From staff report
The Leadership Beaufort program’s 38th class graduated Wednesday, May 3 at a dinner at the Officer’s Club at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort.
Hosted by the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Beaufort is a nine-month program that guides a select group of local professionals through an in-depth view of cultural, economic, historic, social, educational, environmental and government resources. The goal is for participants to not only learn what is going on, but learn how to make a difference in the community.
“Leadership Beaufort provides a holistic look at our community from the inside out.” said Jennifer Tuckwiller, Board Chair for the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce and a member of the 33rd Class of Leadership Beaufort. “It is a strong element of an overall effort to create understanding of the sectors of Beaufort’s economy, and building engaged citizens.”
The Leadership Beaufort program connects participants with prominent civic, business and government leaders. It is an interactive process for the “movers and shakers,” and also a way to form bonds between participants from a diverse array of backgrounds, demographics, employment sectors and more.
Tuckwiller added, “The relationships cultivated over the course of this program will be as valuable to graduates as the lessons learned. The notion of teamwork and applying each other’s strengths for the best outcome is integral to the program.”
The program is administered by Connie Hipp and Rob Bridgers, along with a strong committee of alumni, who all share a passion for Leadership Beaufort.
Applications for the 39th class are now available on the Chamber website, and the deadline is May 26.
Editor’s note
In the interest of full disclosure, Mike McCombs, Editor of The Island News, is a member of the Leadership Beaufort class of 2023.
Members of the 38th Class of Leadership Beaufort:
Michelle Aivaz – Beaufort Academy, Teacher
Christina Becker – MCRD Parris Island, Financial Analyst
David Bogan – Atlas Surveying, Field Supervisor
Stacey Burrell – Premier Nationwide Lending, Mortgage Loan Officer
Sandra Capps – Edi & Implementation Manager, Davlong Business Solutions
Laurie Cooler – Technology Coordinator, Beaufort Academy
Shannon Denny – LowCountry Real Estate, Realtor
Shawna Doran – Beaufort Memorial, VP Quality, Risk & Patient Safety
Jorge Guerrero – ERA Evergreen Real Estate, Director of Operations/Realtor
Artrell Horne – Beaufort County, Litter Control Supervisor/Enforcement Officer
Allison Kindwall – Kinghorn Insurance of Beaufort, Commercial Sales
Dave LaBonte – Oracle Cerner, Senior Engagement Officer
Gerald LaHay – City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal, Firefighter/Commercial Real Estate Sales & Investment
Dixie Lanier – Balfour Beatty Communities, Regional Director
Annis Lyles – Retired, The Coca-Cola Company, VP Marketing/Communication
Jessica Mangano – The Tabby Shore & Soiree Social Media, Owner
Mike McCombs – The Island News, Editor-in-Chief
Jimmy McDuff – Carolina Chutes & Equipment, Estimator
Kelsey Medaglia – City of Beaufort, Business License Administrator
Dan Montanari – MCCS, Food and Beverage Manager
Hannah Nichols – Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort, Director of Marketing
Jess O’Brien – Beaufort Digital Corridor, Executive Director
Nicie Phillips – Homesfinder Realty Group, Agent
Ana Ramirez – Beaufort County Human Services, Outreach Specialist
Elizabeth Smith – Harbor 17, Owner
Rob Steinhauser – USMC, Executive Officer MCAS Beaufort
Steven Tinsley – City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal, Firefighter
Dottie Unger – USAA, IT Audit Director
Holly Vega – Adams Outdoor Advertising, Sales Assistant
Pervis Walker – Great Grand Family Foundation, Executive Director
Shantae Williams – Homesfinder Realty Group, Cox team, Realtor
Barry Wilson – AlphaGraphics, Co-Owner
