Akua Page

Intake & Business Development Coordinator

Akua Page (she/her) is a Gullah Geechee social entrepreneur and budding food historian. She is passionate about leveraging her experience as a small business owner to support other entrepreneurs from historically excluded communities.

With an appetite to see people succeed, Akua brings over seven years of experience in Education, Marketing, and Community Organizing to the CLIMB Fund in her position as Business Development Coordinator.

• Email: akua@climbfund.org

Amanda Anduiza

Project Manager

Amanda Anduiza descends from multiple generations of entrepreneurs and spent four years building her own small business. She is familiar with the challenges and rewards small business owners face, as well as the lasting impact small businesses can have on families and communities. As the Growth Manager, Amanda supports clients from receiving their commitment of funds through the closing process. She is particularly passionate about championing female business-ownership.

In addition to assisting clients, Amanda enjoys contributing to CLIMB Fund’s growth and development as a mission-driven and values-based organization. She received her master’s degree in Organization Development from American University and loves applying her education to helping CLIMB Fund serve its stakeholders more effectively and efficiently. Outside of the office, Amanda’s pride and joy is her family and being a mother. The Anduizas love trips to the mountains to hike, camp, and rock climb.

Amanda says, “I have always wanted to contribute to changing the world for the better, and I am convinced it happens through family, small business opportunity, and vibrant workplaces. I am proud to work for an organization that contributes to providing small businesses the opportunity to start and grow, and provides a wonderful atmosphere to work in.”

• Email: amanda.a@climbfund.org

Charlie O’Brien

Director of Client Experience & Success

Charlie O’Brien has been involved in small business in multiple capacities for over 25 years before joining the CLIMB Fund. A native of Caracas, Venezuela, Charlie has a passion for outreach to underserved communities and makes it his mission to strive for maximum diversity in CLIMB Fund’s lending portfolio as the Director of Client Experience & Success. He is a member of the City of Charleston’s LatinX Advisory Council and a Board Member of the Hispanic Business Association. Charlie earned his Master of Business Administration from Rider University in New Jersey.

In his role at the CLIMB Fund, Charlie supports our clients on their business journey by offering coaching and advisory services while also managing our contracted business advisors. He also ensures that we offer our clients the best experience possible for the duration of the client’s relationship with the CLIMB Fund.

Charlie says, “I love working at the CLIMB Fund because we get to see and be a part of making an impact in peoples’ lives. I find that in so many professions, impact is hard to measure or quantify, but at CLIMB Fund, we see it every day.”

• Email: charlie@climbfund.org

Cindi Rourk

Chief Executive Officer

Cindi Rourk leads CLIMB Fund as its Chief Executive Officer. Her main goal is to lead the mission-driven nonprofit in ensuring its dedication to growing the local economy by providing flexible, affordable, and customizable loans to entrepreneurs and small businesses owners.

A longtime member of the Charleston community and part of the banking world for over 20 years, Cindi began her career at CLIMB Fund in 2008 as a loan officer, eventually becoming the Director of Lending and Business Development, and ultimately rising to her current position as CEO. She is a graduate of Appalachian State University, Leadership Charleston, and South Carolina Bankers’ School.

Cindi is proud to serve as a board member of several organizations, including the Community First Land Trust, South Carolina Community Capital Alliance, and the Charleston Women’s Business Center.

• Email: cindi@climbfund.org

Darrell Booker

Midlands Community Development Loan Officer

Darrell Booker has a background in banking and economic development including positions with BB&T, the Orangeburg County Development Commission, and the Southern Carolina Alliance.

At CLIMB Fund, Darrell is our Midlands Community Development Loan Officer and ensures that more entrepreneurs in the area have access to the resources we provide.

Darrell says, “I joined the CLIMB Fund because it’s a mission-focused organization where I can help my community by providing access to capital for those who could not otherwise access it. I’m very happy to bring what CLIMB Fund offers to a wider footprint and have a role in our organization being able to serve the entire state.”

• Email: darrell@climbfund.org

Emily Fender

Project Coordinator

Originally from Wyoming, Emily Fender studied Environment and Natural Resources and Anthropology at the University of Wyoming. Following her graduation, she worked as an AmeriCorps VISTA for the Wyoming Food Coalition, a non-profit organization dedicated to the expansion of food access, food education, and food policy.

Emily’s work in sustainable food systems comes from her passion for supporting local communities. As Project Coordinator at CLIMB Fund, Emily is excited to further the organization’s mission by making sure CLIMB Fund’s operations run smoothly.

After moving to Charleston with her husband and two cats, Emily fell in love with the ocean and spends her free time hanging out at the beach and painting.

• Email: emily@climbfund.org

George Kinzler

Project Coordinator

George Kinzler is a recent graduate of College of Charleston, holding a degree in Political Science. During his college career, George held various roles involving extensive customer interaction.

Now, with a strong desire to learn and contribute in his role as Project Coordinator, he hopes to make a significant impact at CLIMB Fund by assisting the organization to accomplish its mission of community development.

In his free time, George likes being outside and enjoying the vibrant culture of Charleston. When time allows, he works as a bike taxi driver for Charleston Bike Taxi. George also enjoys playing pickup basketball games at various parks throughout the city and spending quality time with his roommates and friends.

• Email: george@climbfund.org

Grace Butler

Lending Manager

Grace Butler has over nine years of experience working in the banking industry with institutions like Wells Fargo, BB&T, and Synovus. In her time working in the traditional banking world, Grace held positions as a teller, personal banker, and lender.

Grace’s current role as Lead Community Development Loan Officer at CLIMB Fund is to assist potential borrowers with becoming loan approval ready. Grace operates as a coach to our clients throughout their approval process and assists with managing expectations and guiding them through adjustments to better ensure their approval odds.

Grace says, “In retail banking, I found that I told a lot of people what I could not do for them. On the other hand, here at CLIMB Fund, I can see where I can help and use my knowledge to make a difference for our potential borrowers. It’s never no, it’s not right now, and here’s how we can overcome these challenges to get you approved.”

Grace is a native of Moncks Corner, SC. In her free time, she enjoys making memories with her kids and traveling.

• Email: grace@climbfund.org

Gromyko Walker

Risk Manager

• Email: gromyko@climbfund.org

Jennifer Folden

Closing Coordinator

Jennifer Folden was born and raised in Charleston, WV, but calls the Lowcountry home after her family moved to Summerville, SC, in 1988. Jennifer’s passion lies in helping others in her community to make sound financial decisions and has served in the banking and mortgage industry for 25 years. As the Closing Coordinator at CLIMB Fund, Jennifer will continue to promote financial growth across South Carolina by guiding our clients through the loan closing process, helping them to arrive at the next step on their business journeys.

Jennifer lives in Summerville with her daughter and two dogs, Jack and Brooks. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys reading, watching true crime documentaries, and soaking in the sun on beautiful Lowcountry days. 

• Email: jennifer@climbfund.org

Kelly Harvey

Upstate Community Development Loan Officer

Kelly Turner Harvey is a lifelong resident of Spartanburg, SC. She graduated from Dorman High School, received a BA in Finance from Wofford College and a Master of Business Administration from North Greenville University. 

Kelly has been active in the Spartanburg Community for many years. Her past board involvement includes the Chapman Cultural Center’s Board of Trustees (previous Education and Community Outreach Chair) and Hub City Farmer’s Market. She served for six years on United Way of the Piedmont’s Young Leaders Advisory board (chair in 2018-2019). She is also a past board member of Christmas in Action of Spartanburg and Hub City Farmer’s Market. Kelly is a sustaining member of the Junior League of Spartanburg and was chairwoman of Santa’s Shoppe in 2011 and 2012. She currently serves on the Outreach Committee for St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church.

She has also served on the United Way of the Piedmont’s Education Allocation Committee and 1831 Gala Committee. She is a graduate of Leadership Spartanburg, United Way of the Piedmont’s Nonprofit Fellowes and Spartanburg County Foundation’s Grassroots Leadership Development Institute.

Professionally, Kelly has been involved with CREW Upstate, Breakfast Business and Professional Women of Spartanburg (prior state board-VP of Membership), and Spartanburg Young Professionals (having served on the Board from 2010-2012). Kelly was the 2017 recipient of the UWP Walter S. Montgomery Award for Young Leadership.

She enjoys traveling, stand-up paddleboarding, gardening, going to concerts, and spending time with family and friends.

• Email: kelly@climbfund.org

Kendra Darity

Pee Dee Community Development Loan Officer

Kendra Darity brings five years of consumer finance experience to the CLIMB Fund from her time as a Consumer Loan Officer at Anderson Brothers Bank in Myrtle Beach and Branch Manager of OneMain Financial in Marion. She is a graduate of Horry Georgetown Technical College and will be earning her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Coastal Carolina University.

In her role at the CLIMB Fund as a Community Development Loan Officer for the Pee Dee and Grand Strand, Kendra’s goal is to draw on her experience as a longtime entrepreneur to provide the most focused and relevant support to our clients. Kendra first started her journey as an entrepreneur in 2005 when she established a small business planning and hosting media networking events. From there, she began to realize the challenges that small business owners and entrepreneurs face due to a gap in financial literacy training.

Kendra says, “Not having exposure to personal finance education makes life difficult, which I have dealt with firsthand. That is why it is so important for me now to be a resource to our clients. I can make sure they don’t experience some of the common pitfalls and that they develop the characteristics of a successful entrepreneur, like having a clear vision of the business.”

Kendra is committed to her mission of making financial literacy training more accessible and is the founder of the Darity Empowerment Foundation nonprofit, which hosts community events and sends guest speakers to schools to bridge the gap in personal finance education.

• Email: kendra@climbfund.org

Leah Brown

Finance & Compliance Manager

Leah Brown has a background in financial operations and project management including positions with MorningStar Publishing House as the director of operations and Chick-fil-A as a consultant. She received her Master of Business Administration with a specialization in finance from the College of Charleston School of Business.

At CLIMB Fund, Leah is the Finance & Compliance Manager and provides optimal treasury management including managing financials, forecasting, risk analysis, budgeting, auditing, compliance, and accounting.

In her free time, Leah enjoys playing tennis, walking her dog Shoko, and exploring the many restaurants Charleston has to offer.

• Email: leah@climbfund.org

Melissa Hilliard

Bookkeeping Specialist

Melissa Hilliard has a background in office administration with several years of experience working in the nonprofit sector. She has a bachelor’s degree in English from the College of Charleston.

In her position as Bookkeeping Specialist, Melissa provides expertise in relation to accounting, compliance, and financial duties. She is organized, detail oriented, and always looking for ways to contribute to the success of CLIMB Fund.

Some of her hobbies are painting, sewing, reading non-fiction, gardening, and caring for over 50 houseplants. She also teaches piano.

• Email: melissa@climbfund.org

Nico Brown

Community Development Loan Officer

Nico Brown brings 13 years of banking and finance experience to the CLIMB Fund from his time as a banker at Wells Fargo and Bank of America in the Charleston area, including being part of opening a Sun Trust branch in North Charleston. He is a South Carolina native and calls the Lowcountry home.

Here at the CLIMB Fund, Nico works with our clients as a Community Development Loan Officer over the course of the loan application process, assisting clients with finding solutions that bring their applications to approval. Nico is also committed to serving the Black and Hispanic/Latino communities and is bilingual in English and Spanish.

Nico says, “Being a part of these communities and seeing what the struggle can be like firsthand caused me to develop a passion for seeing people in these communities grow, which goes hand in hand with the mission of the CLIMB Fund.”

• Email: nico@climbfund.org

Sam Skardon

Director of Development & Operations

As the Director of Development & Operations, Sam Skardon is responsible for growing the CLIMB Fund’s resources and capacity. He achieves these advancements by raising new loan capital, securing operational resources, and improving organizational structures, processes, and partnerships. These efforts are critical to the CLIMB Fund’s ability to expand its impact and fulfill its mission.

Prior to joining the CLIMB Fund, Sam served as the Director of One Region, an Economic Development Strategy for the Charleston Metro Area. His background also includes serving as a Legislative Aide to Congressman John Lewis and a manager at the Career Center of Georgetown University. He holds an M.B.A. from Georgetown University and a B.A. from Emory University. A native of the Lowcountry, he is glad to be living back in his hometown with his wife Leslie, sons Lewis and Lawson, and rescue pup Stewart.

• Email: sam@climbfund.org

Tina Maric

Communications Coordinator

Tina Maric is a graduate of both Ball State University, where she studied journalism, telecommunications, and Spanish, and Indiana University Bloomington, where she earned her M.A. in Hispanic Literature and Cultural Studies.

As the Communications Coordinator here at CLIMB Fund, Tina manages our social media and website posts, as well as multimedia projects. She is also available to assist our clients with social media advice, offering ideas to increase the online presence of the business including ways to promote social media pages and create new content to post.

• Email: tina@climbfund.org

Tom Aley

Portfolio Analyst

Tom Aley has been devoted to delivering technology solutions to non-profits across a wide variety of categories for over 20 years. The application of his analytical skills to technology challenges has helped numerous organizations modernize and improve their competitive advantage.

As Portfolio Analyst for CLIMB Fund, Tom is focused on advancing the organization’s approach to data collection and management to make information more actionable and improve the overall client experience.

While not at work, Tom pursues passions away from screens, which most often include the development and baking of breads, finding plants that he can keep alive, and sharing everything life in Charleston has to offer with family and friends.

• Email: tom@climbfund.org

William Wynd

Development & Compliance Coordinator

At the CLIMB Fund, William Wynd works as Development and Compliance Coordinator assisting with fundraising activities by identifying new financial growth opportunities as well as working to ensure compliance and reporting standards.

Originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, William is a graduate of the University of Tennessee where he studied political science and global studies. Prior to joining the CLIMB Fund, William was a member of AmeriCorps and a program leader for fundraising initiatives in schools across South Carolina.

• Email: william@climbfund.org

Grant McAnulty

Board President

• Hometown:
• Greenville, SC. Charleston resident for 16+ years

• Occupation:
• 4 years as Treasury Management Officer w/ TD Bank covering NFP, Middle Market, and Higher Education segments from South Carolina to Delaware

• Hobbies:
• Reading, working out, and walking/jogging/biking outdoors

Casdell Singleton

Vice President

• Occupation:
• Executive Director Palmetto Community Action Partnership

Clay Middleton

Treasurer

• Hometown:
• Charleston, SC

• Occupation:
• • Lieutenant Colonel serving as a Battalion Commander in the South Carolina Army National Guard
  • Managing Director at Mercury, a global public strategy firm
  • Appointed by President Barack Obama to serve as the associate and then acting director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships at the Corporation for National and Community Service
  • Served at the Department of Energy and the National Nuclear Security Administration
  • Served as a longtime aide to Congressman Jim Clyburn, worked for former Senator Fritz Hollings and former SC Superintendent of Education Inez Tenenbaum
  • Worked on the Biden-Harris Transition Team, for former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Senator Cory Booker, and was the Director of Business Services for the City of Charleston

• Combat & Operational Experiences:
• Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Jump Start, and Operation Atlantic Resolve

• Awards:
• Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, four Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medal, two Army Reserve Components Achievement Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M Device, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, and Bronze Order of Mercury Award

William Thompson Jr.

Secretary

• Hometown:
• Marion, SC

• Occupation:
• Owner, Belser Thompson Real Estate since 1997

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  President, Thompson Family Properties since 2010

• Affiliations:
• Charleston County Human Services – Former Chairman & Board Member

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  Edisto Island Open Land Trust – Former Chairman & Board Member

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  St. Philips Church – Property Committee Chairman, Finance Committee Member, Vestry Member & Former Warden

Bryan McNeal Jr.

Assistant Secretary

• Occupation:
• Owner of W.M. Smith-McNeal Funeral Home, Inc. in North Charleston and Awendaw, SC

• Affiliations:
• East Cooper Meals on Wheels – Board of Directors
  Greater Zion A.M.E. Church, Awendaw, SC – Senior Trustee
  Town of Awendaw, SC – Council Member

Carol Jackson

• Hometown:
• Born in eastern Nebraska into 3rd generation sod buster pioneers

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  Grew up along Lake Michigan in north shore Chicago suburbs

• Occupation:
• Charleston, SC, City Council Member representing James Island (2018-2021)

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  Charleston Real Estate Group, Licensed Realtor (8 years)

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  Former Executive Director of Alexandria, VA, Housing Development Corporation

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  Former Executive Director and CEO of Falls Church Housing Corporation

• Affiliations:
• Charleston Area YWCA – Board of Directors

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  Charleston Redevelopment Corporation – Board of Directors

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  Charleston County Housing Steering Committee

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  City of Charleston Human Affairs and Racial Conciliation Commission

David Harper

• Occupation:
• Vice President, Provident Business Financial Services, SC’s largest SBA 504 Commercial Real Estate lender (5 years)

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  US Navy, then Commercial Banking since late 1990s. Worked for community banks, regional banks and led commercial lending department at a credit union

• Affiliations:
• Commercial Investment Division of CTAR

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  Annual Charleston Market Forecast Conference

Jamilla Harper

• Hometown:
• Summerville, SC

• Occupation:
• COO, Metanoia Community Development Corporation (4 years)

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  Associate Director, Kounkuey Design Initiative, Kenya (4 years)

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  Rotary Ambassadorial Fellowship (2 years)

• Professional Organizations, Fellowships & Certifications:
• College of Charleston Foundation

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  College of Charleston Alumni

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  Rotary Foundation Alumni

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  Elijah Agevi Fellowship

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  Prosci Change Management Certification

• Publications:
• 4 published academic journal articles on topics related to economic/community development and urban resilience

Kerri Chisolm

• Occupation:
• Senior Vice President Commercial Banking Relationship Manager for Ameris Bank. Expert in evaluating and underwriting business banking, commercial banking, middle market, and corporate clients across a variety of industries.

• Affiliations:
• North Charleston Rotary Club
  Lowcountry Local First – Board Member
  Volunteers as a youth soccer coach and gives talks at The Military Magnet Academy

Stephanie Pritchett

• Occupation:
• Senior Manager in the Charleston office of Moore Beauston Woodham, LLP

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  CPA. Areas of specialty include non-profit organizations, medical practices, manufacturers, real estate and real estate professionals, homeowner and property owner associations

• Affiliations:
• American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) – Member
  South Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (SCACPA) – Member
  James Island Presbyterian Foundation – President
  James Island Presbyterian Church – Treasurer
  James Island Outreach – Former Treasurer