Welcome our 2022 Board of Directors

Lowcountry Local First, a nonprofit that cultivates an economy anchored in local ownership, is proud to welcome its 2022 Board of Directors. The Board includes talented and passionate business leaders from a wide variety of sectors who recognize the importance of choosing local in order to keep the Lowcountry’s economy strong and its culture unique. The organization’s staff and board work toward its mission through a three-pronged approach: Educate the general public on why it’s important to choose local and influence them to do so; Work with our elected officials, decision-makers and opinion leaders to foster a better environment for creating and sustaining local businesses; And deliver resources, programming, networking, mentorship and more to local businesses of all shapes and sizes.

The organization’s staff look to the board of directors to provide strategic guidance and ensure adequate support for the mission-critical programs it operates, from public marketing campaigns to advocacy. “We are thrilled about our incoming Directors, and we are both grateful for and eager to lean into their leadership and insight,” says Jacquie Berger, Executive Director of Lowcountry Local First. “From indie bookstores and hospitality to architects and developers, from all corners of the Lowcountry, our Board offers not only support, but the wisdom and insight that can only come from local, independent business leaders who are in the trenches every day — fighting the fight, giving back, and keeping their hearts and heads focused on making this community better.”

Lowcountry Local First 2022 Board of Directors:

* Indicates a new board member.

Terri Herbuin, Greystar, Chair

David Bennett, Charleston County Parks, Vice Chair

Nicki Root, Grassroots Wine Wholesalers, Past Chair

Jeff Plotner, Brackish, Secretary

Melonie Hammond-Trace, Tideline CPA, Treasurer

* Jeremiah Bacon, The Indigo Road Restaurant Group

Kerri Chisolm, Ameris Bank

Justin Ferira, Seine Group

* Jennifer Ferrebee, Verde

Stephanie Hall, Estelle Colored Glass

* Edward Kronsberg, Addlestone International

* Margie Longshore, SMHa

Andy McCarthy, The Building People

Charles McLendon, Laurens Capital

* VaLinda Miller, Turning Page Bookshop

Katherine Perrin, Perrin Woodworking

* Jonathan Sanchez, Blue Bicycle Books

* Monique Wilsondebriano, Charleston Gourmet Burger