. 2, 2024, he was inaugurated as the Mayor of North Charleston, marking a new chapter in his service to the community. Guided by his mother’s wisdom, “to thine own self be true,” Burgess balances his professional endeavors with a rich personal life.
James Byrd
Regional Director – External Affairs
AT&T
As AT&T South Carolina’s regional director of external affairs, James Byrd is responsible for AT&T’s public policy, economic development, and community engagement initiatives throughout portions of eastern South Carolina and the Lowcountry.
The Citadel graduate has about 20 years of experience and is a veteran of the telecommunications industry. His earlier work with AT&T was with the company’s Construction and Engineering organization, where he coordinated internal teams and local municipalities to deploy advanced broadband services and other products throughout the Charleston area.
Willis Cantey
CEO
Cantey Tech Consulting
Willis Cantey, who holds degrees from the University of the South at Sewanee and the Masters of International Business Program at University of South Carolina, founded Cantey Tech Consulting in 2007.
According to Cantey, the company’s focus is on creating and instilling trust with clients.
He is also the CEO of Cantey EDU, a technology support and logistics company supporting standardized academic assessments in 17 states. Cantey has served as chairman of the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and serves on the board of South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities and the Historic Charleston Foundation.
Brian Carter
Chief Executive Officer
KEEL
Brian Carter has more than 25 years of industrial leadership experience, starting with engineering positions with Washington State Ferries and Halter Marine. Carter has been CEO of KEEL, which was formed through the merger of Pegasus Steel, Merrill Technologies Group, and Metal Trades, since 2023.
Carter received his bachelor’s degree from Seattle University and his MBA from University of California at San Diego Rady School of Management.
KEEL focuses on fabrication, machining, and integration for the industrial customers and the defense industry.
Wes Carter
President
Atlantic Packaging
As the third-generation leader of Atlantic Packaging, Wes Carter is the driving force behind A New Earth Project, the company’s sustainability initiative.
As president of Atlantic Packaging, Carter is committed to working with brands of all sizes to transition away from environmentally problematic packaging and help rid the world’s oceans, lakes, and rivers of plastic pollution.
He serves on the boards of directors for The Conservation Alliance and WildAid, the California SB-54 Packaging Producer Responsibility Advisory Board, and the Lowcountry Land Trust.
William S. Cogswell Jr.
Mayor
City of Charleston
Serving his first term as mayor of Charleston, William S. Cogswell Jr. was elected in 2023 after serving in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 2016 to 2022. He is the first Republican mayor of Charleston since Reconstruction.
Cogswell says his goals in his first term include improving infrastructure and affordability, smart growth that helps preserve Charleston’s historic character, and making the city a safer place through initiatives such as DUI checkpoints.
He is a graduate of the University of the South at Sewanee and the Columbia Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation.
Joseph DeLeon
President and Chief Executive Officer
Roper St. Francis Healthcare
Joseph DeLeon’s decades of executive leadership experience have guided him in his move in 2024 to be president and CEO of Roper St. Francis Healthcare, a health care system that employs 6,000 people. DeLeon is passionate for advancing patient-centered care and achieving organizational excellence.
Before moving to South Carolina, DeLeon served as president of Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth.
DeLeon is a former captain in the United States Air Force Medical Services Corps and a bachelor’s and master’s degree graduate of Texas A&M University.
Steve Dykes
Executive Director
Charleston County Economic Development
J. Steven Dykes has directed the Charleston County Economic Development Department since its inception in 1993. Under his leadership, Charleston County has secured over $8.2 billion in capital investment and created more than 41,000 jobs through recruitment, retention, and expansion efforts.
Dykes, who retired in January 2025, has played a pivotal role in attracting companies like Boeing, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Cummins, Ingevity, and T-Mobile. His efforts include facilitating Boeing’s 787 Final Assembly and Delivery Facility and the Sprinter Vans manufacturing plant.
Dave Echols
President and General Manager
Charleston RiverDogs
Dave Echols has guided the RiverDogs, a minor league baseball organization and Single-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, through some of their most successful seasons in the past 20 years. Twice, Echols earned General Manager of the Year honors.
The organization also won the inaugural Patriot Award, given to the team that best exemplifies outstanding support of the military branches and engagement with veterans.
Echols is a member of the Executive Association of Greater Charleston, the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, and the Charleston Regional Development Alliance.
Bob Faith
Founder, Chairman, and CEO
Greystar
Bob Faith is founder, chairman, and CEO of Greystar, a leader in investment, development, and management of high-quality rental housing properties.
Under Faith’s leadership, Greystar has grown from a manager of 9,000 units in the United States through the acquisition of the company’s predecessor Greystone to managing and operating more $320 billion of real estate in 250 markets.
From 2002-2006, he served as the South Carolina Secretary of Commerce.
In 2023, Faith was recognized by Commercial Observer as one of the Most Powerful Players in Real Estate, ranking No. 10 on the Power 100 list.
B. Keith Faulkner
President
Charleston Southern University
B. Keith Faulkner had 20 years of higher education experience when he was appointed the fourth president of Charleston Southern University in 2023.
Faulkner served in the U.S. Navy as a nuclear power plant operator and technician. His responsibilities included work on the USS Billfish, a fast-attack nuclear-powered submarine.
Faulkner’s previous work in academia includes serving as president and dean of Appalachian School of Law in Virginia and serving as dean of Liberty University School of Law and the Lundy-Fetterman School of Business at Campbell University.
Tim Grow
Shareholder and Consulting Practice Leader
Elliott Davis
As leader of Elliott Davis’ consulting practice, Tim Grow focuses on providing comprehensive assurance and management consulting services to a diverse customer base in the real estate, manufacturing, construction, and governmental industry sectors.
With more than 20 years of experience, Grow works with customers as part of the firm’s construction and manufacturing and distribution specialty groups.
His community activities include serving on the boards of Trident United Way, Charleston Regional Development Alliance, and East Cooper Community Outreach.
Mena Mark Hanna
General Director and Chief Executive Officer
Spoleto Festival USA
As leader of Spoleto Festival USA since 2021, Mena Mark Hanna has overseen the festival’s world premieres in theater, orchestral and chamber music, and opera.
Hanna previously served as a founding dean and professor of musicology and composition at the Barenboim-Said Akademie in Berlin and assistant artistic director and dramaturg at Houston Grand Opera.
His other work includes serving as creator and curator of the Edward W. Said Days in Berlin and a trustee of Gingko in London. Hanna also sits on the board of the Mahler Foundation.
Winslow Hastie
President and CEO
Historic Charleston Foundation
Winslow Hastie is president and CEO of Historic Charleston Foundation, a nonprofit organization that champions the historic authenticity, cultural character and livability of the Charleston region through advocacy, stewardship, and community engagement. Hastie began his career in San Francisco as a preservation consultant at Carey & Co. Architecture, and as an urban planner and preservation specialist at the City of San Francisco Planning Department.
Hastie returned to Charleston as the chief preservation officer at Historic Charleston Foundation before becoming the president and CEO.
William Haynie
Mayor
Town of Mount Pleasant
Born in Greenville, South Carolina, Mayor William Haynie moved with his family to Mount Pleasant in 1966. Haynie graduated from The Citadel in 1983 with a degree in business administration.
In his professional life, Haynie has been CEO of several nonprofits, including the Lowcountry Open Land Trust and the South Carolina Maritime Foundation. His media experience includes op-ed newspaper columnist for three newspapers including the Moultrie News, sailing columnist for the Post & Courier, talk radio show host, and congressional press secretary.
Alfonso Hernandez
South Carolina Market Director
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Alfonso Hernandez began his banking career with Bank of America soon after graduating from Berkeley College with a business management degree. These days, he directs the South Carolina market for JPMorgan Chase & Co., a position he has held since 2017.
Hernandez, a second-generation Cuban-American, has said he hopes to make a difference for members of the Latin community, particularly by bringing in more bilingual bankers.
In late 2024, Hernandez oversaw the opening of Chase’s first Myrtle Beach branch.
Will Herring
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Hunter Quinn Homes
Will Herring founded Hunter Quinn Homes in 2013, growing the company from its Charleston roots to four divisions across the Southeast, with plans for continued expansion.
Herring is an accredited South Carolina Master Builder and holds certifications including CGB, CMP, CSP, and CGP from the National Association of Home Builders. He serves as a lifetime member of the board of directors for the Charleston Home Builders Association and was its president in 2018.
He says community involvement is important to him “because it’s the foundation of meaningful connections and lasting impact.”
Helen Hill
President and Chief Executive Officer
Explore Charleston
Helen Hill leads Explore Charleston, also known as the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Under Hill’s leadership, Explore Charleston has developed industry-leading programs that have assisted the Charleston area in becoming one of the most acclaimed destinations in the country.
Hill was awarded with the Order of the Palmetto, the state’s highest civilian honor, and in 2023, she received the Joseph P. Riley Leadership Award from the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce.
In 2019, Hill was elected the first female board chair of the Charleston County Aviation Authority.
Trent Holland
Senior Managing Director – South Carolina
Huntington Bank
As senior managing director for South Carolina, Trent Holland leads the localization of Huntington National Bank in South Carolina and has direct management responsibility for the commercial/middle market banking team across the state.
He has nearly 18 years of experience in middle market banking and capital markets – with extensive experience in syndicated finance, growth/acquisition financing, asset and cashflow centric lending, tax-exempt financing, and the integration of non-credit services for municipal, founder-owned, and sponsor supported companies and institutions.
He serves on the executive council of the Board of Visitors for Charleston Southern University.
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Faith Rivers James
Executive Director
Coastal Conservation League
A Mount Pleasant native, Faith Rivers James grew up in the historic Four Mile community. This upbringing led to her lifelong sense of connection to the landscape of the Lowcountry and her passion for protecting South Carolina’s coastal areas’ natural environment in her leadership role with the Coastal Conservation League.
She is a graduate of Dartmouth College and Harvard Law School. During an earlier legal career in Washington, D.C., she negotiated the federal budget as senior counsel to the House Majority Leader of the Congress.
Charles Jordan
Attorney
Moore & Van Allen
Charles Jordan, who was awarded Lawyer of the Year under Health Care Law for Best Lawyers in America in 2023, provides practical and responsive counsel to clients throughout the Southeast.
Practicing out of the Charleston office, Jordan provides counsel on a wide range of regulatory, contractual and transactional matters involving health care systems, hospitals, physician practices, and other health care-related organizations.
He is also on the board of directors and is the current chair of the Leadership Development Committee with the Charleston Regional Development Alliance.
Natasha Lee
Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer
Floyd Lee Locums
Since Natasha Lee co-founded Floyd Lee Locums, a concierge healthcare staffing firm in 2017, the company has grown to more than 90 internal employees and has supported between 300 and 450 healthcare providers on weekly assignment. The company was named “Best Staffing Firm to Temp For” by Staffing Industry Analysts from 2020 through 2024.
Lee’s personal honors include being recognized on Staffing Industry Analysts’ Global Power 150 Women in Staffing List and being awarded the Women in Business Award by Charleston Business Magazine.
Marc Marchant
CEO
LS3P
After earning a master’s in Architecture from Clemson University with a concentration in health care design, Marc Marchant joined LS3P. As CEO, he focuses on advancing LS3P’s vision and strategic initiatives, building relationships, and cultivating a culture of collaborative engagement.
Marchant’s commitment to excellence includes involvement with the Porter-Gaud School board of trustees, Charleston County Board of Zoning Appeals, Clemson Architectural Foundation (Trustee), Trident CEO Council (Chair), and the AIA Large Firm Roundtable CEO group.
Tonya M. Matthews, Ph.D.
President and Chief Executive Officer
International African American Museum
Tonya M. Matthews, Ph.D., oversaw the 2023 opening of the International African American Museum in Charleston, the second-largest African American museum in the United States.
Matthews, who is both a poet and an engineer, served as Associate Provost for Inclusive Workforce Development & Director of the STEM Innovation Learning Center for Wayne State University before coming to Charleston, and, prior to that, as president and CEO of the Michigan Science Center.
At Michigan Science Center, she founded the STEMinista Project, a movement to engage girls in their future with STEM careers and tools.
Bernie Mazyck
President and CEO
South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development
Bernie Mazyck graduated from Charleston Southern University with a BS in Biology, and the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia with a Master of Divinity degree, with a concentration in Ministry with the Poor.
Mazyck has served as the first president and chief executive officer of the South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development for over 25 years. Since his time with SCACED, Bernie has helped grow the community economic development movement in South Carolina from four organizations to over 100, growing SCACED’s membership to over 200 nonprofits and organizations.
Peter McCoy
Attorney
McCoy Law Group LLC
Peter McCoy opened McCoy Law Group in 2020 after a career in government, serving as Assistant Solicitor, United States Attorney, and South Carolina Representative for House District 115, where he chaired the Judiciary Committee.
In his law practice, McCoy focuses on federal and state criminal defense, false claim/whistleblower cases, general civil litigation, white collar public corruption, and government affairs.
He earned a bachelor’s degree from Hampden-Sydney College and a Juris Doctor from Regent University School of Law.
Joseph McGill Jr.
Executive Director
Slave Dwelling Project
As founder of the Slave Dwelling Project, Joseph McGill Jr. created a way for people to sleep in extant slave dwellings, bringing attention to these often-neglected structures and their importance.
McGill has conducted more than 250 overnights in about 150 sites. He has interacted with the descendants of both the enslaved communities and of the enslavers associated with antebellum historic sites.
Since 2016, McGill expanded the Slave Dwelling Project to offer a program of living history, called “Inalienable Rights: Living History Through the Eyes of the Enslaved.”
Edward McKelvey
Senior Vice President, Community Development Banking
SouthState Bank
Edward McKelvey is senior vice president of Community Development Banking, at SouthState Bank. He has more than 29 years of banking experience, including 20 years in community development roles. He currently serves on the boards of Centrant Community Capital and Roper St Francis System, where he is the board chairman.
SouthState Bank provides consumer, commercial, mortgage and wealth management solutions to more than 1 million customers throughout Florida, Alabama, Georgia, the Carolinas and Virginia. The bank also serves clients coast to coast through its correspondent banking division.
Brooks Melton
President and CEO
Beacon Community Bank
Brooks Melton has been president and CEO of Beacon Community Bank since its inception, and he has nearly 30 years of expertise in regional, correspondent, and national banking.
His previous experience at banks large and small inspired him to want to create a new kind of bank, with relationship banking as a top priority.
Under Melton’s stewardship, Beacon has reached numerous industry benchmarks.
An avid boater, Melton has been a member of the Hobcaw Yacht Club for more than five years, holding leadership positions including Commodore.
Barbara Melvin
President and CEO
South Carolina Ports Authority
For over 20 years, Barbara Melvin has dedicated her talents and expertise to South Carolina Ports, a top 10 U.S. container port, with the deepest harbor on the East Coast.
In 2024, she facilitated the reopening of the Leatherman Terminal, alongside ILA leadership, and spearheaded efforts to sell the port authority’s Union Pier property.
She worked in numerous roles at the port before becoming president and CEO in 2022. Melvin was named a 2023 Leading Woman from SC Women in Leadership and sits as a board chair member of various organizations.
Kevin Mills
President and Chief Executive Officer
South Carolina Aquarium
Kevin Mills believes in the ability of aquariums and zoos to save species and inspire future generations of environmental stewards. It’s an ethic that has guided him for 19 years as the head of the South Carolina Aquarium and throughout the preceding decade as a vice president of the Saint Louis Zoo.
Under Mills’ watch, the aquarium has emerged as a global leader in sea turtle care and protection. South Carolina Aquarium celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2025 and will launch the innovative Boeing Learning Lab at the Charleston Maritime Center.
Dominique Milton
President and CEO
Carolinas-Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council
Dominique Milton has served as president and CEO of the Carolinas-Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council since June 2018, and prior to assuming that role, she served as director of corporate services for CVMSDC, overseeing an affiliate office of the Council in Charleston, South Carolina.
From 2004 to 2015, Milton, a graduate of Spelman College and Pennsylvania State University, was vice president of business development and emerging markets with A10 Clinical Solutions Inc., a certified Minority Business Enterprise that focuses on clinical research for the health care and pharmaceutical industries.
Rick Mixson
President
Landmark Construction
Rick Mixson has spent more than a quarter of a century at Landmark Construction, learning the business under the guidance of his father.
As company president, Mixson is actively involved in day-to-day operations, and he says he values honesty and integrity as fundamental to the company’s enduring success.
Mixson’s long-term goals involve driving Landmark Construction to new heights, embracing innovation and sustainable practices. Beyond projects, he sees the company as a vehicle for positive community impact.
Mark Munn
President
Bank of America Charleston-Hilton Head Island
Mark Munn is a managing director and private client adviser for Bank of America Private Bank in Charleston, South Carolina.
With more than three decades of financial services experience, he brings the extensive global resources of the Private Bank to multiple generations of high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth families within his role as president for Bank of America, N.A.’s Charleston/Hilton Head market.
Munn currently serves on the boards of The Gibbes Museum of Art, Spoleto USA, and the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce.
Samuel Mylrea
Chief Executive Officer
Gigpro
Samuel Mylrea is co-founder and chief executive officer of Gigpro, the leading on-demand talent marketplace for the hospitality industry. In 2024, Gigpro was named the fastest growing company in South Carolina, and the company secured a $16 million Series A Investment.
Mylrea combined his passions for technology and hospitality by paving the way for hospitality businesses to address one of their most pressing challenges – labor. Gigpro enables businesses to post shifts for a variety of hospitality roles and receive applications – within minutes — from qualified, vetted, and ready-to-work professionals.
John Osborne
Co-Founder
The Harbor Entrepreneur Center
John Osborne has a long history with investment and entrepreneurship. In 2013, he co-founded the Harbor Entrepreneur Center, whose mission is “to create collision among the entrepreneur community.”
Over the past decade, the center has helped to generate more than $7 million in private investments.
Osborne is the founder of the Charleston Angel Conference, The Strive Cup, and FundingCharleston.com, and other experience includes serving as managing partner of Good Growth Capital.
He is a graduate of Charleston Southern University and USC’s Darla Moore School of Business.
Sunju Patel
Co-Founder and Managing Partner
TMGOC Ventures
Sunju Patel has more than two decades of experience in investments, acquisitions, and dispositions, along with horizontal and vertical development.
He co-founded the Montford Group real estate investment and development firm in 2017, and his work in the hospitality industry led him to co-found TMGOC Ventures, with the aim of serving investors, capital markets, and debt partners.
Patel is member of the board of governors at the College of Charleston School of Business and serves on the Accommodation Tax Committee for the city of Charleston.
Derek Robbins
President and CEO
Robbins Construction Group
Derek K. Robbins serves as the president and CEO of Robbins Construction Group, bringing over 40 years of expertise in the commercial construction industry.
With no initial clients or projects, Robbins used his determination and work ethic to fuel the company’s foundation. Robbins Construction Group has achieved significant recognition, including being named one of South Carolina’s fastest-growing companies for three consecutive years, most recently securing third place statewide, reflecting the firm’s commitment to excellence and growth.
Scott Sharp
Regional Vice President, Commercial Banking, Coastal Carolinas
TD Bank
Scott Sharp has worked in the financial services industry since 1995, holding positions at The Industrial Bank of Japan, Regions Bank, Woodlands Bank, and numerous leadership roles at TD Bank in three of its markets.
As regional vice president, Sharp’s primary responsibility is managing the commercial and small business team for the coast of South Carolina.
He serves on the boards of Operation Home and The Charleston Regional Development Alliance. Sharp has a passion for lacrosse, having started South Carolina’s first high school lacrosse program, for Hilton Head High School in 1998.
Chip Shealy
First Vice President
CBRE
Chip Shealy is a first vice president within the Office Services team at CBRE. Shealy leverages his insight and experience to serve the needs of tenants and owners in Charleston’s office market. As part of the CBRE network, he has access to local office market expertise and market research tools to help clients make strategic decisions.
Shealy focuses on leasing, development, acquisition, and disposition of office properties in Charleston. He has been involved in multiple sale and leasing transactions of over $340 million since joining CBRE in 2013.
David Stenstrom
Vice President, Manufacturing Americas/Plant Manager
Volvo Cars Charleston
David Stenstrom came to Volvo’s Charleston plant in January 2021 and has been with Volvo Cars since 1995. Prior to his time in Charleston, Stenstrom served as general manager for the Daqing plant in China, and he has held various management positions in manufacturing and manufacturing engineering.
The Volvo Cars Charleston plant employs approximately 1,500 people and produces electric vehicles for the company.
Stenstrom earned a Master of Science degree in Applied Mechanics from Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Josh VanScoy
Vice President and Charleston Office Leader
HITT Contracting
As vice president of HITT Contracting’s Charleston office, Josh VanScoy provides professional construction services to the local market and is responsible for the day-to-day operations management of the office. A 31-year veteran of the industry, VanScoy works to empower team members and exceed the expectations of clients.
VanScoy joined the company in 2002, and his portfolio of work includes both new construction and renovation of federal military facilities while also delivering projects for hospitality and education clients. Projects include Volvo and Boeing Research and Technology.
Vicky Wood
President
Trident Technical College
Vicky Wood assumed the presidency of Charleston’s Trident Technical College in July 2024 after serving at Washington State College of Ohio.
Wood was chosen as the result of a nationwide search that began when Mary Thornley announced her retirement in 2023.
She is vice chair-elect of the Ohio Community College Presidents’ Council and a member of the National Center for Inquiry and Improvement’s Rural Guided Pathways Initiative.
Wood holds undergraduate degrees from Marion Technical College and Bowling Green State University and a doctorate of higher education leadership from the University of Toledo.
Scott Woods
President and CEO
South Carolina Federal Credit Union
Scott Woods has been president and CEO of South Carolina Federal Credit Union for 20 years. Previously, he served as a senior financial institution auditor with KPMG Peat Marwick, CPAs, the chief financial officer of S.C. Telco Federal Credit Union, and the chief financial officer of SRP Federal Credit Union.
An Auburn University graduate, Woods has served as chairman of the board of directors for the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, Charleston Southern University, and the Lowcountry SC Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Robert Woodul
Director of Strategic Growth
Carolina One Real Estate
As Director of Strategic Growth for Carolina One Real Estate, Rob Woodul is committed to increasing Realtor professionalism through education, training and professional development to ensure that Realtors are the voice for the industry in the public and legislative arenas.
He has served as a volunteer leader with the Realtor Associations for over 24 years. Currently serving as immediate past president for the South Carolina Association of Realtors, Woodul also served as president of the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors in 2011 and the CHS Regional MLS in 2015.
Dixon Woodward
State President, South Carolina and Coastal Georgia
United Community
Dixon Woodward has been state president at United Community since 2019. He is responsible for the retail and commercial teams in the bank’s home state. Woodward came to United Community after serving as Coastal Market President at TD Bank, and before that, Coastal Market President at Carolina First Bank.
Woodward is a member of the board of the College of Charleston Foundation, The Charleston Regional Development Alliance, SC Arts Commission Foundation, and South Carolina Aquarium. He has also been involved with the American Red Cross Clara Barton Society, and Habitat for Humanity.
