About Us
Rotary International
Rotary is a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. With over 110 years of action and 46,000 clubs across 130 different countries, we have the capability to create change...
All we need is you.
Our Chapter's Leadership Team
Jon Stroud
President
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.
John Stanford
Immediate Past President
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.
Marion Lovett
President-Elect &
Public Image Chair
Marion and her fiance, Stanley, relocated here from New England in April of 2023. Upon moving here, she immediately joined our chapter and became a part of our leadership team. Having been involved with Rotary for three years prior to joining our club, Marion can testify to the ways in which Rotary improves lives and offers the ability to be an agent of change. Marion works as Office Administrator for 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. She also serves as the Southern Regional Director for the United States Senate Youth Alumni Association.
Scott Labarowski
Treasurer
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.
Bess Leiti
Secretary
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”.
Bryan Heilman
Membership Chair
In the fall of 2011, Bryan relocated to the Lowcountry. Within 4 years, he married his wife Meredith, they built their first home, their son Beckett was born, and they adopted their Lab-Husky mix Luke. As avid supporters of Charleston area sports, Bryan's family can be found attending Charleston Battery matches, Charleston Riverdogs games and South Carolina Stingrays games. Bryan also serves on the Board of the Stingrays Booster Association. After a 23-year career in Retail Leadership came to an end, Bryan transitioned to Financial Services, becoming an Advisor at Edward Jones. Committed to providing the highest level of client service in goals based Financial Advisory, Bryan is also passionate about increasing the Financial Acumen of the next generation. The career transition also created an increased opportunity to engage with networking groups, volunteer opportunities, charitable foundations, and led to the discovery of Rotary when a friend and current Rotarian recommended Bryan attend a meeting. Having found a group of like-minded "doers", Bryan looks forward to contributing to the positive impact this group has on the Cainhoy community.
Michael Spires
Foundation Chair
While attending Wando high school, Michael joined the Interact Club sponsored by Lou Mello and the Mount Pleasant Rotary Club. Through Interact, he participated in service projects and learned about Rotary’s mission and values. After graduation, Michael attended Clemson University and joined the co-ed service fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega. Through this affiliation, his dedication and desire to serve continued to grow. A decade after his initial encounter with Rotary, Michael became a Rotarian himself. As a student, he recognized the importance of this organization. Now, as an adult with an established career in software engineering, he is a part of its success.
Sharon Cassidy
Speaker Coordinator
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 Puscas
Social Coordinator
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 Puscas
Sergeant-at-Arms
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. Recently retired from Hanahan High School, Lou remains an active Rotarian, having contributed over 8 years of service thus far.
We are a Rotary satellite club sponsored by the Rotary Club of Daniel Island. We meet on the first and third Tuesday of each month from 6:00-7:00 pm. We encourage members and guests to arrive at 5:45 pm to enjoy a light snack while networking. Guests are welcome to attend meetings. After three visits, we ask that you decide whether you would like to become a member. Dues are paid quarterly and participation is highly encouraged.
Please email our Membership Chair, Bryan Heilman, if you plan to attend. The dress code is business casual.
King's Cross Church
2011 Clements Ferry Rd
Charleston, SC 29492