Photo above from left: Norm Campbell, Mary Heath, and Larry Koolkin.
Beaufort History Museum adds four new board members
“This will be an exciting time for the Museum,” said Carol Lauvray, Presiding Beaufort History Museum Board Officer. “As we grow and strive to fulfill our mission, to tell the story of the Beaufort District in an engaging and educational manner, we know that the diverse talents of the individuals on our Board will be utilized to the fullest. We are fortunate to be adding four accomplished new members, bringing the total on our Board to 12.” They are:
• Norm Campbell is a retired Navy officer and aerospace industry engineer, who has lived all over the world and has cultivated his love of history over a lifetime. He also is a member of Historic Beaufort Foundation, the Friends of Hunting Island, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Disabled American Veterans.
• Steve Guida, a native of South Carolina, is a retired medical device industry executive who had a successful career in senior marketing and general management positions in various Fortune 500 and venture-backed companies. He is a Certified Tax Counselor and Site Coordinator of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program/Beaufort. He also is Treasurer of the nonprofit organization, the Friends of Fort Fremont.
• Mary Stuart Heath is a retired educator who taught for 30 years. She is now an active volunteer and fundraiser for several Beaufort nonprofit organizations, including the Auldbrass 2015 Tour sponsored by the Beaufort County Open Land Trust; the Beaufort Memorial Hospital Valentine Ball; and Historic Beaufort Foundation. She also supports the Friends of Fort Fremont.
• Larry Koolkin has broad experience and success in applied information technology, finance, international business, and museums. He is Co-Chairman of the Building and Exhibits Committee at Santa Elena Foundation, where he is responsible for managing exhibition planning and development. He also is a Board Member of the Beaufort County Historic Preservation Review Board.
Jerry Ashmore to run for Port Royal Town Council
Jerry Ashmore, longtime resident of the Town of Port Royal, has announced his campaign for Port Royal Town Council in the November election. The town will elect two at-large council seats.
Originally from Union, SC, Ashmore moved to Port Royal in 2000, shortly after graduating from Clemson University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Ornamental Horticulture. He moved to the Lowcountry to begin his career with The Greenery, Inc. as a residential account supervisor in Sun City.
Over the past 15 years, Ashmore has held many positions with The Greenery. He is currently Director of Workforce Management and is responsible for overseeing recruiting efforts, training and safety programs for the employees and the company’s insurance policies.
“I want to be a part of the future of Port Royal,” says Ashmore on his decision to enter the race. “I believe that together we can make Port Royal a better place to live and work, for family and friends, for generations to come. I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for the Town of Port Royal.”
Ashmore is involved in a myriad of civic and community activities. He is an active member of Carteret Methodist Church in Beaufort and a member of the adjunct faculty at Technical College of the Lowcountry (TCL) where he teaches Turf Management and Pest Management.
In addition, Ashmore served on the Town of Port Royal Redevelopment Commission where he was involved in the new Port Royal Branding Campaign. He also serves on the Lowcountry Workforce Investment Board through SC Works. He has also served on the board of the Chamber of Commerce.
Ashmore feels that the Town of Port Royal is at a defining moment in its history with the development of the Port of Port Royal. “We’ll have just one chance to do this and do it right,” says Ashmore. “I want to help make sure we do it right – not for me, but for the future of our town, the future of our children and their children.”
