Chamber celebrates leadership class of 2025 graduates
The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce recognized 24 graduates of its Leadership Class of 2025 on June 4th, celebrating a year of professional development and community engagement.
As part of the program’s capstone requirement, this year’s class created Safe Shore, a public safety campaign aimed at educating residents and visitors about the dangers of rip currents. The project included the installation of educational signage at more than 50 public beach access points across Hilton Head Island.
The Leadership program, launched in 1985, is designed to develop civic and professional leaders by offering participants an in-depth look at the region’s history, government, economy, and culture. To date, more than 700 professionals have completed the program.
Graduates of the Class of 2025 include:
• Paul Arvantides, Don Ryan Center for Innovation
• Bethany Brown, Hilton Head Island Island Recreation Association
• Sarah Brown, Sea Love | A Candle Bar and Boutique
• Amy Conners, Hilton Head Regional Health System
• Madeline Cox, Outside Hilton Head
• Jim Damico, South Atlantic Bank
• Angela Douglas, Town of Bluffton
• Kathleen Duncan, J.K. Tiller Associates, Inc.
• Libby Gilden, Part of the Family, LLC
• Daniel Guerrini, Alliance Global Partners
• Hannah Hartberger, Town of Bluffton
• Stephanie Jurczak, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Bluffton
• Kristen McIntosh, Art League of Hilton Head
• Mallory Munson, The Sea Pines Resort
• Sheila Paz, LOCAL Life Magazine
• Ryan Pye, Hospice Care of the Lowcountry
• Olivia Root, Taylor’s Quality Landscape Supply
• Dalton Shaw, The Fraum Center for Restorative Health
• Lindsay Taylor, Just Tri Performance
• Morgan Thompson, Town of Hilton Head Island
• Connie Turlington, Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort
• Jose Vargas, Sparklight
• Ryan Wise, Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island
“This program gives emerging leaders the tools and connections to make a meaningful impact,” said chamber officials. “The class projects are a lasting legacy in the community.”
Past projects include community improvements such as sunscreen dispensers in public parks, playground equipment, environmental initiatives, and public art installations. Over the past eight years, leadership classes have invested more than $189,000 into local efforts.
More information about the chamber’s leadership program is available at hiltonheadblufftonchamber.org.
