Hilton Head People

1. HILTON HEAD NAMES ADVISOR TO TOWN MANAGER

Benjamin Brown, a community development professional, has been named senior advisor to the Hilton Head Island town manager. Brown has 20 years of experience in community development and planning. He was director of planning and property operations for the Palmetto Dunes Property Owner’s Association, where he was involved with a $50 million capital improvements program and other priority projects.

HILTON HEAD MAN TRAVELS TO WAR ZONE TO HELP RESCUE PETS

BY TONY KUKULICH | PHOTOS BY MADISON ELROD

It’s reasonable to wonder how the co-owner of a successful dog-grooming business on Hilton Head Island found himself more than 5,000 miles from home helping animals in war-torn Ukraine.

As it turns out, the answer is remarkably simple. Jeff Prekop, who owns and manages the popular Groomingdales along with his wife, Jen, felt he was called to go there. So, he did.

GRACE FARM TOO  AT CHERYL’S PLACE OFFERS SANCTUARY FOR HORSES, WILDLIFE

BY AMY BARTLETT | PHOTOS BY MADISON ELROD

If you take a drive down May River Road, Highway 46, past the roundabout heading toward Savannah, just before the famous Bubba Crosby tomato stand, there’s a plot of land where horses, raccoons and other wildlife have been loved to life for years without much fanfare.

That’s the way Cheryl Crosby Phillips of Cheryl’s Place prefers to work because she’s humble and protective of animals.

ST. ANDREW BY-THE-SEA OFFERS TWO CAMPUSES FOR WORSHIP

AMY COYNE BREDESON

The Rev. Dr. Robin Dease wasn’t sure what to expect when she arrived at St. Andrew By-The-Sea United Methodist Church on Hilton Head Island in July 2021.

RESURRECTION CHURCH IS CELEBRATING ITS 12TH YEAR ON HILTON HEAD ISLAND

In October of 2010, Resurrection Church launched from humble beginnings in a small, rented office space just across the bridge in Moss Creek, before moving to its current location at 296 Spanish Wells Road in late 2013.

1. HILTON HEAD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA HIRES NEW DIRECTOR AND ADDS DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE

Veteran arts administrator Steven Shaiman has been named the Director of the Hilton Head International Piano Competition and HHSO Education and Community Engagement by the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra. He served as Senior Vice President/Director, Artist Management at Concert Artist Guild in New York City for more than 16 years. Shaiman succeeds HHIPC Director Mona Huff. Susan Hartmann was hired for the newly created position of Development Associate. 

JOURNEE ORAGE ESTABLISHES THRIVING BUSINESS

STORY BY AMY BARTLETT | PHOTOS BY PICTURE THE POSSIBILITIES

When you first hear the story about a little girl who “sells lip gloss” you might mistakenly think it’s as cute as a neighborhood lemonade stand.  

But that would be underestimating the striking presence, drive and camera-ready communication skills of young entrepreneur, 10-year-old Journee Orage.

High school students are champion welders

STORY BY JUSTIN JARRETT I PHOTOS BY RITTERBECK PHOTOGRAPHY

At a time when good-paying jobs seem more and more difficult to find and the cost of traditional college education is increasing at an alarming rate, the prospect of technical education continues to gain steam.

And the students at May River High School seem to have taken notice.

1. BLUFFTON SELF HELP NAMES NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 

Courtney Hampson has been named Chief Executive Officer at Bluffton Self Help. Kimberly Hall, former CEO, stepped down from the position because she and her family will move out of state. Hampson joined the team in January as the Chief Operating Officer. Prior to joining Bluffton Self Help she was the Vice President of Marketing for Palmetto Bluff for 16 years.