2024-25 Board of Directors
Officers
To contact a member of our Board of Directors, please email alumni@cofc.edu.
Laurie Minges ’83
President
Mount Pleasant, SC
AA Board Service: 1997-2001, 2020-Present
BA, French, College of Charleston
A longtime member of the Charleston residential real estate community, Laurie Minges is a Broker for Dunes Properties. Over her 25+ years in the business, Ms. Minges was instrumental in the growth of Mt. Pleasant’s I’On neighborhood, and owned Places Real Estate from 2005-2016. She and her partners merged Places with Dunes Properties in 2016, and Ms. Minges continues to represent buyers and sellers in the Charleston area.
While at the College, Ms. Minges was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. She worked in the Admissions and Alumni offices and served as a Student Alumni Ambassador. Ms. Minges has volunteered for the College in various roles over the years and remains eternally enthusiastic about her alma mater.
A native of Camden, SC, Ms. Minges has lived in the Charleston area for nearly three decades. She currently resides in Mount Pleasant and is a proud mother to her daughter, Lucy, who resides in New York City.
Affiliations: Delta Delta Delta Charleston Alumni (Past President, House Corporation Board Member); Ashley Hall School; Grace Episcopal Cathedral; the Junior League of Charleston; Gibbes Museum of Art Women’s Council; and The Carolina Assembly.
Elizabeth Colbert-Busch ’79
Past President
Mount Pleasant, SC
AA Board Service: 2015-present
BA, Fine Arts, College of Charleston
Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters, College of Charleston
Elizabeth Colbert-Busch is the Managing Partner of Colbert Busch LLC, a consulting firm that focuses on the nexus of academia and the business world. She is currently working for the SC Aeronautical Training Center at Trident Technical College. Ms. Colbert-Busch previously served as the Executive Director of Business Development and Community Engagement for the Clemson University Office of Academic Affairs in the Charleston area. From 2008-16, she was Director of Business Development for the Clemson University Restoration Institute, also in Charleston. In 2013, she took a leave of absence to run in the special election for the SC 1st Congressional District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Before her tenure with Clemson University, she spent a 20-year career with Orient Overseas Container Line Incorporated where she progressed from Customer Service Representative to North America Regional Sales Director.
She has served on more than a dozen boards and community organizations and has earned numerous awards and special recognitions throughout her career. Most recently, she was awarded an honorary doctorate in Humane Letters from the College of Charleston. Since running for Congress, Elizabeth has become a prolific public speaker, addressing audiences throughout the Palmetto State and around the Southeast.
Affiliations: SC Aquarium Board of Directors; American Technical Education Association Board of Directors; Increasing H.O.P.E. Women’s Business Center Advisory Board; School of Arts Advisory Council; Chi Omega; Charleston Regional Development Alliance Board of Directors; SC Association for Community Economic Development Board of Directors; Charleston School of Law Maritime Institute’s Board of Directors; Lowcountry STEM Collaborative Planning Group; Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce Board of Advisors; DOE Southeast Regional Wind Resource Center; S.C. Regulatory Task Force Committee for Offshore Wind; Charleston Regional Development Alliance Stakeholder Committee; Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Action Fund’s Offshore Wind Awareness and Advocacy team; Former Chairman, S.C. Maritime Association; South Carolina International Trade Conference; and College of Charleston’s Intermodal Transportation and Logistics Management Program Advisory Committee.
Brady Quirk-Garvan ’08
President-Elect
North Charleston, SC
AA Board Service: 2016-2022, 2024-present
BA, Political Science, College of Charleston
Brady is a member of Natural Investments PBLLC, an impact investment firm that is the first financial services company in the country to be owned by a perpetual purpose trust. He has been involved in social impact investing for over a decade and is involved in multiple trade groups that promote impact investments. Additionally Brady is involved in SC politics and has served as an advisor and campaign consultant to multiple elected officials in South Carolina over the last two decades.
While at the College of Charleston Brady was a political science major who was able to participate in a study abroad program in Havana, Cuba. Brady lives with his wife Angela and their daughter Mae ’39 in North Charleston, SC.
Affiliations: Board of Directors for As You Know, Advisory Board for Kachuwa Impact Fund, Board of Directors Green America, Board Chair of Palmetto Project. At College of Charleston he was a member of the South Carolina Student Legislature.
James W. “Jamie” Moon IV ’90
Vice President
Greenville, SC
AA Board Service: 2022-Present
BA, Political Science, College of Charleston
MA, International Affairs, American University
Mr. Moon is the President and CEO of the Institute for Child Success, where he oversees the organization’s mission, operational, and strategic direction focusing on early childhood education, health, and wellbeing. While at the College, he earned his BA in political science and joined Kappa Sigma fraternity. He earned his MA in international affairs from The American University in Washington, D.C. Mr. Moon currently serves as the Chair of Together SC’s Advocacy Allies and is a founding Board member of the Nicholtown Child and Family Collaborative. He also serves on the capacity building grants committee of the Greenville Community Foundation, the United Way of Greenville County’s Community Impact Council, and the Sisters of Charity SC Kinship Care Advisory Council. A graduate of the Riley Institute at Furman University’s Diversity Leaders Initiative, Mr. Moon formerly served on the Advisory Board for Clemson University’s Elementary and Early Childhood Education Programs, and on the Advisory Board of the Early Childhood Development program at Greenville Technical College. He is a past recipient of the SC Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics Child Advocate Award.
Mr. Moon lives in Greenville, SC, with his wife, Sommer, and their four children, Jack, Grant, Merrick, and Claire.
Claire Griffin Porter ’06
Vice President
Charleston, SC
AA Board Service: 2021-present
BA, Arts Management, College of Charleston
Ms. Porter owns and operates Lighthouse Real Estate alongside her husband Joe Porter ’06. Lighthouse Real Estate is an independent residential brokerage helping clients buy and sell properties throughout greater Charleston. Lighthouse also continuously works to address the need for quality affordable housing through the acquisition and management of homes throughout greater Charleston. With 55 units, they are boots on the ground advocates for the critical need for affordable housing in our region. Ms. Porter grew up in South Georgia but has now spent most of her life here in the Lowcountry. She and her husband have two daughters, June and Mary, and live in Charleston.
Otis Robinson ’90
Vice President
Chapin, SC
AA Board Service: 2021-present
BS, Business Administration, College of Charleston
MBA, University of Virginia
Mr. Robinson has worked for Westvaco/MeadWestvaco, Alcoa, Reynolds Consumer & Packaging Products, and United Sporting Companies before starting his own consulting business which he currently operates from Chapin, SC. He is founder and Managing Principal of Robinson Business Consulting, LLC (RBC), a certified minority-owned business that provides business and supply chain process improvement services as well as coaching for supervisors, managers, and executives. With more than 25 years of experience in Supply Chain and Business Improvement practices progressing to executive and leadership levels, Mr. Robinson formed RBC to help companies promote growth, reduce costs, increase profits, and increase service levels.
Suzette Jeffries Timme ’84
Vice President
Arlington, VA
AA Board Service: 2020-present
BA, Organizational Leadership and Management, College of Charleston
Ms. Timme is President/CEO of Indigo Asset Services, an advisory firm for commercial real estate partnerships and family offices. With over 30 years of industry experience, she acts as an Owner’s Representative, overseeing the financial performance of real estate portfolios. Prior to launching Indigo in 2017, Ms. Timme was President of Weissberg Corp. overseeing real estate investment activity for its retail, office, multi-family, and industrial assets. She was previously Vice President of Asset Management and Leasing for Spectrum Partners and spent over 15 years in mall management including with Simon Property Group as General Manager of Fashion Centre at Pentagon City in the Greater Washington, D.C. area.
Throughout her career, Suzette has served on numerous industry-related, civic, and non-profit boards. She has participated in several mentoring programs and holds four professional designations.
A native South Carolinian who now resides in Arlington, Virginia, she is married to Rear Admiral William G. Timme (USN, ret.), and they have two daughters.
Affiliations: Arlington County Economic Development, former Commissioner; Women in Retail Real Estate, Past President; Capital Speakers Club of Washington, DC; Women’s Leadership Initiative of Urban Land Institute; International Council of Shopping Centers; Building Owners and Managers International; Rosslyn Business Improvement District, former Board Member; Vistage CEO Advisory Group; Wintergreen Adaptive Sports, Past President, Board Member and Ski Instructor; Professional Ski Instructors of America; and Alpha Delta Pi sorority.
Brianna Sabacinski Ingle ’16
Executive Secretary
North Charleston, SC
Committees: Executive Committee; Ex Officio Member of all committees
Bachelor of Arts – Communication
Affiliation: Kappa Alpha Theta
Board Members
Victoria Blunt ’17
Board Member
Summerville, SC
AA Board Service: 2024-present
BS, Arts Management, College of Charleston
Victoria is the Stewardship and Donor Engagement Officer at the Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina. Previously, she served as the Director of Event Services at the Charleston Gaillard Center. Victoria Blunt has more than a demi-decade of experience in donor/client relations, event management, project management, and guest services. With a focus on cultivating strong relationships in her role at Coastal Community Foundation, Victoria ensures the sustained growth and impact of the foundation by fostering a sense of connection and loyalty among donors. She not only develops and implements effective stewardship strategies but also plays a key role in stewarding new gifts, ensuring that donors feel valued and appreciated for their contributions. She currently serves as a co-creator and member of DRXCollab and committee member for the Association of Fundraising Professionals- Lowcountry Chapter’s National Philanthropy Day. Victoria is a lifelong Lowcountry resident, born, raised and currently residing in Summerville with her fiancé, Chris, and their two dogs.
Affiliations: Student Alumni Associates, Association of Fundraising Professionals- Lowcountry Chapter, DRX Collab, Association of Black Foundation Executives, Advancement Network
Ashley N. Cafasso ’14
Board Member
Charleston, SC & New York, NY
AA Board Service: 2024-present
BS, Anthropology, College of Charleston
MPH, Health Systems Management & Policy, Tulane University
Ashley is an Associate Director at Apellis Pharmaceuticals where she focuses on GxP Audits, Inspection Readiness, and Suppliers Program Management. Prior to joining Apellis, she worked at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital as a Manager of Business Administration for Nursing after serving as a Project Lead for Enterprise Strategy. She started her career in revenue management at NYU Langone Medical Center. Her most impactful project involved developing operational strategies to meet the needs of sexual assault survivors in NYC and the surrounding area.
In her spare time, Ashley is a founding member of Radio Lollipop NYC, serving as Station Chair where she oversees volunteers at NewYork Presbyterian’s Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital. She also serves as a Risk Prevention Director for Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity, as well as a Social Equity Committee Member for the New York Junior League.
Affiliations: Kappa Alpha Theta, iMentor, New York Junior League, Radio Lollipop
Alexis Heifner Carrico ’03
Board Member
Mount Pleasant, SC
AA Board Service: 2024-present
BS, International Business, College of Charleston
BA, Spanish, College of Charleston
MBA, Georgetown University
Alexis is a Senior Instructor of Management at the College of Charleston, where she began teaching in 2017. She has served as a Faculty Advisory Board Member for the REACH Program since 2020 and has been a CofC Global Scholar Member and a Sustainability Changemaker Coordinator since 2021. Prior to returning to the College, Alexis worked with Nike for nearly a decade in various leadership positions working to develop and implement strategies, policies, and processes focused on driving sustainable, profitable growth.
She is married to alumnus Tim Carrico ’03, and the couple resides in Mount Pleasant, SC, with their daughters, Leah and Alice.
Affiliations: Phi Kappa Phi, CofC Equestrian Team, CofC Global Scholars, Faculty Advisory Board for CofC’s REACH Program, Cougar Changemaker Fellow, Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry Board of Directors (Chair).
Otis E. Engelman Jr. ’69
Board Member
Summerville, SC
AA Board Service: 2021-present
BS, Chemistry, College of Charleston
Doctor of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina
Family Medicine Residency, U.S. Naval Hospital, Pensacola, FL
Dr. Engelman lives in Summerville, SC, with his wife, Debbie, where they raised their two children after he left active duty in the Navy. He practiced Family Medicine for 36 years and was a founder of Palmetto Primary Care Physicians. He now practices with the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center.
Affiliations: Pi Kappa Phi; The Cistern Society; Sculpture in the South.
Kelli Garrett ’89
Board Member
Mount Pleasant, SC
AA Board Service: 2022-Present
BS, Physical Education, College of Charleston
Ms. Garrett began her professional career the day after graduating from college with an entry level position at United Parcel Service. She quickly moved up the ranks of the company, and within a couple of years was promoted to Operations Manager where she oversaw an entire UPS center with over 200 employees. With a knack for turning under-performing centers into highly effective ones, Ms. Garrett was transferred to multiple facilities during her career at UPS. Eventually, she was transferred to New Jersey and promoted to Division Manager where she was over multiple centers and 1,000+ employees. With a longing to return to South Carolina and a dream to become an entrepreneur, Ms. Garrett left UPS in 2000 after 12 years of service.
Since leaving corporate America, she has owned and operated multiple successful businesses including a mortgage company, a candy manufacturing company, an appraisal company, multiple convenience stores, a restaurant, a landscaping business, and a courier company, among others. Her current businesses include a real estate rental portfolio, a residential and commercial rehabbing business, and a hard money lending business called Rehab Wallet. Ms. Garrett’s strong work ethic, dedication to treating people fairly, and ability to recruit great talent has brought much success to all her business ventures over the past 30+ years.
A native of Easley, SC, Ms. Garrett was on the College’s Women’s Basketball Team from 1985-89 and was a four-time All American honoree. She is in the Hall of Fame at Easley High School as well as at the College of Charleston, where her #14 jersey hangs in the rafters of TD Arena as the Women’s Basketball all-time leading scorer. She and her wife of 20 years, Sunshine Garrett, reside in Mount Pleasant.
Daniel Gentry ’84
Board Member
Pensacola, FL
AA Board Service: 2022-Present
BS, Biology, College of Charleston
MHA, Medical University of South Carolina
PhD, Health Services & Policy Analysis, University of California, Berkeley
Dr. Gentry is President and CEO of the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA) in Washington, D.C. Previously, he held faculty and academic leadership positions at Saint Louis University, Rush University Medical Center, the University of Memphis, and the University of Iowa. Dr. Gentry has taught in the areas of health policy, health systems, healthcare management and leadership, and professional development. His research has included the financing, organization, and delivery of health services; health policy; the patient experience; and, the transition to new healthcare payment models.
Dr. Gentry has served in chapter leadership for the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) in three regions of the U.S. and as Chair of ACHE’s LGBTQ Forum. He is a past Fellow, Board Member, and Board Chair of Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education; and, a past and current Board Member of AUPHA. Dr. Gentry is a past Chair of the St. Louis Federal Club for the Human Rights Campaign.
A native of Greenville, SC, he joined Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and was active in the Student Government Association while at the College. Dr. Gentry resides in Washington, D.C., and Pensacola, FL, with his husband, Patrick Dunn, and their dog, Bentley.
Hope Ashley Gethers ’95
Board Member
Charleston, SC
AA Board Service: 2024-Present
BA, History, College of Charleston
AAS, Paralegal Studies, Trident Technical College
MS, Jurisprudence, Seton Hall Law School
Mrs. Gethers began her professional career in entry-level positions at various Charleston-area law firms and then switched to healthcare. After many years in healthcare, including direct patient care and pharmaceutical sales, she went back to school to become a paralegal working with in-house legal departments, including some time at the South Carolina Ports Authority where she learned and gained experience in real estate law. Gethers is currently a Senior Paralegal/Senior Analyst for a national real estate company.
A native of Aiken, SC, she joined Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. while at the College. Gethers resides in Charleston, SC, with her husband, three children, and two dachshunds.
Byron E. Gipson ’93
Board Member
Columbia, SC
AA Board Service: 2024-Present
BA, English, College of Charleston
BA, Political Science, College of Charleston
JD, University of South Carolina School of Law
Byron E. Gipson became the Solicitor of the Fifth Circuit on January 9, 2019. Prior to that time, he practiced with the law firm of Johnson, Toal & Battiste, P.A. for 21 years in the areas of criminal defense and personal injury, becoming a Partner in 2005. He tried numerous cases including high-profile murder and violent crimes. Mr. Gipson graduated from the College of Charleston with degrees in English and Political Science. He later attended the University of South Carolina School of Law. After graduation, Mr. Gipson became law clerk to the Honorable L. Casey Manning, Chief Administrative for the Fifth Judicial Circuit.
In 2000, Mr. Gipson was appointed to the South Carolina Humanities Council Board of Directors by Governor Jim Hodges. He was later elected as the Chairman of the Humanities Council in September 2004. In 2010, he was appointed by the South Carolina Supreme Court to serve on The Committee on Character and Fitness. Mr. Gipson is also a board member of the South Carolina Bar Foundation and is past Chair of the Municipal Election Commission. He is currently a member of the Richland County, South Carolina, and National, and American Bar Associations.
Mr. Gipson has previously lectured at numerous legal seminars regarding criminal trials, evidence, and ethics.
Affiliations: Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., South Carolina Humanities Council, South Carolina Bar Committee on Character and Fitness, South Carolina Bar Foundation, Richland County Bar Association, National Bar Association, American Bar Association
Charlene McCutchen Grice ’82
Board Member
Mount Pleasant, SC
AA Board Service: 2024-Present
BS, Biology, College of Charleston
MD, Medical University of South Carolina
Dr. Charlene Grice, M.D. is a board-certified ophthalmologist and ophthalmic surgeon with expertise in the field of corneal disease, ocular surface disease, and cataract surgery. With a strong academic background and extensive training, Dr. Grice is committed to providing exceptional eye care to her patients.
Dr. Grice earned her bachelor’s degree from the College of Charleston before pursuing her medical education at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). She successfully completed her residency training at MUSC’s renowned Storm Eye Institute, South Carolina’s premier site for the care of complex and serious eye conditions. To further enhance her specialization in cornea and external disease, Dr. Grice pursued a fellowship with the esteemed Eye Consultants of Atlanta.
Dr. Grice holds board certification from the American Board of Ophthalmology and is also an active member of the Cornea Society, an esteemed professional organization dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of corneal disorders. Through these memberships, Dr. Grice collaborates with leading experts in the field, stays updated with the latest research, and incorporates innovative techniques into her practice.
In addition to working with Carolina Cataract & Laser Center, Dr. Grice has served as the Storm Eye Institute Cornea Fellowship Director from 2012–2013 in addition to serving as a clinical professor and assistant professor of ophthalmology for more than 11 years. While teaching, she received the Pierre Gautier Jenkins Teacher of the Year award for her outstanding work as an educator and mentor in the field of ophthalmology. Dr. Grice’s expertise, combined with her compassionate approach, ensures that her patients receive the highest standard of eye care. Her involvement in advancing ophthalmology and dedication to her patients has established her as a highly respected ophthalmologist throughout the South Carolina area.
Affiliations: American Board of Ophthalmology, Cornea Society, MUSC Storm Eye Institute, East Cooper Regional Medical Center, Roper St. Francis Healthcare, Trident Regional Medical Center, Delta Delta Delta sorority
Trey Harvin ’92
Board Member
Roswell, GA
AA Board Service: 2022-Present
BS, Business Administration, College of Charleston
MBA, Georgetown University
Mr. Harvin is Partner and COO of Quantum Technology Solutions, a revolutionary platform for testing capital markets algorithms in Atlanta, New York City, London, and Hong Kong. A native of Sumter, SC, he played on the College’s Men’s Basketball team from 1987-1991, serving as a Captain in 1991. Mr. Harvin was also a Presidential Scholar and served as academic officer in Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity while at the College. He earned his MBA from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business in 1999 and was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society. While at Georgetown, Mr. Harvin participated in graduate studies programs at Trinity College of Oxford University in the UK. He and his wife, Michelle, are the proud parents of four children and reside in the Atlanta area.
Justin Herp ’15
Board Member
Charleston, SC
AA Board Service: 2024-Present
BS, Accounting, College of Charleston
MS, Accountancy, College of Charleston
Mr. Herp is a Certified Public Accountant and works as a tax manager in the National Tax Practice of Elliott Davis, LLC, based in the firm’s Charleston, SC office. He works with clients of the firm across the Southeast to provide guidance on and help resolve complex business tax matters. After graduating with an M.S. in Accountancy from the College, he started his career with Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP (now FORVIS) in Charleston, SC. He later moved to Dallas, TX, and worked for RSM US LLP, before returning to Charleston and joining Elliott Davis in 2023.
While at the College, Mr. Herp was in the Honors College and served as President and Vice President during his graduate and senior years, respectively, of the College’s chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, the national accounting and finance honors society. He was also a member of the second-ever class of the Student Investment Program in the School of Business. He worked on campus as a tutor for the Athletics Department and as a desk assistant for Residence Life. He has since remained involved in the College through campus recruitment of current accounting students. He currently serves as the vice chair of the Accountancy Advisory Board and as a member of the Honors College Advisory Board.
Prior to moving to Charleston to attend the College, Mr. Herp was a native of Grand Rapids, MI.
Affiliations: Beta Alpha Psi; College of Charleston Accountancy Advisory Board (current vice chair); College of Charleston Honors College Advisory Board (current member); East Cooper Community Outreach (former board member and treasurer).
Jack Hoel ’22
Board Member
Atlanta, GA
AA Board Service: 2024-Present
BS, Business Administration and Management, College of Charleston
Jack Hoel is an Account Manager at FORTNA, a leading supply chain operations consultation company. While at the College, Mr. Hoel volunteered all four years with the Student Alumni Associates and served as Treasurer of the organization. He earned his BS in business administration and management and is an alumnus of the Schottland Scholars program. Mr. Hoel resides in Atlanta.
Affiliations: Schottland Scholars, Student Alumni Associates
Roy A. Howell III ’84
Board Member
Charleston, SC
AA Board Service: 2024-Present
BA, College of Charleston
JD, Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law
Roy Howell has focused his practice in workers’ compensation defense for over 30 years and also has more than 20 years of experience handling concurrent jurisdiction matters under the Federal Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. He has been recognized as one of the Best Lawyers in America for 13 consecutive years, selected as Lawyer of the Year for 2014, 2016, and 2018, rated “AV-Preeminent” by Martindale Hubble, and named one of America’s Best Business Leaders of 1997-1998.
Roy resides in Charleston with his wife, Ginger, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Tucker, and Golden Doodle, Ellie. He is an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and enjoys playing basketball and hunting as much as his busy law practice allows.
Affiliations: South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Educational Association, South Carolina Bar Association, Charleston County Bar Association, South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys Association, South Carolina Claims Association, Maritime Association of South Carolina, Propeller Club Charleston, Bishop England High School Advisory Board, Charleston Athletic Fund, Kappa Alpha Order
Chanele Henry Jackson ’87
Board Member
Indian Land, SC
AA Board Service: 2022-Present
BS, Business Administration, College of Charleston
MBA, Queens University
Ms. Jackson is a Business Process and Implementation Manager for Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. After graduating from the College with a BS in business administration, she earned an MBA from Queens University in Charlotte, NC, in 1993. She also has a professional certification in Process Risk and Oversight from the University of North Carolina. A native of Georgetown, SC, Ms. Jackson has been an ambassador for the Cougar PAWS program since graduation, representing the College at high school fairs and hosting receptions for early acceptance students and families. She has partnered for three years with the Office of Multicultural Student Programs and Services to share her passion for financial literacy and provide information to students and parents about saving for college, budgeting, and managing debt. Ms. Jackson has donated to the College consistently for the past 25 years. Last year, she established a scholarship for the N.E. Miles Early Childhood Development Center. She is a Cistern Society member, providing for future students with a planned gift.
Affiliations: Chair, Catholic Campaign for Human Development, Charlotte region; Board member, Catholic Charities, Charlotte Diocese; Member, National Association of Black Accountants (NABA); NABA Charlotte Chapter continuing professional education presenter and nominee for national service award; Past Board member and current adviser to the CEO of Right Moves for Youth; recognized by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as a Hands on Banking – Financial Education Champion and for the launch of the “Teach Children to Save” curriculum in high schools in Charlotte; Partnered with the Charlotte and Mecklenburg County Library System to initiate a financial literacy summer camp and a youth financial literacy program.
Joynicole Martinez ’96
Board Member
Charlotte, NC
AA Board Service: 2024-Present
BA, Political Science, College of Charleston
MBA, Marketing, University of Phoenix
DHSc, A.T. Still University
Dr. Joynicole Martinez is founder of The Alchemist Agency, a management consulting firm serving leading executives, corporations, and organizations. She is also the President & Chief Advancement and Innovation Officer at Rising Tide Capital, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building inclusive communities of resilient entrepreneurs catalyzing a thriving and sustainable economy for all. Dr. Martinez has over 25 years of experience providing capacity-building services, including strategic planning and organizational design with a focus on leadership and executive training and coaching, performance and change management, fund development and impact measurement.
Dr. Martinez was recently recognized by the global diversity recruitment company Mogul as one of the nation’s Top 100 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leaders. She was awarded The Distinguished Service Medal by the U.S. Presidential Service Center for her research and care for traditionally underserved populations during the COVID-19. As an epidemiologist, Dr. Martinez is an advocate for ethical and equitable solutions and systems that bridge industries addressing social determinants of health. With a focus on multidisciplinary teams and the need for diverse and inclusive cultures fostered by human-centric design, she has developed initiatives that strengthen population wellness and health. Dr. Martinez is an award-winning speaker and trainer and has presented at numerous local, state, and federal conferences. A partial list of her list of clients includes the Health Care Compliance Association, Microsoft Corporation, Wells Fargo, Books-A-Million, Women Economic Forum, Ritz Paris, Cisco, American Institute of Certified Professional Accountants, Ellevate, NASDAQ, and the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics. Dr. Martinez has trained executives across North and South America and in the United Kingdom, France, Canada, the Netherlands, Russia, United Arab Emirates, and the Caribbean.
Dr. Martinez is a featured member on SheSource, an online brain trust of female experts on diverse topics designed to serve journalists, producers, and booking agents. She is an inaugural member of the Peace50 (P50) Community, an international engagement group that proposes policy recommendations related to peace. As contributor to the invitation only Forbes Coaches Council, she provides expert advice on leadership, management, and business innovation. Dr. Martinez serves as a Board Member for Girls On The Run, is the US Ambassador for Diplomatic World Magazine and is a staff contributor to North Carolina’s oldest minority owned newspaper, The Carolinian.
Ryan Morris ’08
Board Member
Mount Pleasant, SC
AA Board Service: 2024-Present
BA, Spanish, College of Charleston
MBA, College of Charleston
Ryan Morris is a Senior Human Resources Consultant for Anthology, where he partners with organization leadership to development and implement HR strategies and initiatives aligned with business goals, including organizational development, performance management, and employee relations. Prior to joining the company in 2021, Mr. Morris worked for Blackbaud for more than a decade.
A member of Pi Kappa Alpha, Mr. Morris volunteered with the Student Alumni Associates prior to graduating with his BA in Spanish. He returned to CofC in 2020 to pursue his MBA with a concentration in marketing, which he earned the following year. Mr. Morris and his wife, Rachel, reside in Mount Pleasant, SC, with their son, Henry, and daughter, Eliza.
Affiliations: Student Alumni Associates, Pi Kappa Alpha, Past President of CofC’s Lowcountry Alumni Club
Dil D. Patel ’11
Board Member
Savannah, GA
AA Board Service: 2021-present
BS, Business Administration, College of Charleston
Doctor of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina
Dr. Patel is a Neuro Radiologist at Savannah Chatham Imaging in Savannah, GA. He recently completed his fellowship training in Neuro Radiology at the Medical University of South Carolina, which was preceded by residency training at Loyola University in Chicago where he served as Chief Resident. While at the College, Dr. Patel joined Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. After graduation, Dr. Patel attended medical school at MUSC, where he remained involved in leadership and student government, serving as both Class President for multiple years as well as Student Body President.
Ginger Dillard Selby ’86
Board Member
Pickens, SC
AA Board Service: 2021-present
BA, Political Science, College of Charleston
Ms. Selby spent the first 26 years of her career in the upstate of South Carolina. She was president of Dillard Memorial Inc., her family business, which owned and operated two funeral homes and a crematory business in Pickens and Oconee Counties. She later served as National Director of Community Relations for Stewart Enterprises, Inc. She currently lives in Pickens, SC, with her husband, Ed. She has two children; her son, Daniel Fahey, graduated from the College in 2015 and her daughter, Kathleen Fahey, graduated from the College in 2017. Ms. Selby is currently a Director of Advance Planning at J. Henry Stuhr, Inc.
Affiliations: Former Advisory Board Member for Charleston Financial Services; Former Board Member, College of Charleston Cougar Club; Former Member of the Board of Trustees of Cannon Memorial Hospital; Former Chairman of the Cannon Memorial Hospital Foundation Board; Former Chairperson of Pickens County Meals on Wheels; Alpha Delta Pi; CofC Women’s Basketball and Volleyball.
Tripp Sellers ’92
Board Member
Greenville, SC
AA Board Service: 2024-present
BA, Business Administration, College of Charleston
Tripp Sellers, CBRE Vice President, with more than 30 years of experience in commercial real estate, delivers real competitive advantage and superior returns on client’s real estate investments. Tripp specializes in private capital markets with a focus on investment sales, acquisition, and recapitalization services to provide unmatched exposure to buyers worldwide.
Tripp focuses on the disposition and acquisition of investment properties throughout South Carolina for both institutional, and private owners and investors. Tripp builds advantage by mobilizing our scale and reach. As a member of CBRE’s Private Capital Group, he has access to a proprietary national database of approximately 160,000 investors, owners, and brokers, with continued live feeds from both the practice group and investors.
Tripp earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the College of Charleston and has held a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation since 2003. He also holds a South Carolina Real Estate License.
Affiliations: Kappa Sigma, CBRE Investment Properties, Greater Greenville Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors, Urban Land Institute
Donnie Shaw ’84
Board Member
Greer, SC
AA Board Service: 2024-present
BBA, College of Charleston
MTA, University of Georgia Terry School of Business
Donnie is Owner/Vice President at Shaw Resources, Inc., a privately held company in the development, construction, and management of commercial real estate. Donnie serves as the managing member of various operating entities controlled by Shaw Resources. He was previously a tax professional in the public accounting firms of both PricewaterhouseCoopers and KPMG in Atlanta, Georgia. Donnie is also a Certified Public Accountant, licensed in the state of Georgia.
Mr. Shaw earned his master’s degree in taxation from the University of Georgia, Terry School of Business and graduated cum laude from the College of Charleston with a bachelor of science degree in 1984. While at the College, he joined Kappa Alpha Order.
Donnie is also a member of the Advisory Board for Truist of Greenville, South Carolina, the Board of Directors for Christian Learning Centers of Greenville County, the Board of Directors for the Unilink Group and the Advisory Committee for Young Life of Greenville. He is a former Board Member of the Greenville Tech Foundation where he served as Chaiman of the Properties Committee. Donnie is a member of the Homebuilders Association of Greenville, First Presbyterian Church and a former member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Georgia Society of CPAs.
Donnie enjoys playing golf and spending time with his wife, Angela, and twin daughters.
Ryan T. Spraker ’16
Board Member
Washington, D.C.
AA Board Service: 2024-present
BA, Political Science, College of Charleston
JD, The George Washington University Law School
Ryan Tyler Spraker is an Attorney in the Education Practice of Husch Blackwell LLP.
Mr. Spraker represents colleges, universities, K-12 schools, technology companies, and others operating in the education sector. He assists clients in navigating a myriad of issues, from routine business decisions to crises on campus. In addition to his legal practice, Mr. Spraker is a Professorial Lecturer in Law at The George Washington University Law School and serves as a Local Board Member of the District of Columbia for the United States Selective Service System.
Mr. Spraker received his JD from The George Washington University Law School in 2019 and his BA in Political Science from the College of Charleston Honors College in 2016. While attending CofC, he was elected Student Body President, participated in Charleston 40, and was a Peer Facilitator within the Honors College.
Originally from Myrtle Beach, SC, Ryan now resides in Washington, D.C. with his wife, Nickole, and their puppy, Charlie.
Affiliations: D.C. Bar Association; National Association of College and University Attorneys; National Association of Student Financial Aid Advisors; CofC School of Humanities and Social Sciences Dean’s Council.
Susan Frederick Stewart ’80
Board Member
Columbia, SC
AA Board Service: 2021-present
BA, Political Science, College of Charleston
Juris Doctor, University of South Carolina
Ms. Stewart is Vice President/Underwriting Counsel for Commonwealth Land Title and Fidelity National Title Insurance Company. She was engaged in the private practice of law through 1995 then began work as a South Carolina underwriting counsel. She is a Past President of the Palmetto Land Title Association and has served on the board of the Mortgage Bankers of Greater Columbia. Ms. Stewart is the 2014-15 recipient of the Property Records Industry Association Ernst Award for contributions to the recording industry, a recipient of the MBGC Associate Member of the Year Award, and was the 2004 Better Business Bureau Arbitrator of the Year. She taught paralegal studies at Columbia Junior College Professional Center. Ms. Stewart is trained as an Arbitrator and Mediator. She has served as Eucharist Minister for Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church and as Secretary and Board Director of Prevent Child Abuse South Carolina. Ms. Stewart serves on the Board of Directors of Marshwinds Homeowners Association of Folly Beach, SC, is a charter member of the SC Women Lawyers Association, former Secretary of Association of Corporate Counsel SC, and is a Governor-appointed member of the Electronic Recording Committee. She is a member of the South Carolina Bar, where she has served as 2009-10 Chair of the Real Estate Section, and 2020-22 as a member, 2011-12 Section Delegate, and on the Task Force on Professional Potential. Ms. Stewart is also admitted to the US Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit Court and the U.S. Supreme Court. She has spoken on various real estate law and title insurance topics through the South Carolina Bar, Palmetto Land Title Association, and other private educational companies. As a student at the College, she joined Zeta Tau Alpha sorority.
Caroline Bell Stowe ’05
Board Member
Annandale, VA
AA Board Service: 2024-present
BS, Biology, College of Charleston
BS, Nursing, The Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing
MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner, The Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing
DNP, George Mason University
Caroline Stowe grew up in Sumter, SC, and moved to the Washington, D.C. area in 2006 to attend Johns Hopkins University. She works in primary care with ChenMed as their Advanced Practice Provider manager in Virtual Care and sits on faculty at the George Mason University School of Nursing teaching in their Mason Online Program for MSN/FNP students. Ms. Stowe’s clinical interests include primary headache disorders and women’s sexual and reproductive health. Her husband, Jon, a 2005 graduate of the College of Charleston, is a manager at the Federal Aviation Administration, supporting integration of new aviation technologies into the air traffic control system. They currently reside in Annandale, VA, and are proud parents to two children, Belle and Ryland, two cats, two dogs, and a bearded dragon.
Affiliations: Northern Virginia Alpha Delta Pi Alumnae Association Board Member, Northern Virginia Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners Board Member, Northern Virginia Panhellenic Association, Daughters of the American Revolution, Advanced Practice Provider Education Committee/Speaker for the Association of Migraine Disorders, Washington CofC Club
Ryan M. Velasco ’02
Board Member
Washington, D.C.
AA Board Service: 2021-present
BA, Historic Preservation & Community Planning, College of Charleston
Mr. Velasco is Vice President at Laurel Strategies, a CEO advisory and strategic communications firm based in Washington, D.C., where he oversees a portfolio supporting corporate executives across the biopharmaceutical, tech and private equity space. He has more than 18 years of experience in strategic planning and communications, advising a range of clients in crisis messaging and brand reputation management, government relations, and public-private partnerships.
Prior to joining Laurel Strategies, Mr. Velasco was Vice President at Ogilvy Public Relations where he advised the Federal Emergency Management Agency on engagement with key stakeholders to encourage increased investment in disaster resilience and hazard mitigation. During the Obama Administration, he served at the White House Council on Environmental Quality as a Deputy Associate Director, leading a key initiative of the President’s Climate Action Plan.
Ryan is passionate about historic preservation and environmental conservation. A native of Loudoun County, Virginia, he maintains close ties to South Carolina and returns often. He lives in Washington, D.C. with his husband, David McKnight.
Affiliations: The George Washington University Center for Excellence in Public Leadership – Cohort IV of the D.C. Neighborhood College; Former Washington, D.C. Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner and Commission Chair of the Committee on Planning, Zoning and the Environment; Former Co-Chair for the Disaster Preparedness Committee for the Episcopal Diocese of Washington; Georgetown Ministry Center Winter Shelter volunteer; Editor of Design, The Miscellany, 2000 edition.
Marty Viser ’90
Board Member
Charlotte, NC
AA Board Service: 2024-present
BS, College of Charleston
Marty Viser is a fifth-generation native Charlottean in North Carolina and has focused her 20+ year career on making a difference in the community. At First Union Corporation, she helped develop the company’s philanthropy program, “Education First,” and grew the program from 5,000 to 22,000 employee volunteers in four years. Marty helped implement the nation’s largest corporate literacy event, “Reading First,” led by Colin Powell and winner of the Points of Light Award for Community Involvement from President Clinton. After the bank, Marty joined Goodrich Corporation as their Manager, Corporate Affairs. She helped spearhead the $3.5 million capital campaign to build Junior Achievement’s “JA Biztown,” which she eventually left to lead and develop. Marty later joined Piedmont Natural Gas as a Community and Government Relations Manager and is currently Community Relations and Communications Manager at BASF Agricultural Solutions in Durham, NC.
Affiliations: Harris YMCA, the YWCA, ArtPop Street Gallery, The Mint Museum of Art, Women Executives, Better Business Bureau Foundation Board of Directors, Delta Delta Delta sorority
Kerry Tipple Watkins ’11
Board Member
Columbia, SC
AA Board Service: 2024-present
BA, Art History, College of Charleston
After graduating from the College in 2011, Ms. Watkins moved to Greenville, SC, where she managed a bridal boutique for five years and was active in the Junior League of Greenville. She currently resides in Columbia, SC, and works at the University of South Carolina as the Assistant Director of Continuing Education and Conferences, where she specializes in conference and event planning. Her events range from multi-day conferences throughout South Carolina to one-night gala events, and she enjoys getting to work with a myriad of clients consisting of both campus partners and external entities. Her career in event planning started at the College when she worked for Gathering Floral and Event Design, and more recently in Columbia working for both Cricket Newman Designs and Historic Columbia. Ms. Watkins recently launched Cola Connect, a small business designed to connect Columbia locals both professionally and socially through various events. She enjoys life in Columbia with her two children, where they enjoy supporting local businesses and staying active in the community.
Affiliations: Association of Collegiate Conference and Events Directors, Junior League of Columbia, Columbia CofC Club, Kappa Alpha Theta sorority
Beth Pierce Meredith ’97
CofC Foundation Board Representative
Charleston, SC
AA Board Service: 2006 – 2011, 2023-Present
BA – Corporate Communication
Ms. Meredith is a Senior Director, Technical Solutions for KBR, and has been with the company since 2013. In 2007, she opened the South Carolina Lowcountry office for New Carolina to facilitate targeted industry sector development in the Charleston area. Ms. Meredith also established a non-profit cyber security organization called the Advanced Security Technology Research Alliance (ASTRA). She is married to her husband, Robert, and they live in Mt. Pleasant, SC, with their 2 dogs.
Affiliations: CofC Alumni Association and Foundation Boards, Charleston Defense Contractors Association, Junior League of Charleston, Palmetto Partners, SC affiliate of Global Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO).
Kenneth S. “Gus” Gustafson, Sr. ’75
Past President Advisor
Charleston, SC
AA Board Service: 2022-Present
Bachelor of Science – Political Science
After a successful professional basketball career in France, Mr. Gustafson returned to Charleston and entered the insurance business working for CofC alumnus Robbie Heffron ’39. After retiring from Wachovia in 2007, he founded Great Underwriting Solutions, a consulting firm for small businesses on employee benefits and providing individual insurance services.
Mr. Gustafson served as the first president of the Cougar Club Board and was also past chair of the College of Charleston Foundation Board during his first tenure from 1992-2014. Gus served on the Alumni Board from 1988-1994, having served as President-elect from 1991-1992; President from 1992-1993 and Past President from 1993-1994. He is a member of the CofC Athletics Hall of Fame and was the 2013 Alumni Award of Honor recipient. In 2019, Gus was elected to serve again on the College of Charleston Foundation Board of Directors.
The New York native married fellow CofC graduate, Trisha Sullivan Gustafson, shortly after graduating from CofC. The couple has one son and two grandchildren.
Affiliations: CofC Men’s Basketball, CofC Athletics Hall of Fame, College of Charleston Alumni Board President-elect 1991-1992; President, 1992-1993; Past President, 1993-1994; Pi Kappa Phi fraternity.
Ryan Eleuteri ’02
CofC Athletic Fund Representative
Charleston, SC
AA Board Service: 2020-Present
Bachelor of Science – Political Science
Mr. Eleuteri is the founder and owner of Charleston Beverage Company, a locally owned company that sells and produces Charleston Mix Bloody Mary nationally. Founded in the Lowcountry and still made locally, Charleston Mix is the #1 selling craft mix in the nation, and #5 overall. Born and raised outside Philadelphia, Mr. Eleuteri moved to Charleston in 1998 to attend the College of Charleston.
A 2002 graduate of the College, with a degree in Political Science, he resides in downtown Charleston with his lab Tyson.
Affiliation: College of Charleston Athletic Fund Board, Sigma Nu Fraternity, Student Alumni Associates Past President, 1770 Society; GOLD Society.
Alumni Association Representative on the CofC Board of Trustees
Neysa Williams ’95
Alumni Association Representative on the CofC Board of Trustees
Charleston, SC
AA Board Service: 2018-2022
BS, Sociology, College of Charleston
MA, Business Administration and Human Resources, Webster University
Ms. Williams is the Community Relations Director for the International African American Museum in Charleston, SC. She most recently served as the Community Engagement Director for Joint Base Charleston. In 2018, Ms. Williams retired from the U.S. Army after 22 years of service, during which she served as a Public Affairs Specialist for Moncrief Army Health Clinic at Fort Jackson training base in Columbia, SC, and at the 1st Theater Sustainment Command as the Director of Public Affairs and Media/Community Relations at Fort Knox, KY. Ms. Williams resides in Charleston, SC, with her children, Langston and Kennedy.
Affiliations: Member, Charleston County Rotary Club, Charleston, SC; American Legion Post #117, Camden, SC; The Palmetto Chapter of the Association of U.S. Army; Charleston County NAACP; SC Boys and Girls Club of America; ASALAH; Veterans Across America; President, CofC Black Alumni Council; and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.