Allyssa Compton

Intake Coordinator

I was born and raised in Northern Virginia, but frequently travelled to Charleston with family and always dreamed of living here. After receiving my bachelor’s in marketing from the University of Lynchburg in 2021, I moved to Charleston to pursue a career in sales management with Frito Lay. Though working for Pepsico provided me with a lot of opportunities and a wealth of knowledge in business management, I decided to switch career paths in order to stay in Charleston and work in an industry that I am passionate about. With both sides of my family owning successful small businesses, I was very excited to be able to join the CLIMB Fund team and help support South Carolina entrepreneurs in making their dreams become a reality.

Outside of work, I love enjoying the beautiful Charleston scenery and supporting the local shops and restaurants in the area, as well as spending time with my fiancé, friends and two pets. I am an avid indie rock fan, so I also frequent local venues and travel to nearby cities for live music. I have been weightlifting for about four years, so after work you will often find me in the gym for strength training.

• Email: allyssa@climbfund.org

Ariana Sierralta

Closing Coordinator

Ariana, originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, discovered a desire for coastal living after graduating from Xavier University in 2016. While managing a retail store, Ariana made the bold move to Charleston, South Carolina. It was here that she met her husband and has since built a family with their two Chihuahua mixes and her childhood cat. After a combined 10 years in retail, she found herself seeking a better work-life balance and transitioned into the world of lending.

At Peoples Bank Mortgage, Ariana discovered a passion for assisting individuals who had been overlooked by traditional lending institutions. This experience ignited a commitment to helping the community achieve their financial goals, and Ariana is proud to be a part of Climb Fund to continue to make a meaningful impact.

Outside of work, Ariana finds joy in gardening, exploring new culinary delights at local restaurants with friends, and honing their culinary skills by recreating meals at home.

She looks forward to contributing further to the community's success through Climb Fund!

• Email: ariana@climbfund.org

Beau Brown

Marketing Coordinator

A recent graduate from the University of Wyoming, Beau is a passionate individual ready to serve the communities across the great state of South Carolina. Having degrees in both Marketing and Environmental Science, he is eager to leverage his skills and knowledge in his role as Project Coordinator. Following his graduation, Beau dedicated his time to becoming a LEED Green Associate, wanting to help shape sustainable business building practices. He hopes to make a lasting impact by contributing to CLIMB Funds mission in assisting in community development and operations.

After moving to Charleston, Beau fell in love with the state’s natural beauty. When he is not in the office, he can be found hiking, mountain biking, surfing, or enjoying the vibrant culture of Charleston.

• Email: beaubrown@climbfund.org

Bruno Kretzschmar

Portfolio Manager

Bruno returns to the CLIMB Fund after spending almost two years with LISC, the largest CDFI in the country, where he underwrote recoverable grants to diverse-owned small businesses. Bruno is a dedicated portfolio manager with four years of experience in community development finance and is passionate about providing capital to underserved and underrepresented businesses. His expertise spans loan closing, servicing, collections, underwriting, and restructuring.

As a small business owner himself, he understands firsthand the challenges and opportunities that entrepreneurs face and how access to capital is fundamental to small businesses. His goal is to leverage his skills and experience to create a positive impact on communities across the state by supporting the growth and success of local entrepreneurs.

Bruno is a native of Itajai, Brazil, but currently resides in Summerville with his wife, daughter, dog, and two cats. In his time off, he enjoys spending time with his family, volunteering as a high school coach, and working on different home projects.

• Email: bruno@climbfund.org

Charlie O’Brien

Chief Engagement Officer

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 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 CLIMB Fund.

Charlie says, “I love working at 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

Christine Thornsley

Executive Administrator

Christine brings a wealth of experience and passion to CLIMB Fund with a decade of expertise in nonprofit.  Whether she is working in a fundraising capacity or providing support to those in development. Christine is committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and communities.

Originally from the vibrant landscape of Orange County, California, Christine recently relocated to Summerville, bringing with her a deep-rooted dedication to serving the underserved. As a mother of four and proud owner of four furry companions, she understands the importance of nurturing both human and animal bonds.

Driven by a desire to create positive change, Christine thrives on empowering those who might otherwise lack access to resources. Her multifaceted background enables her to forge meaningful connections and foster impactful collaborations within the community.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Christine finds solace and joy in spending quality time with her family. An avid adventurer, she embraces the outdoors through activities such as skiing, hiking, and kayaking, cherishing every moment of exploration and discovery.

Excited to support an organization steadfast in its mission to create opportunities for growth and prosperity one small business at a time.

• Email: christine@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

Dana Vincent

Investor Relations Analyst

I’m originally from Darlington, SC. I have lived in Columbia SC  since college. I moved to Charleston recently with my little dog, Chowder. With over a decade of nonprofit experience, I’m happy to say my motto is “Live to Give”. When I’m not working to make a difference in my community, I enjoy spending time with friends, discovering new restaurants, exploring shops, and enjoying South Carolina's beautiful beaches. My most favorite pastime is seeing live music. Believe it or not, I’ve seen more than 300 live shows. I’m excited for this new chapter and to be a part of CLIMB Fund! 

• Email: dana@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 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

Portfolio 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 Intake & Sustainability 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

Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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

Kate Polcha

Lending Manager

Kate Polcha has worked in the banking and finance industry for over 25 years. Holding positions as a Branch Manager, Loan Officer, Regional Sales Manager, Underwriter and Assistant Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager have ultimately lead her to her position as Risk Manager at CLIMB Fund. In Kate’s Role as Risk Manager she is tasked to lead both the Lending Team overseeing the loan officers statewide, participating in business development activities, overseeing intake, underwriting and loan closing as well as the Portfolio Management team, which services Climb Fund’s loan portfolio, monitors asset quality and assists client post closing on their loans.

A New York native, Kate has spent most of her life and career enjoying the diversity that New York is so famous for. She has a passion for Financial Literacy and has long been an advocate and active volunteer with organizations such as Junior Achievement and Habitat for Humanity.  While she was born and raised in NY, Kate did attend University of South Carolina and her family has deep roots in Charleston, SC.  She spent many school and summer vacations happily with her Grandparents in Charleston. Not long after relocating to South Carolina in 2023, she excitedly accepted her position with CLIMB Fund. Kate believes this is an opportunity for her to use her vast knowledge and passion for lending, business management and finance to positively impact the organizations mission to further grow the South Carolina communities that they serve. She intends to do this by applying that knowledge while providing the highest level of integrity, customer service and passion to all who she serves.

Outside of the office, Kate is the proud Mother of three teenage children.  She enjoys spending time with her family and friends enjoying the beach, beautiful weather and all of the outdoor activities that Charleston has to offer.

• Email: kate@climbfund.org

Kelly Harvey

Western 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 & Horry Community Development Loan Officer

Kendra Darity brings five years of consumer finance experience to 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 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

Keonta' Ramsey

Growth Manager

For more than 8 years, Keonta’ Ramsey has harnessed her unique gift for connecting with people and mastery of communication to empower mission-centered organizations and businesses with the assets needed to build culture, community, and connection. A native of Charleston, she is a proud graduate of James Island Charter High School and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in molecular biology with a minor in health promotion from Coastal Carolina University. Dubbed the Jay Z and Iyanla Vanzant of content writing and communication strategy, Keonta’ is passionate about leveraging effective storytelling to solve problems.

As the Communications Coordinator here at CLIMB Fund, Keonta’ develops marketing materials, initiates community outreach, and drafts various communications for the organization. She also uses her passion for helping others to aid CLIMB Fund clients in need of assistance with social media, websites, press releases, and other communication assets. As a small business owner, she understands the challenges faced by many entrepreneurs, further fueling her commitment to helping CLIMB Fund realize its mission of creating local impact, elevating opportunity, and advancing social and economic justice. Servant leadership rests at the core of her life’s work, affording her the opportunity to serve as a board member with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lowcountry, The O.K.R.A. Soup Foundation, and The POWER Tribe. In her down time, Keonta’ enjoys spending time with family and friends, mentoring, watching action movies, trying new restaurants, and listening to 90’s R&B.

• Email: keonta@climbfund.org

Madison McCoy

Data Analyst

I was born in Charleston and have been lucky enough to spend most of my life here. There are many things that I love about the Lowcountry – like its gracious hospitality, historic charm, and southern food (which instantly takes me back to my childhood of shelling peas and eating okra from my grandfather’s garden).

I hold a bachelor’s degree in business administration and boast over a decade of experience in small business office management. This experience has cultivated a deep love and appreciation for the sector. Every small business starts with someone brave enough to shape their own destiny – and in doing so, they enrich the lives of those they encounter along the way. I am honored to be part of an organization that makes the pursuit of dreams possible for the members of our community.

In my spare time I enjoy reading, baking, and kayaking down the river with friends. Spending time with my family is also very important to me, and one of my favorite weekend activities is game night with my husband and siblings. 

• Email: madison@climbfund.org

Micah Griggs

Controller

Micah Griggs has been working within the field of accounting and finance for the last nine years and has held numerous positions including Assistant Finance Director and Accounting Manager.  As our new controller, Micah is eager to continue the great work that has been done at CLIMB Fund and help push us to even greater heights. 

A culture creator and driver, Micah believes in the power of teamwork and collaboration and strives to import many of those ethos wherever he goes. A small businesses owner and entrepreneur with his wife, Micah understands how important the mindset and culture is to a small business.  He is passionate about what it takes to work and build a small business and wants to help as many as he can get a leg up in their journey.

Micah hails from the great city of Moncks Corner, SC.  He is married with 5 beautiful children.  In his spare time he enjoys sports, reading, and being a foodie. 

• Email: micah@climbfund.org

Nico Brown

Lowcountry Community Development Loan Officer

Nico Brown brings 13 years of banking and finance experience to 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 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 CLIMB Fund.”

• Email: nico@climbfund.org

Teosha Edmond

Upstate Community Development Loan Officer

With over 10 years of experience in financial analysis, underwriting, and credit analysis, Teosha brings a wealth of knowledge and a results-driven mindset to her role as a Community Development Loan Officer at CLIMB Fund. Specializing in assessing creditworthiness, mitigating risks, and developing tailored financial solutions, Teosha is committed to helping individuals and communities achieve financial stability and growth.

Teosha holds a BBA in Business Administration with a concentration in Financial Analytics from North Carolina Central University. Her professional background includes roles at TD Bank, Navy Federal, and other leading financial institutions, where she honed her skills in loan underwriting, loss mitigation, and credit analysis.

In addition to her corporate experience, Teosha is an entrepreneur who established and ran a credit restoration business. Through this venture, she gained hands-on experience working with clients to improve their creditworthiness and financial health, helping them secure better opportunities for loans, financing, and growth. This entrepreneurial background gives her a deep understanding of the challenges faced by small businesses and individuals, enabling her to offer personalized and impactful support in her current role.

As a Community Development Loan Officer, Teosha is dedicated to bridging the gap for underserved individuals and small businesses, helping them access the financial tools and resources they need to grow and thrive.

Outside of work, Teosha enjoys spending time with her family, reading, cycling, practicing Pilates, and exploring new cultures through travel. She’s also an avid foodie who loves discovering new restaurants and cuisines and enjoys hosting game nights with friends and loved ones.

Teosha is excited to continue making a positive impact on the community by empowering small businesses to thrive through access to fair and sustainable financial products.

• Email: teosha@climbfund.org

Thomas Gorman

Client Success Coordinator

Thomas Gorman is a graduate of The Citadel where he studied business administration, as well as the Citadel Graduate College where he earned his MBA. Thomas has spent 30 years in the world of small business as first an employee, and later as Operations Manager in his family’s small business, Gorman Brothers Alignment. Upon closing the business at the conclusion of 2023, Thomas joined Climb Fund as our Client Success Coordinator.  

As our Client Success Coordinator here at Climb Fund, Thomas works with our clients to ensure that they get the technical assistance they need after their loan has been approved. While often acting as a bridge between our clients and our business contractors, Thomas is also directly available to our clients for any technical assistance they may need.  

Away from work, Thomas spends his time reading, playing chess, and exploring the outdoors. In addition, Thomas is a cultivator of bonsai trees. While currently only selling his trees as part of enjoying and trying to proliferate the hobby, Thomas has ambitions to someday begin his own nursery. 

• Email: thomas@climbfund.org

Tiffany Lowe

Bookkeeper

Tiffany Lowe was born in Brooklyn, New York, and moved to North Charleston, South Carolina, at the age of five. Growing up in North Charleston, Tiffany developed a strong foundation that would support her through a diverse and accomplished career.

She pursued higher education at Francis Marion University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. Her quest for knowledge and professional development continued at Strayer University, where she obtained an MBA.

With over 20 years of experience in accounting, Tiffany has become a highly respected professional in the field. Her expertise is not confined to accounting; she has also amassed 10 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, demonstrating her versatility and adaptability.

In addition to her primary career paths, Tiffany has gained valuable experience in logistics, the medical field, and various other industries. This breadth of knowledge highlights her ability to excel in different environments and her commitment to continuous learning and growth.

Throughout her career, Tiffany has been known for her dedication to excellence and her unwavering work ethic. Her journey is a testament to her hard work, perseverance, and the broad range of her professional skills and experiences.

• Email: tiffany@climbfund.org

Tom Aley

Chief Operating Officer

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 Director of Operations for CLIMB Fund, Tom is focused on implementing operational frameworks to bring structure and clarity to development activities and deeper insight by evolving the organization's impact assessment.

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

Casdell Singleton

President

• Occupation:
• Executive Director Palmetto Community Action Partnership

Kerri Chisolm

Vice President

• 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

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

Jabari Seabrook

• Occupation:
• Realtor, The Boulevard Company

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  COO, Black Food Truck Festival

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  Operations Manager, Southern Charm Hospitality Group

• Professional Organizations:
• Business Coach, SCORE

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  Charleston Soccer Community

Carol Jackson

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

  ---

  Grew up along Lake Michigan in north shore Chicago suburbs

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

  ---

  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

  ---

  Charleston Redevelopment Corporation – Board of Directors

  ---

  Charleston County Housing Steering Committee

  ---

  City of Charleston Human Affairs and Racial Conciliation Commission

Chris Fisher

• Occupation:
• Municipal Marketing Director, Coastal Waste & Recycling

  ---

  Owner, Fisher Recycling

  ---

  Co-Founder, GLASSWRXSC

• Professional Organizations:
• Sustainability Institute of Charleston

  ---

  Low Country Ecpmp,oc Devlopment Council, City of Charleston

  ---

  SC First Citizens Bank Advisory Board

  ---

  Low Country Local First Executive Committee

​​​​​​​

David Harper

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

  ---

  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

  ---

  Annual Charleston Market Forecast Conference

Grant McAnulty

• 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

Jamilla Harper

• Hometown:
• Summerville, SC

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

  ---

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

  ---

  Rotary Ambassadorial Fellowship (2 years)

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

  ---

  College of Charleston Alumni

  ---

  Rotary Foundation Alumni

  ---

  Elijah Agevi Fellowship

  ---

  Prosci Change Management Certification

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

Nina Cano Richards

• Hometown:
• Charleston, South Carolina

• Occupation:
• Attorney and Owner: Cano Law LLC

• Affiliations:
• Board Member- Charleston VOTA and the ACLU of SC

  ---

  Advisor- City of Charleston's Mayor's Latinx Advisory Council

Paul Jones

• Hometown:
• Detroit, Michigan

• Occupation:
• Incoming: Chief Executive Officer, PropserUs

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  Current: Business Support Network Director, Invest Detroit

  ---

  Previous: Executive Director, Goldman Sachs 10k Small Business

• Affiliations:
• Global Ties Detroit- Board Member and Treasurer

  ---

  Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago- Member, Advisory Council on Small Business, Community and Economic Development, Agriculture and Labor

Radia Baxter

• Occupation:
• Director of Education & Programs, Charleston County Sheriff's Department

  ---

  Owner, Louie B & Co.

• Professional Organizations:
• YWCA Greater Charleston

  ---

  Lowcountry Youth Services

  ---

  Impact Charleston

Sonja Southerland

• Hometown:
• Charleston, SC

• Occupation:
• Chief People Officer and Visionary, Innovate Human Capital Solutions

•  Certifications:
• Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)

  ---

  Society of Human Resources-Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)

Stephanie Pritchett

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

  ---

  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