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Brandon Names Marissa Locher as Email Marketing Manager to Drive Innovative Campaign Strategies and Client Success

Marissa Locher, Brandon

Brandon, a leading integrated marketing agency, is pleased to announce the promotion of Marissa Locher to the position of email marketing manager. In her new role, Locher will develop and execute email and SMS marketing strategies to support business updates, announcements, marketing campaigns and sales activities.

As a seasoned professional who worked as an email marketing specialist and then as senior project manager at Brandon, Locher brings a wealth of experience in project management, client service and cross-functional collaboration to her new role.

As the newly appointed email marketing manager, Locher will spearhead a variety of crucial responsibilities. This includes collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement email and SMS programs, optimizing lead nurturing workflows, coordinating CRM activation and employing growth strategies for building opt-in databases. Additionally, Marissa will work closely with the creative team on crafting compelling email and SMS copy, managing templates and collaborating with client services to develop content calendars. In reporting and performance monitoring, she will liaise with analytics, ensure platform integration, monitor deliverability and draft case studies showcasing successful campaigns.

“Marissa has consistently demonstrated exceptional skills and leadership qualities during her tenure with Brandon,” said Tyler Easterling, president and chief operating officer of Brandon and TBA Worldwide. “We are excited about the impact she will undoubtedly make as email marketing manager.”

To learn more about Brandon and its services, visit www.thebrandonagency.com/.

Dr. Kerry Solomon Honored with AECOS Award

The American-European Congress of Ophthalmic Surgery (AECOS) has named Charleston, South Carolina Ophthalmologist Kerry Solomon, M.D. as the 2024 recipient of its prestigious Dulaney Award. AECOS is a non-profit 501(c)(6) ophthalmic society whose mission is to advance vision care and improve patients’ quality of life through Innovation, Education and Advocacy. The Dulaney Award program is in its 24th year and recognizes ophthalmologists who have contributed significantly to the field of ophthalmology, advancing patient care and leading the development of novel technologies and techniques that improve outcomes.

Speaking of the Dulaney Award, Dr. Solomon comments, “I am incredibly proud to be the recipient of this year’s Dulaney Award. It is an honor bestowed to many outstanding surgeons whom I greatly respect and admire. Being recognized in this class of exceptional physicians is especially gratifying.”

One of the contribution examples cited in the presentation of Dr. Solomon’s Dulaney Award includes his passion for restoring vision for those in need. With his colleagues, he established Operation Sight in 2011, a non-profit organization that offers free surgery for uninsured South Carolina residents living with cataracts or retinal disorders. Under his leadership, Operation Sight has expanded nationwide.

Dr. Solomon currently serves as the Chief Medical Officer at US Eye, a physician-led network of eye care practices across the Southeastern United States and is a LASIK and Laser Cataract Surgeon at Carolina Eyecare Physicians in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Dr. Solomon is the former President of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) and is very active in research, having been an investigator for many FDA clinical trials. Additionally, he was one of the first surgeons worldwide to perform laser-assisted cataract surgery and the first ophthalmologist in South Carolina to perform all-laser LASIK and topography-guided LASIK. Dr. Solomon has been consistently honored as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor, A Top 250 Innovator by Premier Surgeon Magazine and is frequently named “Best Laser Surgeon” in local community award programs.

“At US Eye, Dr. Solomon’s appointment as Chief Medical Officer is a direct reflection of his expertise, dedication to clinical and surgical excellence, and his unwavering commitment to provide our patients with world-class care. To that end, Dr. Solomon truly embodies the purpose of the AECOS Dulaney Award. We are proud to work beside him and experience his impactful contributions firsthand,” said Brad Logan, CEO of US Eye.

B.C. Killough named 2024 Thomson Reuters Stand Out Lawyer

Charleston business and patent attorney Bill Killough named to 2024 Thomson Reuters Stand-Out Lawyers list

CHARLESTON, SC – Kim Lahey & Killough law firm is pleased to announce that B.C. Killough has been named to the list of “Stand-out Lawyers” by Thomson Reuters. Each year, thousands of senior in-house legal counsels from around the world nominate the top three attorneys they have worked with during the past year.

Bill Killough has been recognized for decades by his peers in publications such as The Best Lawyers in America, South Carolina Super Lawyers and Charleston Business Magazine’s Legal Elite. Best Lawyers named him the “Corporate Lawyer of the Year” for the Charleston area in 2015. These client-nominated attorneys are “real stand-out lawyers [and] are distinctive because, in combination with their technical competence, they offer business savvy advice, deliver exceptional service, or integrate well with the client team,” according to Thomson Reuters.

Bill Killough practices law in the areas of intellectual property and business law, including commercial transactions. He is a registered patent attorney and has obtained more than 350 patents for clients and filed more than 1500 trademark applications on behalf of clients. He has experience as an intellectual property litigator, with at least one of his cases setting precedent. As a certified mediator, Killough assists parties in intellectual property and corporate disputes in coming to a resolution outside of a courtroom.

With offices in Greenville and Charleston, SC and Brevard, NC, the Kim, Lahey & Killough Law Firm is devoted to helping clients achieve their business goals and establish, enforce, and leverage their intellectual property rights from the Upstate, to the Lowcountry to across the globe. For more information, visit the firm’s website at kimandlahey.com.

The Beach Company Announces a New Hire at Kiawah River

Charleston, S.C. – Today, The Beach Company, a leader in residential and commercial real estate brokerage, development and property management, announced a new hire.

Lee Gulbin has been hired as sales assistant at Kiawah River, a waterfront agrihood on Johns Island. In this role, Gulbin will support Kiawah River’s agents by assisting with various aspects of the sales process. Originally from Connecticut, Gulbin is a graduate of Pine Manor College in Massachusetts. Prior to this role, she served as housekeeping supervisor at The Meeting Street Inn in downtown Charleston and administrative manager at William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty.

Global Water Center’s Co-Founder Dr. George Greene Transitions To Executive Chair Of The Board

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Global Water Center’s co-founder Dr. George Greene has transitioned from his role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to Executive Chair of the Board of Directors. On Friday, Feb. 9, Global Water Center’s Board of Directors unanimously appointed Thomas (TJ) Johnston, the former Chief Operations Officer (COO), as the organization’s new CEO.

“As Dr. Greene transitions to the leadership role of Executive Chair of our Board of Directors, I am honored to step into the role of CEO of Global Water Center,” Johnston said. “Global Water Center has an amazing leadership team, and together with them, we will press on in our mission to end global water poverty.”

Since becoming the COO of Global Water Center, Johnston has grown the non-profit’s team from 4 to 15 employees, bringing on many highly respected leaders from within the water sector. Johnston’s leadership experience has been varied and rich: from his work as an environmental lawyer to starting a non-profit in Haiti to serving as an Anglican Bishop.

Dr. Greene has worked on solving the global water crisis for over 25 years as co-founder and former CEO of both Water Mission and Global Water Center. During this transition time, Dr. Greene shared his full support of Johnston. “TJ Johnston’s strong leadership and team-building skills will ensure Global Water Center continues to move forward in its mission to end the global water crisis,” Dr. Greene said.

Regarding his new role, Johnston shared, “Global Water Center has a lot of bold dreams and exciting initiatives planned for 2024. We are building new trainings, forging new relationships, and harnessing new technology to bring safe water to more rural communities in Ghana, India, Zanzibar, Honduras, and beyond.”

“In 2024, I see something even bigger than training and technology. I see a movement of leaders transforming the rural water sector,” Johnston continued. “I see a movement of people who are committed to ending the water crisis together. I see a movement that will not stop until it brings safely managed water to everyone, everywhere.”

About Global Water Center

Global Water Center believes everyone deserves access to safely managed water. We provide education, innovation, and collaboration to keep rural water sources safe and flowing for good. As the go-to resource for the rural water sector, our safe water education courses have reached people in 81 countries. In addition to education, we also use innovative technology to make water projects more effective and reliable. All of our efforts are rooted in collaboration with non-profits, governments, and other entities. Together, we are solving the global water crisis.

Winkler Group Names New CEO and Chairman of the Board

Timothy M. Winkler, Sr., MA, CFRE // Chairman of the Board, effective June 1, 2024

CHARLESTON, S.C.—In conjunction with its 20th anniversary, the Winkler Group—one of the nation’s most respected fundraising consulting firms—announced that as part of the company’s long-term growth plan, founding partner and principal Tim Winkler is assuming the position of Chairman of the Board and appointing Jim Bush to President and CEO.

This carefully designed management transition reflects the vision and planning of the firm’s principals and leadership team, who have worked to ensure a seamless and effective handover of responsibilities. It underscores the Winkler Group’s long-term vision and commitment to delivering best-in-class service to its clients and positioning itself for continued growth nationally in the philanthropic and nonprofit sector.

“It is my pleasure and honor to announce that Jim Bush will become President and CEO effective June 1,” declares Winkler. “Upon his promotion, I will transition from CEO to Chairman of the Board of the Winkler Group.”

Bush has served as Winkler Group President since 2019. Under his leadership, the firm has seen unprecedented growth, with revenue doubling in the last five years and the number of team members growing by 45%. This growth is attributed to the firm’s commitment to its clients and to the fundraising sector.

Jim Bush // President and CEO, effective June 1, 2024

“Jim started taking on the role of CEO long before he was given the title. He has embraced the firm’s vision and mission while leading by example,” explains Winkler.

Bush has spearheaded a number of initiatives over the past five years, including an overhaul of the firm’s core processes and core focus that have brought strategic clarity to the firm’s growth plan. He serves as the Chair of the National Program and Education Committee for the Giving Institute and a member of the Editorial Review Board for its publication Giving USA, the annual report on charitable giving in the U.S.

As CEO, Bush will continue to positively transform the fundraising field. His passion is providing the nonprofit sector with the tools it needs to combat the generosity crisis—the overall decline in the number of Americans giving to charities over the last 20 years.

“The organizations we are fortunate to serve provide essential services to their communities. By providing them with a pathway to more funding, we amplify their impact,” explains Bush. “Our mission is to reverse the trends in national giving by helping nonprofits show donors the value of their investment—how they use their gifts to change lives.”

As Winkler assumes the position of Chairman of the Board, he will continue to work with the firm’s leadership team regarding the firm’s expansion and strategic vision. Along with writing and speaking nationally, he will lead the firm’s merger and acquisition efforts.

“I’m proud of the team we have assembled. Our talented consultants have a combined 250 years of fundraising experience; they have raised more than $2 billion for organizations with worthy causes,” shares Winkler. “More importantly, each person on our team exemplifies the Winkler Group’s core ethos of humble confidence in all our interactions. As much as we’ve achieved over the past 20 years, I am confident the best is yet to come.”

The Winkler Group is a national full-service fundraising firm that fuels philanthropy through partnerships, strategies, and hands-on execution. Headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, the Winkler Group works across all nonprofit sectors, offering counsel to academic institutions, hospitals, and community service organizations.

Charleston Local Curry Smoak Joins Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty

Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty proudly welcomes new agent Curry Smoak. As a lifelong resident of Charleston, Smoak brings a wealth of local knowledge and a sincere passion for helping others find their dream homes in the Holy City.

Smoak consistently ranks among the industry’s top 5% of real estate producers, earning her recognition as a consistent recipient of the Real Estate Agent of Distinction award. Her proven success track record speaks volumes about her dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Smoak has demonstrated outstanding leadership and an eagerness for healthy competition throughout her career, qualities that are indispensable assets in Charleston’s dynamic real estate market. Her business approach ensures that each client receives the highest level of service and support throughout their home-buying or selling journey.

Smoak’s affiliation with Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty represents an exciting new chapter in her illustrious real estate career. With the backing of Sotheby’s International Realty’s global reach and the in-house support of her local brokerage, Smoak will continue making a significant impact in the Charleston real estate market for years to come.

“We are thrilled to have Curry Smoak join our team at Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty,” said Daniel Ravenel, Jr., Chief Operations Officer. “Her deep ties to the Charleston community, her stellar reputation, and impressive real estate achievements make her a valuable addition to our firm. We look forward to the exceptional service and results she will undoubtedly deliver to our clients.”

Smoak exemplifies the spirit of Charleston through her deep-rooted love for the city and her commitment to exceptional client service. Her dedication to people and her hometown shines through in every transaction, whether assisting clients in finding their perfect residence or skillfully negotiating the sale of their beloved assets.

For media inquiries or to learn more about Curry Smoak and Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty, please contact Blake Waddell. Smoak will work out of the firm’s Charleston office at 33 Broad Street.

Meet The Female Business Owners of Freshfields Village

Meet The Female Business Owners of Freshfields Village
Highlighting local female retailers in celebration of International Women’s Day

KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C. – Freshfields Village, an open-air shopping and dining destination located on Kiawah Island, is celebrating female business owners in The Village community in honor of International Women’s Day on Friday, March 8, 2024. Each of these women whose remarkable strength, entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering dedication have not only crafted a vibrant shopping and customer service experience, but also have significantly contributed to fostering community growth, nurturing local economies, and creating inclusive spaces where all can flourish.

“Nearly half of our 34 local retail partners in the Village are women business owners,” says Catherine Bickford, Director of Leasing at EDENS, owner and operator of Freshfields Village. “Their contributions are not just about business success, they’re a strong narrative of women’s empowerment and we are lucky and proud to have them as part of our community.”

Meet six of the female-owned businesses that are making an impact at Freshfields:
Nancy Whitmore of Holly & Brooks: Having been in business for a successful ten years, Whitmore has developed deep connections within Freshfields Village and has created an environment where women can feel empowered through a selection of curated clothing. Exemplified by developing partnerships with other local business owners like Charleston Shoe Co. and The Co-Op, Whitmore brings partnership and support to the community and customers.

Grace Cribbin of Aubergine Home Collection: From Ireland to Freshfields Village, Grace’s journey is a powerful narrative of entrepreneurship fueled by passion and resilience. Since 1988, her boutique, Aubergine Home Collection, reflects a unique style that infuses her coastal heritage into her home décor and lifestyle store offerings. Cribbin is dedicated to bringing the best access to Kiawah customers’ fingertips, curating a library full of fabric and wallpaper swatches from some of the top names in interior design.

Jaki DiGeronimo of Java Java: A local through and through, DiGeronimo’s contributions to the community go beyond the morning cup of coffee. Java Java has become a gathering spot, promoting local artists and serving as a platform for community events such as The Village’s beloved Cars & Coffee monthly car show. The story of her café is one of local pride, serving beans that are locally sourced from King Bean Coffee Roasters in Charleston.

Dr. Christie Wiles of Salt Marsh Animal Hospital: Making her way to Freshfields in 2021, Dr. Wiles’ dedication to animal well-being in The Village and beyond shows a commitment not only to her profession, but also to her community. Since opening her clinic, she has participated as a judge for the dog costume contest at Freshfields’ annual Dogtoberfest. Just last year she treated 1,300 pets, showcasing her unwavering commitment to fostering pet wellness and relationships between clients and furry family members.

Erica Hanks of Showroom: Since 2021, Hanks has revolutionized the shopping experience in Freshfields Village with Showroom Kiawah, introducing high-end fashion and personal styling to cater to the modern woman’s diverse needs. By leveraging her esteemed background and connections in the fashion industry, Erica is not just bringing luxury brands closer to home, but is also creating a personal and immersive shopping experience in the lowcountry.

Bea Shaffer of Café Eugenia: Shaffer’s love of the South has been a cornerstone of her business, infusing local flavors and traditions into her café’s offerings. Through her successful catering avenue, she embodies how rooting a business in the community and extending cuisine beyond her four café walls, creates a sense of belonging and gathering amongst locals in Charleston.

In addition to these six female business owners, there are ten other empowering female business leaders among Freshfields’ retailers: Staci Lantz of Imagine Home, Linda Malcolm of Indigo Books, Audrey Myers of Indigo Health, Avery Smith of Islands Mercantile, Martha Kong of Kiawah Nail Studio, Mariam Gulistan of Luminary, Glenda LaRue of Palmetto Scent Studio, Gabrielle Egan of Peyton William Jewelry, Kay Stanley of Spartina 449, and Sandra Lempesis of Urban Nirvana.

Freshfields Village serves as a central gathering place where community, retail and activity meet, and is proud to highlight the significant impact women-owned businesses have on the Charleston community. The leadership and dedication of these 16 women inspire a legacy of empowerment while they pave the way for future generations, champion community values, and embody the spirit of International Women’s Day.

For more information about Freshfields Village, retailers and community events, please visit www.freshfieldsvillage.com.

ABOUT FRESHFIELDS VILLAGE
Freshfields Village is an open-air shopping and dining destination, ideally located at the crossroads of Kiawah, Seabrook, and Johns Islands, just 30 minutes from historic downtown Charleston. From casual and fine dining to salons and services, Freshfields has much to offer those visiting and those who call Charleston “home.” The sidewalks are lined with both local shops, high-end boutiques and regional and national retailers featuring over 30 unique shops and 11 dining experiences. The Village is bookended by luxury hotel, Andell Inn, and the beautiful Kiawah Island lowcountry landscape. Follow Freshfields Village on social media (Facebook: @FreshfieldsVillage; Instagram @FreshfieldsVillage) for upcoming events, itineraries, and more.

ABOUT EDENS
EDENS’ purpose is to enrich community through human engagement. The company owns, develops and stewards a leading real estate portfolio of more than 100 open-air retail and mixed-use places in high-growth markets coast to coast. Through intentional design, thoughtful curation and meaningful engagement, EDENS’ places reach an estimated 15 million people daily.

Attorney Lane Cook Promoted to Partner at LawyerLisa

LAWYERLISA, an elder law and estate planning firm, is pleased to announce the promotion of Lane Cook to Partner with the firm. LawyerLisa serves clients throughout the state of South Carolina with their aging needs.

Lane joined LawyerLisa in 2018 and over the years has become a vital cornerstone to the success of the firm and the confidence clients have in the firm. Lane’s extensive experience as a former trust officer and designation as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional allows precision drafting and review that the firm and clients rely on daily.

“Lane’s skill in this area is unmatched. He provides key financial insights to our clients who want more than just some documents to file away in a drawer. His working knowledge allows clients and their families to proactively plan for their future legal and financial needs. We are thrilled to recognize Lane’s contributions to our firm and our clients,” said Lisa Hostetler Brown, Founder of LawyerLisa.

Lane is an honor graduate of Cannon Financial Institute’s Trust School. He graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 2010 and received his undergraduate degree from the University of South Carolina, Magna Cum Laude, in 2008.

Originally from Aiken, SC, Lane has his own personal cheering section with his wife, Brittany, and their three children.

About LawyerLisa
Serving the entire state of South Carolina from locations in Irmo, Simpsonville, and Bluffton LawyerLisa, LLC delivers comprehensive elder law and estate planning with a personalized approach. For more information, please visit www.LawyerLisa.com. Managing Attorney: Lisa Hostetler Brown Main Office: 7511 Saint Andrews Rd, Ste 3 Irmo, SC 29063.

WebsterRogers Announces Two New Partners

WebsterRogers LLP (WR) proudly announces the promotion of Laurence Fritz and Adam Johnson to the position of Partner within our firm. In concert with his promotion to Partner, Laurence Fritz will also serve as the Practice Leader for the Firm’s Assurance Services Group.

Laurence Fritz

About Laurence Fritz
This promotion, effective January 2024, underscores a career spanning over twelve years in the realm of public accounting, characterized by a wealth of experience in diverse sectors. Laurence’s professional portfolio includes collaboration with domestic and international enterprises, as well as those under private equity and family ownership. Notably, he has provided audit services across an array of industries including real estate, manufacturing, construction, hospitality, and retail.

Preceding his tenure in public accounting, Laurence served as Junior Vice President for an international cotton merchandising firm. His role as an international trading team member demanded an in-depth understanding of the derivative and international marketing environments, and necessitated global travels to England, Italy, Turkey, Taiwan, Thailand, and Indonesia for client engagements.
Beyond his professional commitments, Laurence is an active contributor to his community, serving on the boards of Spartanburg Area Conservancy (SPACE), The Advent Foundation, and The Cleveland Opportunity Foundation. Additionally, he lends his expertise as a member of the Audit Committee of the Mary Black Foundation.
“Laurence’s diverse and global experiences immediately created value for the clients we have the privilege of serving,” said Amy Urquhart, Managing Partner of WR. “Additionally, Laurence’s leadership, progressive and strategic mindset along with his humility well positioned him for the role as ASG practice leader garnering the respect of his fellow partners and associates.”

Adam Johnson

About Adam Johnson
A graduate of The University of Toledo with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, Adam’s commitment to professional development is evident through his completion of LeaderShift; WebsterRogers’ comprehensive 12-month leadership development program. He holds a license as a Certified Public Accountant in both South Carolina and Ohio and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the South Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (SCACPA).

Adam’s dedication extends beyond his professional role, as he actively engages in community stewardship. In Myrtle Beach, he serves on the board for prominent organizations such as the Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association, Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum, McLeod Seacoast Foundation, and Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel. His commitment to community involvement is matched by his efforts to foster a vibrant and inclusive culture within our firm.
“Adam naturally consistently earns the revered title of trusted advisor with his clients and colleagues,” said Amy Urquhart, Managing Partner of WR. “His genuine concern for clients, business acumen and proactive tendencies provide excellent, strategic client service. Additionally, Adam shares this skillset readily with the community he works in, volunteering countless hours to enrich the organizations and people he serves.”

About WebsterRogers LLP
WebsterRogers LLP is a leading South Carolina-based accounting and consulting firm that provides a broad spectrum of assurance, tax and advisory services to our clients. We lead in industry standards in our level experience and expertise, and our commitment to our surrounding local communities is paramount. With offices in eight cities across South Carolina, we are able to build local relationships and provide exceptional customer service.