Leadership | Hilton Head Island Chamber of Commerce

Forging Tomorrow's Leaders: A Legacy of Excellence

We are currently accepting applications for the Leadership Class of 2026! Click here to apply – the deadline for the application and all supporting documents is May 12, 2025.

Interested in more information? Click here to register for the opportunity to meet Alumni of the Leadership Program and to answer any questions you might have regarding the program:

Thursday, April 10 | 8:30am | HHIB Chamber of Commerce | 1 Chamber of Commerce Drive, HHI
Thursday, April 24 | 4:30pm | Bluffton Library | 120 Palmetto Way, Bluffton

For 40 years, the flagship Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce Leadership program has been the catalyst for change-makers in our community.

Over 10 months, participants get immersed in a transformative experience that goes beyond professional development. Dive deep into the heart of southern Beaufort County, exploring its:

Vibrant culture and rich history
Economy and business landscape
Innovative government structures
Cutting-edge educational systems
Evolving social fabric

Each Leadership class also completes a community project. In the past eight years, leadership classes have raised and invested over $190,000 into the community through these projects including Wheels to the Waves, Reel In & Recycle, Bluffton Library Park, sunscreen dispensers at Hilton Head Island parks, playground equipment at Oscar Frazier Park, Matthew's Oak in Shelter Cove Towne Centre, "Follow the Fiddlers" in Old Town Bluffton, signage on Daufuskie Island, and more.

The Leadership program isn't just about individual growth—it's about creating a powerful network of leaders who support and inspire each other long after graduation. The bonds formed here last a lifetime, with alumni often citing the camaraderie as one of the most valuable aspects of their experience.

Open to professionals living and working in southern Beaufort County, this program is your gateway to making a lasting difference. Since 1985, over 700 people have graduated from the program.

Why invest in leadership? Because we understand that today's emerging leaders are tomorrow's community pillars. Join us in our mission to cultivate a new generation of visionaries who will drive innovation, foster growth, and create positive change across the Lowcountry.

The Leadership class is open to professionals living and working in southern Beaufort County and runs from August 2025 through May 2026.

Click here to download the fillable reference form, and email completed form back to [email protected]

Questions? Please contact Laura Alice Henderson, Director of Programs and Events at [email protected].

Welcome Class of 2025!

Paul Arvantides, Don Ryan Center for Innovation
Bethany Brown, Hilton Head Island Island Recreation Association
Sarah Brown, Sea Love Candle Car Boutique
Amy Conners, Hilton Head Regional Healthcare
Madeline Cox, Outside Hilton Head
Jim Damico, South Atlantic Bank
Angela Douglas, Town of Bluffton
Kathleen Duncan, J.K. Tiller Associates, Inc.
Andrew Dunlap, Shoreline Construction
Libby Gilden, Part of the Family, LLC
Daniel Guerrini, Alliance Global Partners
Hannah Hartberger, Town of Bluffton
Stephanie Jurczak, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Bluffton
Kristen McIntosh, Art League of Hilton Head
Mallory Munson, The Sea Pines Resort
Sheila Paz, LOCAL Life Magazine
Ryan Pye, Hospice Care of the Lowcountry
Olivia Root, Taylor's Quality Landscape Supply
Dalton Shaw, The Fraum Center for Restorative Health
Lindsay Taylor, Just Tri Performance
Morgan Thompson, Town of Hilton Head Island
Connie Turlington, Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort
Jose Vargas, Hargray Communications
Ryan Wise, Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island

Thanks to our 2024-2025 Board of Regents

Adam Martin, Chair (Class of 2022), Haig Point
Kiley Fusco, Vice Chair (Class of 2014), City of Pooler
Brian Neumann, Past Chair (Class of 2014), Revolution Network
Joan Richardson, Treasurer (Class of 2022), Carey & Company
Cary Welker, Secretary (Class of 2023), SERG Restaurant Group
Nicki Charles, Mentors (Class of 2016), Community Foundation of the Lowcountry
Susana Cook, Sponsorships (Class of 2016), Hilton Garden Inn
Henry Criss, Book Presentations (Class of 2022), Fraum Center for Restorative Health
Allyson Etheridge, Recruiting (Class of 2023), Daniel Ravenel Sotheby's International Realty
Lynn King, Sponsorships (Class of 2014), Kevin King Associates
Emily Kraus, CEAs (Class of 2024), The Sea Pines Resort
Bethany Marcinkowski, CEAs (Class of 2024), United Way of the Lowcountry, Inc.
Russell Rogers, Recruiting (Class of 2023), Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue
Cinda Seamon, Mentor Coordinator (Class of 1991), Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue
Ryan Williams, Assistant Treasurer (Class of 2024), South Atlantic Bank