BSH Announces New Board Members

Media Contact:
Danielle Dekruif | Marketing & Communications Manager
Danielle@blufftonselfhelp.org
843.757.8000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bluffton Self Help Announces Three New Board Members

Bluffton Self Help announced the appointment of three new members to their Board of Directors:
• Dr. Angela Simmons, Vice Chancellor of Student Development, University of South Carolina Beaufort
• Erica Pepper, Community & Development Relations Manager, Hargray
• Cindy Rolfe, Owner, Lowcountry Fresh Market

Bluffton Self Help’s Board of Directors support the non-profit’s work to improve the lives of Lowcountry neighbors through education, training, basic needs programs, and guided support.

“Our Board of Directors is comprised of a dedicated team of community leaders committed to the mission of Bluffton Self Help. We are excited to expand our board with three new members who will bring diverse expertise and insight to our work,” said Bluffton Self Help CEO, Courtney Hampson. “We have worked diligently to ensure Bluffton Self Help’s leadership represents a variety of experts with different backgrounds and skills in order to accomplish our long-term strategic goals.”

Dr. Angela Simmons. Angela has worked in higher education for 30 years at various mid-sized and large universities in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states and currently serves as the Vice Chancellor for Student Development at the University of South Carolina Beaufort. She has her B.S. and M.S. degrees from Mississippi State University and an Ed.D. from Florida State University. In addition to her work in higher education, Angela has served on various boards and is currently the vice chair for Hopeful Horizons. Angela and her husband, Dave Lunin, moved to the Lowcountry in 2019 and have enjoyed the opportunity to spend weekends at the beach reading and napping.

“The mission of Bluffton Self Help resonates with me on a personal level and I’m excited for the opportunity to serve on the board. I grew up in a family with limited financial resources and am keenly aware of how the services provided by the organization can transform the lives of those most impacted by socioeconomic disparities and inequities.” – Angela D. Simmons, Ed.D.

Erica Pepper. Erica joined Hargray in 2019 and has enjoyed having the opportunity to work with the Lowcountry community throughout her tenure. Before telecommunications, she worked in private club management for 15 years. She met her husband Barry Pepper in Orlando, Florida while she was earning her BS in Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida. They have had the pleasure of living in Orlando and Charlotte and relocated to Bluffton in 2011. They have two fun-loving children, Owen and Brilyn. When Erica is not at work, she spends her time volunteering on the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber Jr. Leadership board, traveling with her family and staying active. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to spend her time with Bluffton Self Help and give back to the community she has fallen in love with.

“I was immediately drawn to Bluffton Self Help’s mission and holistic approach of improving and empowering our neighbor’s lives. As soon as I had a grasp on the vast number of initiatives that they were leading within our community, I knew that I wanted to be a part of the board. The ability to offer immediate basic needs assistance but also provide education and career development resources is such an integral piece of being able to get back on your feet. I’m looking forward to being part of this very special organization for years to come,” said Erica.

Cindy Rolfe. Cindy grew up on a dairy farm and comes from a long line of farmers who believe education is a means to independence. After earning a BA in Political Science from Brown University, she advanced through corporate roles in the consumer products industry beginning her career at Procter & Gamble in the US, Europe, and Canada. In 2017, she and her husband, Andy moved to Bluffton full-time to retire after a successful 30+ year career as a CEO and Senior Marketing Executive. With a strong desire to give back to their community in a meaningful way, they developed a partnership with the Gullah Farmers’ Cooperative board on Saint Helena Island and other area farmers to increase demand for their products. Utilizing their skills and capital to expand opportunities for Beaufort County residents, Cindy and Andy opened Lowcountry Fresh Market & Café in 2021. Cindy also serves on the University Of South Carolina Beaufort Education Foundation Board. Andy and Cindy have three children, two daughters, and a son.

“On behalf of the board, I want to express our gratitude to Ashley Feaster, Jim Cuff, and Fred Hamilton who have concluded their service as valued board members and provided visionary leadership for the staff and board for the past several years,” added Courtney.

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Bluffton Self Help’s mission is to empower and advocate for Lowcountry neighbors to improve their lives through education and training, basic needs, and guided access to a network of community resources.
Blufftonselfhelp.org

 

 

Courtney Hampson, Bluffton Self Help CEO