John is the current president and proud member of Cainhoy Peninsula Rotary club. Since relocating here five years ago with his wife, Cher, and daughter, Chloe, John has been committed to expanding our club and the impact it has on the Cainhoy community. By increasing membership, our club will have a greater capacity to create lasting change. Having served in the Navy and as president of his past rotary chapter, “service above self” is more than a Rotarian saying. It has been his way of living. Currently, John works as the Vice President of Lending with South Carolina Federal Credit Union. With 19 years of experience and a passion for creating opportunity, he works towards increasing financial literacy and supporting individuals’ in surpassing their goals. Under his leadership, our club carries that passion for creating equitable opportunities and making a difference in our community. 

Heather first joined Rotary in 2013 and is a charter member of the Cainhoy Peninsula Rotary Club. As President, Heather was instrumental in recruiting and building a leadership team for a new Satellite Club. In addition to being a board member, Heather also serves at the district level on the Innovative Advocacy Club Membership Committee. Heather has held other roles as well, to include Public Relations Chair and Service Chair. Heather is passionate about serving others and building community. Her firm, Meridian Business Advisors, has earned numerous awards for business brokerage, marketing, and public service. Her professional success has enabled her to act as a business mentor for Lowcountry Locals First and Good Enterprises, through which she uses her expertise to empower other entrepreneurs. She and her husband, David, have been married for over 25 years and are proud parents of two college aged sons. 

Jon has lived in Charleston for 26 years with his wife, Wendy, of 33 years. Together they raised two girls, Hannah and Abby. Jon has been a Residential Realtor for over 19 years with experience in sales, management, and human resources. Jon loves to connect people, motivating him to assist in leading organizations such as 1 Million Cups and Business Network International, as well as technical support for Referrals Over Cocktails (ROC) podcast. He has also participated in a multitude of community service initiatives, such as addressing food insecurity through volunteering at local pantries and food distribution drives. Rotary was a great fit, as it combined Jon’s two loves of building relationships and serving others.

As a graduate of the College of Charleston and Lowcountry Local for 30 years, Scott founded HorizonFirst Insurance with the vision to modernize insurance and provide holistic property and casualty insurance protection to his clients. After 10 years in the major insurance field and 20 years in the financial services industry, Scott understands the financial impact insurance can have on an individual, business, and family. Scott and his wife, Judy, have two grown children and one grandson. They both are active in the community and belong to several civic and professional organizations. Scott is especially dedicated to supporting organizations that help rescue animals, empower small business owners, and advocate for US Military Veterans. In addition to his role on our leadership team, Scott serves on the Mount Pleasant Chamber Board of Directors as Membership Chair and as a Volunteer Driver with East Cooper Meals on Wheels. Scott became a Rotarian to continue giving back to the community in which we live, work, and play. 

While attending Wando high school, Michael joined the Interact Club sponsored by Lou Mello and the Mount Pleasant Rotary Club. Through Interact, he had the chance to participate in Rotary service projects and learn about the organization’s mission and values. After graduation, Michael attended Clemson University and became a member of the co-ed service fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega. Through this affiliation, his dedication and desire to serve continued to be nurtured. A decade after his initial encounter with Rotary, Michael decided to reach out to Lou Mello to become a Rotarian himself. As a student, he recognized the importance of this organization. Now, as an adult with an established career in software engineering, Michael is a key part of its success. 

John transferred to the Cainhoy Peninsula club in December of 2022 from the East Cooper Breakfast Rotary club. As Service Project Chair,  John has been crucial to creating partnerships within the community and connecting our club with service opportunities. Service is an essential component of Rotary, which is why our goal for the FY24 Rotary year is to engage the club in at least one project per quarter. On the events tab, you can see how much we have already accomplished. Yet, we aim to do even more. Currently, we are investigating opportunities with the Phillip Simmons and Cainhoy Elementary Schools to benefit local students. As the Chief Deputy Director for the Charleston County Public Library, John is aware of the importance of literature and education. Supporting students in need not only provides resolutions to current challenges, but also allows them to be best prepared for academic achievement. John’s continued dedication to his role broadens our club’s effect, resulting in a greater number of people receiving help. 

In 2019, Bess embarked on a mission to build a restoration company at the onset of the pandemic.  Her goal was to restore safety and peace for those impacted by tragedy. Whether it be a home or business suffering loss due to water damage, microbial growth, or fire/smoke damage, her company offers people the ability to return to a healthy environment. When Bess is not working to restore homes and businesses, she is volunteering with local non-profits and participating in service opportunities. Through fellowship and service, she is able to give back to a community that, in her words, “certainly deserves it”. 

Marion and her fiance, Stanley, relocated here from New England for greater opportunity to develop her professional career. Upon moving here, she immediately joined our chapter and became a part of the leadership team. With three years of membership pre-established, Marion can testify to the ways in which Rotary improves lives and offers the ability to be an agent of change. Motivated by a purpose-driven lifestyle, she accepted a position with the Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce to support professionals, organizations, and the community East of the Cooper in achieving success through business affairs and entrepreneurial endeavors.

Sharon is a dedicated Real Estate Sales Associate in the Charleston area who enjoys helping others find their dream homes. She and her husband, Michael, moved here 10 years ago from Pennsylvania. She found her calling as a Rotarian due to the organization’s commitment to service, inspired by the tight-knit community and support from both Daniel Island and the Cainhoy Peninsula. As a Rotarian, Sharon uses her client-focused approach and expertise in real estate to support community members in obtaining necessary resources, cultivating a community of growth and vitality. 

Cathy and Lou relocated to Charleston two years ago. In searching for ways to serve her community, Cathy was excited to come across the Cainhoy Rotary Club. Service has always been one of her core-values, evident in the careers she has chosen. From organizing drives for a local blood center to teaching kindergarten and first grade students, Cathy has made a lasting impact on many lives. Although she is now “technically” retired, Cathy is still very much active. Whether it is caring for her grandchildren or offering a hand to a neighbor in need, she continues to be an embodiment of the phrase, “service above self”.

Lou is a native of Aurora, Illinois and served on their police force for 32 years. During that time, he worked in the Patrol Division, Special Operations Group, acted as a School Resource Officer, and ended as the Day Shift Watch Commander. Upon retiring from law enforcement, Lou transitioned into childhood education and worked for the Indian Prairie School District for 12 years as an Elementary School Administrator. Currently, Lou is supporting students at Hanahan High School with encouraging attendance, completing assignments, and creating a cohesive environment. In addition to his occupational history, he also has been an active Rotarian for over seven years, continuing to better the lives of others.