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Michele Sancricca Joins Knowledge Capital Group

Michele Sancricca

CHARLESTON – Michele Sancricca has joined Knowledge Capital Group (KCG) as Digital Technology and Optimization Advisor. In addition to his role at KCG, Sancricca is the co-founder and CEO of Secro, a digital documentation SaaS provider.

Sancricca has extensive experience in delivering complex business transformation projects in both private and public companies. Previously, Sancricca held senior roles as the Head of Supply Chain Solutions at Amazon, Global Head of Technology at Amazon Web Services, and Director of MSC. Sancricca enhanced organization and client profitability through the improvement of existing processes and the adoption of cutting-edge digital technologies.

Sancricca is a retired Italian Naval Officer and earned his MS in Political Science from the Italian Naval Academy, MBA from Middlesex University of London, and has a black belt Six Sigma Master Certificate. Sancricca is also the co-author of multiple supply chain optimization publications and patents.

A fitness and sailing enthusiast originally from Tuscany, Sancricca now calls Charleston home, where he enjoys spending his free time with his beloved wife and his two children.

ABOUT KNOWLEDGE CAPITAL GROUP:

Knowledge Capital Group [KCG] is a boutique healthcare consulting firm specializing in strategy and organizational transformation. We partner with hospital and health system leaders to devise innovative solutions to their toughest challenges – converting issues into opportunities, inefficient processes into best practices, and marginal outcomes into sustainable results. Follow Knowledge Capital Group on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Stantec expands Water Resources team in South Carolina

Stantec, a leading global design and engineering firm, has welcomed Kevin Kubiak as a Senior Water Resources Engineer in Charleston.

Kubiak is a civil engineer with 13 years of experience with both private and public sector work experience that includes stormwater system design and permitting, inventory collection and assessment, stormwater planning and program management, stormwater modeling, utility coordination, right-of-way services, and coastal resilience. He holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering in Water Resources from the University of Minnesota and a Bachelor of Science in Physics from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

About Stantec
Communities are fundamental. Whether around the corner or across the globe, they provide a foundation, a sense of place and of belonging. That’s why at Stantec, we always design with community in mind.

We care about the communities we serve—because they’re our communities too. This allows us to assess what’s needed and connect our expertise, to appreciate nuances and envision what’s never been considered, to bring together diverse perspectives so we can collaborate toward a shared success.

We’re designers, engineers, scientists, and project managers, innovating together at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships. Balancing these priorities results in projects that advance the quality of life in communities across the globe.

Stantec trades on the TSX and the NYSE under the symbol STN. Visit us at stantec.com or find us on social media.

McMillan Pazdan Smith Welcomes Samer Hamde as Healthcare Practice Leader

Samer Hamde, Healthcare Practice Leader, McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture. Photo Provided.

McMillan Pazdan Smith (MPS), a leading architecture, planning, and design firm in the Southeast, is pleased to announce that Samer Hamde has joined the firm as Healthcare Practice Leader.

Hamde brings 25 years of progressive experience in architecture, engineering, planning, and program management, with a focus on healthcare design. He has held senior leadership roles with Amec Foster Wheeler, JLL, and NELSON Worldwide, where he was a Principal and National Practice Leader for Healthcare and CCJ&E.

“Samer Hamde is an exciting addition to our firm’s leadership. He brings a wealth of healthcare industry experience, insights, and trusted relationships with clients and stakeholders,” said Chad Cousins, CEO of McMillan Pazdan Smith. “The reach of McMillan Pazdan Smith’s healthcare design, planning, and advisory practice continues to grow, and Samer will work closely with our team to expand our service capability, and design-centered value and impact for the health and wellbeing of our regional communities.”

“MPS is known for creating patient-centered environments, optimizing workflow efficiencies, and integrating cutting-edge data and advisory services that are invaluable to the delivery of healthcare facilities,” said Hamde, “I am excited to begin this remarkable journey with this experienced and talented team.”

McMillan Pazdan Smith has healthcare-dedicated architects, designers, planners, advisors, and data-analysts across its eight studio locations throughout the Southeast. For more than 30 years, its healthcare practice has provided innovative and sustainable design solutions for a wide range of healthcare facilities, including hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, free-standing emergency departments, behavioral health clinics and medical office buildings.

MPS’ healthcare portfolio includes Bon Secours Mercy Health’s St. Francis tower modernization and emergency department addition (Greenville, S.C.), CaroMont Health’s new Belmont Campus (Belmont, N.C.), MUSC’s Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital (in association with Perkins & Will, Charleston, S.C.), and Prisma Health’s Multi-Specialty Ambulatory Care Center (MACC).

About McMillan Pazdan Smith
McMillan Pazdan Smith is an architecture, advisory services, planning, and interior design firm. Practicing since 1955, the firm currently has eight locations throughout the Southeast. As a community-based firm, MPS is driven by a collaborative culture, creative client solutions, and design excellence. With over 100 AIA awards since 2000, the firm’s purpose is to reimagine what’s possible and create meaningful and lasting impact for the good of all.

Lowcountry Food Bank Names Five New Board Members

Charleston, SC — Lowcountry Food Bank (LCFB) today announced that five new Board members have joined its Board of Directors: Elizabeth Starr Gephart (Pooh), Steve Gruidl, Kelly Hosack, Kenric Rivers, and Kevin Rourk.

The LCFB Board is comprised of community leaders who are responsible for good stewardship of LCFB, a commitment to the LCFB mission, managing policies and bylaws, identifying key areas of strengths and opportunities for Board development and understanding and supporting the fundraising needs of the organization.

“I look forward to working with our newest Board members as we move forward our mission to unite our community in pursuit of equitable, dignified, and consistent access to food,” said Nick Osborne, LCFB President and CEO. “Each of them brings expertise, new opportunity for collaboration, and innovation to serve our neighbors who face food insecurity.”

“Pooh” Gephart has served on several local and international human services and educational organization’s boards as an officer, including Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry, Rift Valley Children’s Village in Tanzania, and Overbrook School of the Blind in Pennsylvania. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

Steve Gruidl is VP, North American Sales West at Sealed Air Corporation. He has previously served in many corporate sales leadership positions in the food packaging industry. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communications and a Minor in Marketing from Texas A&M University.

Kelly Hosack serves as the Managing Director for the architectural firm GF in Charleston (formerly SGA|NW). With a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Auburn University, Kelly has demonstrated a commitment to both architectural excellence and community service. Her client roster includes providing support for community members in maintaining their homes. Beyond her professional role, Kelly has actively participated and volunteered for committees and boards, such as the Association of Medical Facility Professionals, Leadership Charleston, Hearts and Hammers, and the Phoenix Dream Center. Her diverse experiences contribute to a unique perspective and unwavering dedication in every project she undertakes.

Kevin Rourk is South State Bank’s Charleston Premier Private Banking Director and Senior Vice President. His role includes assisting high net worth individuals and businesses with customized financial planning and credit solutions. He has 29 years of expertise in the banking industry. Kevin has served on many community boards, including Junior Achievement of Charleston, the East Cooper Land Trust board, and he currently serves on the Trident Technical College Foundation Board. He is a former Head Coach of Palmetto Christian Academy.

A native of Charleston, Kenric Rivers is the Director of Operations at Food Lion, where he has served in both district and store-level capacities for more than 25 years. In his role, he is responsible for oversight of all operational activities and ensuring efficiency and productivity. He has developed and implemented strategies that have enhanced employee performance and driven customer satisfaction.

Outgoing Board members are Amie Grimes, Michael Mintz, Monica Scott, Joel Smith, Bill Trull, and Michael Wilson. “I want to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to our outgoing board members for their outstanding leadership and dedication to our mission,” Osborne said.

To see a full list of the current LCFB Board, visit our website Board of Directors page here: https://lowcountryfoodbank.org/about-us/board-of-directors/

About the Lowcountry Food Bank: Feed. Advocate. Empower.

The Lowcountry Food Bank serves the 10 coastal counties of South Carolina and distributed more than 42 million pounds of food in 2023. The Lowcountry Food Bank helps fight hunger by distributing food to more than 230 partner agencies including on-site meal programs, homeless shelters and emergency food pantries. The Lowcountry Food Bank advocates on behalf of those who experience hunger and helps empower people to make healthy and nutritious food choices. For more information, visit the Lowcountry F

Trident United Way Announces New Leadership Hires and Promotions

Joey Current

North Charleston, SC- Trident United Way (TUW) is pleased to announce three new leadership positions: Joey Current has been promoted to Director of Strategic Partnerships, Allison Hilton joins the organization as Director of Education and Danielle Trauth-Jurman has been promoted to Director of Planned Giving & Endowment Strategy.

Joey Current has been promoted to Director of Strategic Partnerships, a new role for Trident United Way. Current joined Trident United Way in 2019 as the Health Program Manager. Prior to TUW he worked in operations and data analysis at the United Way of the Greater Triangle and as a researcher at the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center at UNC Chapel Hill. Current earned a BS degree from Clemson University and a Master’s of Public Health from the University of South Carolina.

In this new role, Current will develop systems-level strategies that will guide TUW’s Impact Agenda through innovation and collaboration, including advocacy opportunities for local and state policies, systems, and infrastructure changes that advance TUW’s community impact mission.

Allison Hilton

Allison Hilton joins as Director of Education, a position that has been awaiting fulfillment as TUW underwent a CEO search over the last year. Previously, Hilton worked for Charleston County School District as a Parent Advocate for Mitchell Elementary School. Hilton is also the Founder of Deep SC, a nonprofit organization serving Lowcountry families by providing skills, resources, and education to achieve successful life outcomes. Hilton has a BA in English from Georgetown University.

As Director of Education, Hilton will oversee the development of strategies and programs that support education in the Tri-County, a key pillar of Trident United Way’s mission. She will also manage key TUW educational partnerships, including Tri-County Cradle to Career and Strive Together.

Danielle Trauth-Jurman has been promoted to Director of Planned Giving & Endowment Strategy, another new role for Trident United Way. Trauth-Jurman joined TUW as an Advancement Officer in 2022. Previously she served as Program & Volunteer Coordinator for Bridges of Hope and as Community Engagement Associate at Reading Partners. Trauth-Jurman also has prior experience in the United Way network at United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, where she was a Project Manager for their VITA Program. She received her B.A. from Bowling Green State University and her Master’s of Public Administration at the University of Pittsburgh.

In this position, Trauth-Jurman will develop strategies to expand TUW’s planned giving program as well as maximize current and future endowment funds to support the organization’s mission and initiatives.

“As our organization evolves with the changing needs of our community, I am thrilled to have an exceptional team in place to spearhead new developments and initiatives,” said Trident United Way President & CEO DJ Hampton. “Joey and Danielle are strong leaders, and we look forward to seeing their impact on our organization and the community continue to grow in these new roles.”

“Allison Hilton is an incredible addition to our team at Trident United Way,” said Trident United Way President & CEO DJ Hampton. “She brings a depth of experience and a wealth of empathy and compassion to her work that will have a powerful impact on the Tri-County community.”

About Trident United Way – Celebrating more than 77 years of service, Trident United Way is a catalyst for measurable community transformation in education, financial stability and health. In 2021 The Chronicle of Philanthropy once again voted United Way as America’s favorite charity.

Afaxys Names Christian Bloomgren Chief Commercial Officer

Afaxys’ new CCO – Christian Bloomgren

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Afaxys, LLC, a socially conscious healthcare company focused on serving public health professionals and their patients, today announced the appointment of Christian Bloomgren to Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). In this role, Christian will be responsible for leading the identification, development, and execution of marketing and sales strategies across Afaxys Pharma and Afaxys Group Services (AGS) to deliver on the Company’s commercial objectives and growth initiatives.

“The U.S. reproductive health landscape has changed and access to necessary healthcare and products continues to be a real challenge. Christian is joining Afaxys to help us continue to ensure affordable access for those that need it most,” said Ronda Dean, President, CEO & Co-Founder of Afaxys. “We look forward to his proven leadership, strategic vision, and expertise, helping us advance our mission and optimize the adoption and distribution of Afaxys’ products in public health. On behalf of the Board of Directors and my Executive Team, I would like to congratulate and officially welcome Christian to Afaxys.”

“Afaxys has a powerful mission and has already made a significant impact to healthcare professionals and their patients through its focus on sexual and reproductive healthcare in the public health sector. The company is entering an exciting time of strategic growth, and I’m proud to join this talented team to leverage the collective strengths of Afaxys Pharma and Afaxys Group Services to continue building upon our legacy of leadership in public health,” said Bloomgren.

Christian Bloomgren has over 20 years of experience building and leading companies across the pharmaceutical, women’s health, diagnostic, biotech, and medical device markets. His previous roles include Chief Commercial Officer at Infinate Health, President & Chief Commercial Officer at Dominion Aesthetic Technologies, and Senior Vice President, Sales at TherapeuticsMD.

About Afaxys
Afaxys uniquely partners with public health and private industry to ensure healthcare providers have stable pricing and reliable access to the products and services they need to care for their patients.

The Afaxys enterprise comprises a family of companies that operate under two wholly owned subsidiaries: Afaxys Pharma, LLC and Afaxys Group Services, LLC (AGS). Afaxys Pharma provides a broad portfolio of branded and generic contraceptives to the public healthcare market. AGS is a strategic sourcing operation that negotiates favorable pricing across a broad base of products and services through its Group Purchasing Organization and emapp. For more information visit www.afaxys.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
The statements in this press release that are not historical facts constitute “forward-looking statements” as defined by Federal Securities laws. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks related to the inability to implement strategic initiatives, and the dependence on key personnel. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Afaxys, Inc. will not update forward-looking statements to reflect factual assumptions, circumstances or events that have changed after a forward-looking statement was made.

 

The Blood Connection President & CEO Elected to Chair Board of National Blood Organization

Blood Centers of America (BCA) has announced the appointment of Delisa English, President and CEO of The Blood Connection (TBC), as incoming Chair of its Board of Directors, beginning January 2024.

BCA is the largest blood supply network in the United States and is comprised of over 60+ independent blood centers who collect and distribute over 50% of the nation’s blood supply. The Blood Connection, a long-standing member of BCA, is one of the area’s largest independent blood providers serving 130 hospital partners in communities throughout South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia.

“It is a privilege to be chosen to serve on the Board for BCA. I’m looking forward to working alongside the BCA committee advocating and educating for the nation’s blood supply in the various communities these independent blood centers represent and serve,” says English.

With over 28 years in the blood industry, English has served as President and CEO of TBC for the past decade. Prior to joining TBC, English held several leadership roles with The American Red Cross Biomedical Services. She holds a Master of Business Administration degree from The University of Tennessee and a Bachelor of Science degree from Auburn University. English is active in the Greenville community volunteering with several organizations and serving on non-profit boards.

“It is an honor to be able to have Ms. English serve in this capacity with Blood Centers of America”, said Bill Block, President and CEO of BCA. He adds, “Ms. English has significant expertise and tenure in serving the Cooperative for many years in Committee leadership as well as on the BCA Executive Committee. I look forward to working with her and fellow blood centers across our organization to continue to combine our deep local knowledge with our extensive national network to expand services to the communities we serve.”

About The Blood Connection
Founded in Greenville, SC, (formerly the Carolina Georgia Blood Center) The Blood Connection has been committed to saving lives since 1962. TBC is an independently managed, not-for-profit, community blood center that provides blood products to over 130 hospitals within South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Virginia. Recognized by the U.S. Congress for its dedication to disaster preparedness and the community, TBC works diligently to collect blood from volunteer donors to meet the ever-increasing demand. By keeping collections local, TBC serves hundreds of thousands of patients a year in its communities. TBC is licensed and regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. For more information, visit thebloodconnection.org.

Lou Hammond Group’s Charleston Office Announces Senior-Level Promotions

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Lou Hammond Group’s (LHG) Charleston office recently announced three promotions.

Meg Lewis

Meg Lewis has been promoted from Vice President to Senior Vice President. With over a decade of tourism, economic development and marketing experience, Lewis brings unique insight into how today’s most competitive destinations blend tourism and traditional economic activities to create robust, fully integrated strategy.

Halley Autry

Halley Autry has been promoted from Senior Account Supervisor to Vice President. With a background in the culinary arts, Autry’s talents have supported all aspects of wine, food and retail for LHG clients. Since joining the agency in 2017, she has ideated and implemented results-driven PR programs for destinations, hospitality providers and retail brands.

Kelsey Donnelly

Kelsey Donnelly has been promoted from Senior Account Supervisor to Vice President. Donnelly has an outstanding history of success in public relations for destination, real estate and B2B clients. Since joining LHG in 2018, she has been integral to the growth of the agency’s real estate portfolio. She is responsible for developing comprehensive communications strategies for destination clients and commercial and residential real estate developers, among others.

Charleston ENT And Allergy Welcomes Industry Veteran Bob Glazer As Senior Director of Business Development

Bob Glazer – Senior Director of Business Development

Charleston ENT and Allergy is pleased to announce that Bob Glazer has joined their management team as the Senior Director of Business Development. With an impressive career spanning over 45 years in the healthcare industry, Mr. Glazer brings a profound depth of experience and expertise to augment the capabilities of the Charleston ENT and Allergy team. This partnership underscores the group’s commitment to fostering continued growth and excellence in healthcare service delivery.

Mr. Glazer has a proven record in strategic and long-range planning for healthcare practices and providers. He excels in assessing and developing joint venture opportunities, helping healthcare organizations navigate complexities and achieve sustainable success.
Charleston ENT and Allergy has been at the forefront of providing superior, comprehensive, and convenient care to the people and families of South Carolina since its inception in 1997. The group’s commitment to these core values has been the driving force behind its remarkable growth, expanding from one location to an impressive twelve, including their nationally accredited surgical center, The Surgery Center of Charleston, and the state-of-the-art Sinus Institute.

Glazer will collaborate closely with the senior leadership team to further enhance the group’s capabilities in Revenue Cycle Management, Allergy and Audiology Operations, Managed Care Contracting and Practice Growth.

“Charleston ENT and Allergy has a rich history of providing exceptional care to the communities in which they serve, and I am thrilled to join the team,” said Bob Glazer. “I look forward to leveraging my experience to contribute to the continued growth and success of the group, and work with their leadership team in executing their strategic initiatives, ensuring the organization remains at the forefront of healthcare innovation and excellence.”

“We extend a warm welcome to Bob as he becomes a valued member of Charleston ENT and Allergy,” expressed Gene Brown, MD – President and CEO. “His profound expertise in healthcare is poised to significantly enhance our capabilities, strategically aligning with our mission to provide exceptional care to the people of South Carolina. We eagerly look forward to utilizing his insights to propel our organization toward unprecedented achievements.”

Founded in 1997, Charleston ENT & Allergy has grown to be South Carolina’s largest private ENT practice and is dedicated to caring for patients in need of help with ear, nose, and throat conditions. Additionally, board-certified allergists customize treatment plans for allergy relief, and certified audiologists are available to test and offer solutions for hearing loss. The practice has expanded to 13 locations in the Lowcountry, some with on-site pharmacies; The Surgery Center of Charleston, a state-of-the-art, nationally accredited surgical center; and four locations in the Midlands. With 29 board-certified physicians, 14 advanced practice providers, and 20 audiologists trained to treat children from birth through adulthood and into their senior years, patients can expect superior, comprehensive care.

The Beach Company Announces a New Hire in Downtown Charleston

David Antz

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

David Antz has been hired as corporate accountant at The Beach Company’s corporate headquarters at The Jasper, a luxury mixed-use community located in historic downtown Charleston. In this role, Antz will be responsible for maintaining general ledgers for The Beach Company corporate and its affiliated entities on a GAAP basis. Originally from Ohio, Antz earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration with an accounting focus from the University of Cincinnati. Additionally, he has previously worked for American Industrial Brands, Moss and Yantis CPA Firm and Cleveland Cliffs Steel Corp.

About The Beach Company
Founded in 1945, The Beach Company has been a leader in residential and commercial real estate brokerage, development and property management for over 75 years. The Beach Company upholds a tradition of establishing landmark properties and communities by evaluating each development opportunity for its potential to improve the quality of life for our neighbors and contribute to the long-term economic vitality of the Southeast region.