Leadership

D. DuBose Egleston, Jr. '93

Head of School

D. DuBose Egleston, Jr. is the sixth Head of School of Porter-Gaud and has served in this role since 2009. He serves on the Board of Trustees for the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and the Governing Board of the National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES). Previously, he served as PG’s Assistant Head for Finance and Operations and as Director of Technology. He has more than 20 years of experience in independent schools. 

As a student, DuBose attended O’Quinn and then Porter-Gaud for 12 years, graduating in 1993. He then studied chemistry and biology at Furman University, received a Masters of Business Administration at The Citadel, and studied as a Klingenstein Fellow at Columbia University.

He is proud to lead PG's excellent faculty and staff, and appreciates being a part of a school family that sees so much hope and promise in the next generation. He also enjoys working around young people and watching them grow up in the years they are at PG. 

Outside of school, DuBose’s hobbies include sailing, travel, and almost any outdoor activity.  He enjoys spending time on the tractor and in the woods at the family farm.  DuBose and his wife, Nancy, have three children and are grateful for the many opportunities each has had as a PG student.

Education: 
Furman University, BS Biology, 1997
The Citadel, Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), 2004
Columbia University, Klingenstein Heads of Schools Fellowship, 2013

Audrey Holsten

Assistant Head for Academics

Audrey Holsten works across all divisions to ensure we provide a cohesive, rich, and engaging academic experience that inspires a love of learning in our students and prepares them for college and beyond. She joined Porter-Gaud in 2017 and brings more than 20 years of independent school experience to her role. As the Assistant Head for Academics, Audrey collaborates with school leaders and faculty from O'Quinn through the Upper School to identify opportunities for growth and innovation in teaching and learning. Guided by a dynamic and ambitious strategic vision for the school, Audrey works with teachers to create sustainable improvements to our curriculum and to build programs that move the school closer to our Vision of a Learner. A lover of art, music, film, and poetry, Audrey feels right at home in the rich cultural environment of Charleston. She and her husband, Kelly, can be found most weekends exploring downtown and our surrounding beaches by bike or by foot.

Education:
BA in English - Salem College
MA in English - Wake Forest University

Ken Hyde

Assistant Head For Enrollment and Parent Relations

Ken Hyde serves as the Assistant Head of School for Enrollment Management and Parent Relations at Porter-Gaud in Charleston, SC, overseeing the program at a 1-12 coed day school with two satellite preschool campuses.  He has 27 years of professional experience in independent schools ranging from teacher, coach, advisor, dorm head, dean of students, and presently, enrollment professional.  Ken earned a BA in Economics from UNC at Chapel Hill and his Masters in School Administration from UNC at Greensboro.  He is married to Holly, a Spanish teacher at Porter-Gaud, and has two daughters, Anne and Margaret who attend the school.

Yerko Sepúlveda

Director of Community Engagement and Belonging

Dr. Sepúlveda is an experienced teacher-trainer, consultant, administrator, K-12 teacher, and college instructor with a strong background in leadership, educational innovation, student-centered learning, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, & Belonging (DEIJB) initiatives and research. He is also a published author of several articles and book chapters.

Dr. Sepúlveda holds a B.A. in English and Education, an M.A. in Applied Linguistics, an M.Ed. in Bilingual Education & Diversity Studies, and a Ph.D. in Spanish Linguistics with a focus on intercultural communication. He also serves as a national and international leader in the following programs:

• Mentor in the Aspiring Leaders of Color program offered by AIELOC (Association of International Educators and Leaders of Color).
• Instructional coach for Project Zero at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where he has facilitated learning for teachers in over 18 countries.
• Faculty member at SDLC (Student Diversity Leadership Conference) hosted by NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools).
   

Raj Mallawaaratchy

Assistant Head for Finance and Operations

Raj Mallawaaratchy joined our leadership team as the Head of Finance for Porter-Gaud and O'Quinn Schools in 2020. Raj brings a wealth of experience to the team, having spent nearly 20 years in the corporate sector with Xerox and Nokia. His expertise lies in strategic business and financial planning, internal controls, and audit, both in the US and internationally. Raj transitioned to the independent school sector, where he accumulated 8 years of experience, most recently at The Blake School in Minnesota.

Education

B.S. Iowa State University - Electrical Engineering 

M.B.A - University of Saint Thomas

Silvia Davis

Head of the Upper School

Silvia Davis joined our leadership team as Head of Upper School in 2021, bringing more than 18 years of independent school experience to her role. Most recently, she was Head of Lower School and Director of Global Experience in the Upper School at The Wardlaw+Hartridge School in New Jersey. Prior to Wardlaw+Hartridge, she was a member of the teaching faculty at The Episcopal Academy in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. Silvia is an innovative leader both in and out of the classroom and believes strong relationships and collaboration are the keys to guiding students to be life-long learners. Silvia and her husband, Andrew, have one son. They vacationed on Folly Beach for 15 years before moving to Charleston and are thrilled to call Charleston home.

Education
B.A. Richard Stockton College of New Jersey (now Stockton University)
M.S. Ed. Saint Joseph's University
M.S. Ed. Drexel University 

Michael Wright

Head of the Middle School

Dr. Michael Wright joined Porter-Gaud as Head of Middle School in 2022. Previously, he served as the Principal and Head of School at School of the Cathedral, a co-ed private Catholic school in Baltimore, MD. He brings 20 years of teaching and educational administration experience to his role. 

At PG, Michael partners with faculty and parents to build a student-centered vision of learning and teaching that allows young hearts and minds to grow and flourish. He strives to help students develop resilience, grit, and a growth mindset so they have tools to succeed as adults in a rapidly changing technological and globalized world. 

Michael and his wife, Kristy, have three children. Their son is a student at PG, and their two daughters serve in the U.S. Army. Outside of school, Michael enjoys playing golf and spending time on the beach with his family.

Education:

Bachelor of Arts, History, Wheeling University
Master of Arts, Leadership in Teaching, Notre Dame of Maryland University
Ed.D., Organizational and Change Leadership, University of Southern California

Michael Page

Head of the Lower School

As Head of the Lower School, Michael Page works collaboratively with talented faculty and staff to create a caring and supportive culture where students are engaged and encouraged to be their best selves. With more than 17 years of experience as an educator, Michael is an exceptional academic leader who is skilled at creating dynamic learning experiences and promoting the social and emotional development of students. 

Michael joined Porter-Gaud in 2023 after serving as Head of School at Qingdao No. 1 International School in Shandong Province, China. Previously in his career, Michael spent time as both a Lower and Middle School teacher in Raleigh, NC. He brings a strong track record of leadership, collaboration, and innovation to his role. 

Michael, and his wife, Shannon, have two sons, Cooper and Parker, and are thrilled to be a part of the Porter-Gaud community. In his free time, Michael enjoys running, going to the beach, listening to live music, cooking, and gardening.  

Education: 
Bachelor’s Degree, Elementary Education, West Virginia Wesleyan College
Master’s Degree, Executive Leadership in Education, Gardner Webb University

Brent Hilpert

Assistant Head of Upper School. Dean of Students

Brent Hilpert is a seasoned educator and administrator with extensive experience in both teaching and school leadership. He joined Porter-Gaud in 2018 and currently serves as the Assistant Head of Upper School and Dean of Students. Brent is also the Varsity Girls Lacrosse Head Coach and has more than 20 years of head coaching experience, including five state championships. 

Before his tenure at Porter-Gaud, Brent served as the Tenth-Grade Dean and Science Department Chair at The Boys’ Latin School of Maryland, where he managed student discipline and led initiatives in leadership, character development, and academic performance. He also spent 15 years at Woodward Academy in metropolitan Atlanta, where he served in several leadership roles, including Assistant Science Department Chair. 

Brent holds a Master of Education in Educational Administration and Policy from the University of Georgia and a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Washington and Lee University. His teaching career spans various subjects, including physics, chemistry, innovation, design thinking, and leadership. He has also held leadership roles in a variety of curriculum development, faculty recruitment, and data analysis programs.

Al Wilson

Director of Athletics

Al Wilson serves as Athletic Director for Porter-Gaud School and has been a member of the school community for the last 20 years.  He began his career at PG as the strength and conditioning coach, working with the student athletes to provide opportunities for maximizing each student’s potential through hard work and invested time focused on the process over the outcome. 

Coach Wilson spent 9 years as the Middle School Athletic Director before stepping into the role of Athletic Director in the spring of 2024.  His goals and passions remain the same as they were when he was the strength and conditioning coach…to provide opportunities to maximize each student's potential, only now he works directly with the coaches to provide those very opportunities.  

Al earned his BS in psychology from the State University of West Georgia and then received a Masters of Arts in Teaching while serving as a graduate assistant in Strength and Conditioning department at The Citadel. He is married to Brooke and they have 2 children, Roc and Shay, who attend Porter-Gaud. 

Craig Stewart

Director of Advancement

Prior to taking the helm of the Foundation in 2017, Craig Stewart served as Vice President at Bernstein Private Wealth Management in Washington, DC and before that as Associate Development Director at Episcopal High School (EHS) in Alexandria, VA. He is a graduate of EHS and has a B.A. and M.B.A. from the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill. He and his wife, Cricket, live in Mt. Pleasant and have three children, Ansley, Craig and Lee and three grandchildren. He served on the boards of an Episcopal retirement community foundation, a military museum and education-focused nonprofit in the Washington area before moving to South Carolina. He loves college sports, fitness training and reading with two book clubs!

P: 843.402.4690

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Babette Hamilton

Assistant Head of Lower School

Babette Hamilton joined our leadership team as Assistant Head of Lower School in 2024. She brings more than 30 years of experience at independent and public schools in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. Most recently Babette was the Head of High School and Assistant Head of School at Pinewood Preparatory School in Summerville, South Carolina. Prior to Pinewood, she was Principal at Beech Hill Elementary School in Summerville; Assistant Principal at Fort Dorchester High School in Summerville; a teacher and administrator in Marietta City Schools in Marietta, Georgia; and she began her teaching career as a middle and high school biology teacher at P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School at the University of Florida. She is an experienced, caring administrator who leads with compassion and grace. Babette is skilled at building teams and supporting and empowering faculty as they work together to cultivate each student's God given potential, and she particularly enjoys fostering connections with families to support and inspire students. 

Babette holds a B.S. in Biology from the College of Charleston, an M.Ed. in Secondary Science Education from the University of Florida, and she completed the Educational Leadership certification program at the University of West Georgia. Babette, her husband Grant, and children Sean, Taylor, Morgan and Kylie, are thrilled to be part of the Porter-Gaud family.

P: 843.402.4789

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Chris Weaver

Assistant Head of Middle School

Chris brings over a decade of experience in both independent and public school education, having taught Social Studies, History, English, and Advanced Research courses. His teaching has always focused on helping students become independent critical thinkers while developing their own voice through writing. Since joining Porter-Gaud in 2019 as an upper school history teacher, Chris led the National History Day program for 9th grade, served on the Honor Council, the 9th-grade admissions committee, and was a Class Dean. His academic journey includes graduate studies at the London School of Economics, which continue to influence his approach to leadership and education.

Currently, as the new Assistant Head of Middle School, Chris and Dr. Wright are collaborating to create a 5th-grade course that emphasizes executive functioning and helps students transition into middle school life. Throughout his career, Chris has recognized the importance of teaching students self-advocacy, empowering them to navigate their educational journey confidently. His guiding philosophy is that the middle school years should be a time of joy and growth, preparing students for high school and the challenges beyond. In his free time, Chris is an extensive international traveler and cook. 

Education:

BA in History, University of Florida
MSc in International Relations and History, The London School of Economics

P: 843.402.4759

EMAIL

Father Palmer Kennedy

Head Chaplain

Father Kennedy joined the Porter-Gaud community as Head Chaplain in 2021. His role, fundamentally, is twofold. First and foremost, Fr. Kennedy seeks to ensure that we as a school community know ourselves to be recipients of the unconditional love of God that has been revealed to us in the person of Jesus Christ. Second, Fr. Kennedy seeks to inspire each member of our community to love one another as we ourselves have been loved, to become incarnate instruments of divine grace. 

Fr. Kennedy holds a BA from Auburn University and an MDiv from Beeson Divinity School and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree at Nashotah House Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Hayley, have two children, Patrick and Claire, both of whom are students at OQuinn. In his free time, Fr. Kennedy enjoys paddleboarding, surfing, and spending time with his family.

P: 843.402.4689

EMAIL

Suzanne Anderson

Director of Human Resources

Suzanne joined Porter-Gaud as the Director of Human Resources in 2022 with 12 total years of HR experience and 8 years of HR leadership experience. Suzanne is a strong practitioner of clear and fair employee relations and has worked in her prior roles to embrace the notion of Human Resources as a deliberate and a meaningful part of day-to-day organizational life.

Suzanne is a graduate of the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Business Administration. She is also a graduate of Lowcountry Preparatory School and has a strong appreciation of the values associated with being a part of an independent school. Suzanne holds both the SHRM-CP & PHR certification in Human Resources. Suzanne has also served as a board member of The Georgetown School of Arts and Sciences since 2015. 

Suzanne, her husband Ian and their son Sulla live in Summerville and enjoy spending weekends and holidays in Pawleys Island visiting their families. 

P: 843.402.4690

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Molly O'Toole

Head of the O'Quinn Schools

Molly O’Toole is a native of Sullivan’s Island where her family has resided since 1958.

She attended Miss Mason’s School and College Preparatory School in Charleston. She graduated from the College of Charleston with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication and received The Outstanding Communication Award from the Communication Department.

Molly’s affiliation with The O’Quinn School began when her oldest daughter started in the 2’s program in 1997. Her second child followed in her footsteps in 1999.  When her last child started O’Quinn, she became a Kindergarten Teacher Assistant. She held various positions including a Kindergarten Lead Teacher at the James Island campus and then the Director at the Mount Pleasant campus.  She has been the Executive Director overseeing both O’Quinn campuses for the past 14 years. During this time, she has overseen numerous upgrades to the curriculum, consistently improved faculty professional development, and contributed to the design and construction of the current Mount Pleasant campus. She has dedicated her career to improving the education for preschool students and the enhancement of the careers of faculty and staff.   

Outside of school, Molly enjoys spending time with family and friends at their family beach house, gardening, and traveling. 

P:  843.795.6708

EMAIL

Dr. Kimberly Brown

Dr. Kimberly Brown is a native Charlestonian and was raised in an Air Force family. She graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Sarah Lawrence College with a Masters in Developmental Psychology, and has a Ph.D from the University of South Carolina in School Psychology.

She spent her early career training and working at the Chicago’s Children’s Memorial Hospital, was a post doctoral fellow at the University of South Carolina’s School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics and developed a developmental and educational assessment clinic for young children with developmental and/or academic delays at the Palmetto’s Children’s Hospital Outpatient Clinics. Additionally, Dr. Brown served on the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbia.

Dr. Brown has been employed at the Veteran Affairs Medical Center for the past nine years and held a joint appointment with the Medical University of South Carolina as a clinical instructor. Currently, Dr. Brown is a suicide prevention coordinator at the VA Medical Center and serves as the co-chair of the strategic communications outreach program for suicide prevention.

She has two sons who attend Porter-Gaud, Kyson, Class of 2027, and Kanyon, Class of 2029. Dr. Brown has been active at Porter-Gaud in the Parent Association, specifically with teacher appreciation efforts and the Diversity and Inclusion Parent Alliance.

Elizabeth Burwell

A 23-year financial industry veteran, Mrs. Burwell joined Southern First Bank in 2023 as Senior Vice President, Team Leader for the Charleston market.  Prior to her current role, she served as the Charleston Area Market President building, and leading the Commercial Banking Team for First National Bank. Earlier in her career she held various positions with Wells Fargo Bank and its successors; as well as Merrill Lynch Pierce, Fenner & Smith.

A native of Charleston, Mrs. Burwell earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of South Carolina. She currently serves on The Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors, Kiawah Cares Foundation Board of Directors, and Ashley Hall Alumni Board of Directors. She is Past President of the Junior League of Charleston and an Elder in the Presbyterian Church. 

Mrs. Burwell and her husband, Ollie, have three sons at Porter-Gaud.  In their spare time, they enjoy time being outdoors, traveling, and spending time with family.

Jim Buxton '91, Chair

Jim Buxton is the managing partner of Buxton & Collie, LLC, a boutique corporate, real estate, estate planning and tax law firm. His practice focuses in the areas of private equity and securities, domestic and international corporate transactions, capital finance, contract negotiation and corporate governance. He deals regularly with corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, shareholder buy-outs and dispute resolution, executive employment agreements and, business purchase and sale agreements including business succession issues.

Jim returned to Charleston in 2007 after practicing at two AmLaw 50 firms, Alston & Bird LLP in Atlanta, Georgia, and Hunton & Williams LLP in Richmond, Virginia. He is a Charleston native who graduated from Porter-Gaud School, Princeton University, and the University of South Carolina School of Law. He has been named to the SuperLawyers list for Business Law and Legal Elite of South Carolina for Corporate, Securities and Mergers & Acquisitions. Mr. Buxton is also a member of the State Bars of Georgia, South Carolina and Virginia. Jim resides in Mt. Pleasant with his wife, Courtney, and two children, Hugh ’25 and Julian ’27.

Affiliations
Member, South Carolina State Bar, State Bar of Georgia, Virginia State Bar
Vice Chair, S.C. Bar Corporate, Banking, & Securities Committee
Judicial Qualifications Committee, S.C. Bar
Past Board Member-Chairman, Star Gospel Mission
Past Director, Roper Hospital
Past Co-Chair and Founder, Roper St. Francis Foundation Board of Fellows
Princeton Alumni Schools Committee, 1995-Present (Chair of Virginia Committee, 2006-2007)
Past-President, Porter-Gaud Alumni Association
Box Man, PG Football Chain Crew

Education
University of South Carolina School of Law, J.D. 2002
Princeton University, B.A., History, 1995

Honors
CALI Award, International Business Transactions
James L. Petigru Award for Most Outstanding Student Lawyer
Assoc. Editor-In-Chief, ABA Real Property, Probate & Trust Journal
2001-2002 S.C. Bar Young Lawyers Division, Star of the Quarter, Spring 2008

Bishop Chip Edgar

Bishop Edgar was ordained as Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of South Carolina in March 2022. Prior to his appointment, he served as the Planting Pastor, Rector and Dean of The Cathedral Church of the Apostles (Diocese of the Carolinas) in Columbia, SC, where he served from 2004-2022. During that time, he oversaw the growth of the church from a core group of 25 to an average Sunday attendance of nearly 400.  He served as the Rector of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Glen Ellyn, IL from 1997 – 2004; as the Canon Pastor at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke in Orlando, FL from 1994 – 1997 and as the Curate at St. Paul’s Church, Chattanooga, TN from 1993 – 1994. Bishop Edgar and his wife, Beth, have been married for 32 years. They have five grown children and a new granddaughter.

Dee Fortson

Dee graduated from Vanderbilt University with a B.A. in history (’90) and received an MBA from UNC-Chapel Hill – The Kenan-Flagler School of Business (’96). She grew up in Atlanta, GA, and Charleston, SC, attending Ashley Hall through 5th grade and graduating from The Westminster Schools in Atlanta. During her career, she has worked with the Department of Defense and in brand management and strategic marketing roles with Nabisco/Kraft, Sara Lee, Nestle, The Coca-Cola Company, and Starbucks Coffee Company based in Germany, the United Kingdom (London) and the United States (NC, NY, and IL). She has consulted on innovation and strategic branding projects with companies including Wrigley/Mars, PepsiCo, Starbucks, and was a guest lecturer at The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern.

Dee is involved with the South Carolina Aquarium Board, has participated in marketing and strategic planning, and sits on the Executive Committee as Secretary. She and her husband, John, are active supporters of The Boy Scouts of America and Troop 20 in Mt. Pleasant, SC. She serves as a deacon at Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church. Additionally, Dee is actively involved in the Porter-Gaud Parent Association and is the Strategic Planning Chair for the Board of Trustees.

Dee and John have two children – Jack (Class of 2024) and Matt (Class of 2025).

Hal Frampton '98

Hal Frampton is a lawyer with wide experience in employment, insurance, business, and constitutional matters.  He regularly counsels and represents churches, religious schools, and individuals on matters involving free speech and religious liberty. He has been recognized by Chambers & Partners and other professional organizations for his work in employment law. Hal earned his J.D. from Yale Law School. After law school, he clerked for judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. He also earned his B.A. from Furman University and his M.A. from Maynooth University. Outside of work, Hal is actively involved in the community and serves as Junior Warden at St. Michael’s Church.  Hal and his wife, Ashley, live on James Island and are blessed to be raising four children.

Dr. Aimee Goedecke

Born and raised in northern New Jersey, Dr. Aimee Goedecke is a 1993 graduate of Johns Hopkins University. While there, her family moved to Hilton Head Island, SC, and Charleston became her home. She graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina with her medical degree in 1997. She met her husband, Mark, at MUSC while he was a dental student and they were married after graduation. Dr. Goedecke moved to Florida where she did her general pediatrics residency at the University of South Florida, becoming the chief resident of All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, FL in 2000.

Aimee returned to Charleston in 2001, and for the last 20 years has been a Board Certified Pediatrician at Parkwood Pediatrics in Charleston and Daniel Island. Her specialties include sports nutrition, vaccination, and adolescent medicine.

She is on the medical staff at Bon Secours Roper St. Francis Hospital and the Medical University of South Carolina.

Dr. Goedecke lives in Mount Pleasant with her husband, Mark Goedecke, DMD, and has two children. Their daughter, Erin, is a graduate of Loyola Chicago University and son, Willem ’19, attends Emory University. Willem is a member of the 13-Year Society of Porter-Gaud. Dr. Goedecke is currently a member of the Porter-Gaud Medical Advisory Board.

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Andrew Hagood '03

Andrew Hagood serves as a partner at Willis Hagood Construction, LLC, a commercial contractor, focusing on office, retail, hospitality, healthcare, and education construction. Prior to venturing out on his own, Andrew was a project executive at Trident Construction, and served as project manager for the construction of our Upper School building. He holds a degree in Construction Science and Management from Clemson University. He married Kathleen Hay Hagood in 2016.  Andrew enjoys sailing, hunting, and Clemson Football.

Kathleen Stelling Hodgson '99

Kathleen is a current parent and an alumna of both O’Quinn and Porter-Gaud Schools. She most recently served as the President of the Porter-Gaud Alumni Association after having served on its board for 8 years. Her devotion to the school comes from gratitude, knowing all that a Porter-Gaud education has done for her and her family. Her maternal grandfather taught in the venerable English Department, and her father graduated in 1968 after having received a scholarship from the school. Kathleen attended Porter all twelve years, enjoying leadership positions in Student Government and Community Service groups on campus. Kathleen and her husband, Mac, met at Wake Forest University and lived in Atlanta for 10 years before moving back home to Charleston in 2013. While living in Atlanta, Kathleen worked for several years with families and children at a refugee agency before getting her Masters in Social Work from the University of Georgia. After graduating, she worked as a Clinical Therapist at Hillside Hospital, a psychiatric residential treatment facility serving youth and families in crisis.  During that time she served in leadership positions on the board of the Georgia Society of Clinical Social Workers. Kathleen is a licensed clinical social worker (LISW-CP) and is intensively trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Animal-Assisted Therapy. She and Mac are members of St. Philip’s Church and have two daughters Mae (Class of ‘32) and Penny (O’Quinn Schools) and enjoy traveling, going to Disney World, and being outdoors.

Stacey Hollings

Stacey Hollings is the Chief Financial Officer of an investment company, Ground Swell Capital, LLC.  She joined her former client nearly six years ago after practicing as a CPA for over fifteen years, most recently at Elliott Davis, LLC.  Stacey has served the community on various boards as the treasurer, including Rotary Club of Charleston – Breakfast, Susan G Komen of the Lowcountry, The Footlight Players and The College of Charleston Alumni Association.  She moved to Charleston to attend The College of Charleston, where she graduated with both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Accountancy.  

Stacey and her husband, Robbie, have two children at Porter-Gaud, Robbie (Class of 2032) and Ellie (Class of 2035). They love spending time on the water, traveling and supporting both the CofC Cougars and the Clemson Tigers.

Eric Jackson

Mr. Eric Jackson was born and raised in Charleston, SC. After graduating from Burke High School in 1995 he joined the U.S. Navy where he served proudly before receiving an honorable discharge. Eric attended Southern Wesleyan University (SWU) where he received an undergraduate degree in Human Services and a Masters of Science in Management and Leadership. Eric and his loving wife, Kimberly, are the proud parents of two beautiful children, Eric Jackson ’17 and Zihaire Jackson ’23.

Eric is well known for his work in Charleston’s inner-city community. He is the founder of Real Talk Real Action Real Results Incorporated (R3 Inc.). Eric is also the co-founder of Community Solutions Consulting LLC.

Rusty Kendall

Rusty is the CFO of Charleston based Sherman Financial Group. Before moving to Charleston and joining Sherman in 2008, Rusty was at a Boston based investment manager focused on private investment in the specialty finance space. Prior to that he was at Bank of America Securities in Structured Finance. Additionally, Rusty worked as a Legislative Assistant in the United States Senate. Mr. Kendall has a BA from the University of New Hampshire and an MBA from the Carroll School of Management at Boston College. Rusty currently serves on the Board of Directors of Credit One Bank and the Finance Committee of the Christmas Cove Improvement Association in South Bristol, ME.

Rusty and his wife Alice live on Sullivan's Island. They have 4 children all who have attended Porter-Gaud. Current attendee is Sophia (26).

Rev. Dr. Anthony Kodjo Kowbeidu 

The Rev'd Dr. Anthony Kodjo Kowbeidu was born in Liberia. He holds a diploma in theology from the Seth C. Edwards memorial theological Institute in Liberia, Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from Voorhees College, Denmark, SC, Masters of Divinity from the School of Theology, Sewanee, TN, and Doctor of Ministry from the School of Theology, Sewanee, TN.

He has served on the board of York Place and also as a member of the commission on ministry, member of the diocesan council, and Chairman of College ministry of the diocese of South Carolina (now Anglican Diocese of South Carolina).

He has also served on the visiting committee of the School of Theology, The University of the South, and is currently serving as a member of the board of trustees of Windwood Farm. 

Dr. Kowbeidu is married to Valerie Sitton Kowbeidu, and they have two children: Geneva Kowbeidu and Anthony Kowbeidu,II.

He has served at St. Andrew's Parish, Mt. Pleasant, SC for the past 18 years as the Associate Rector for Mission, Outreach, and Evangelism.

Marc Marchant '92

Marc Marchant is an architect and the CEO of LS3P. He focuses on advancing LS3P’s vision and strategic initiatives, building relationships, and cultivating a culture of collaborative engagement. Marc graduated Porter-Gaud in 1992 and earned an Undergraduate Degree and Master of Architecture from Clemson University with a concentration in Healthcare Design. He also studied at the Charles E. Daniel Center for Design in Genoa, Italy.

During more than two decades with LS3P, Marc’s leadership skills have been instrumental to his roles as Studio Leader, Healthcare Practice Leader, and Office Leader. He joined LS3P’s Board of Directors in 2014. In architectural practice, Marc demonstrates his significant expertise in process design and the complexities of healthcare environments. He approaches design solutions with a deep understanding of aesthetics, function, and building performance.

Marc’s commitment to excellence extends beyond the office with professional and community outreach including the Clemson Architectural Foundation (Trustee), Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce (Board Chair in 2021 and Executive Committee Member), Charleston County Board of Zoning Appeals, and Trident United Way. He has previously served on Clemson University’s Humanities Advancement Board (Board Member), AIA Academy of Architecture for Health (Board Member and Design Awards Jury Member), AIA Southeast Atlantic Region Healthcare Conference (Chair), St. John’s Lutheran Church Vestry (President), and Trident Technical College’s Graphic Advisory Committee. He was recognized as a Riley Fellow from Furman University’s Riley Institute, a Roper St. Francis Foundation Fellow, and received an AIA SC Presidential Citation in 2013.  Marc resides in West Ashley with his wife, Elizabeth, and two children, Currie and Haze ’26.

Al Phillips '81

Al Phillips has lived in Charleston since he was a child. He earned a B.S. degree in Industrial Management from Clemson in 1985. After obtaining his MBA from UNC in 1988, Phillips began work with Carolina Eastern, a Charleston-based company that markets and distributes fertilizers. In 1995 Phillips became President of Carolina Eastern. Al is also a co-owner of the Charleston Riverdogs. He is very active in the Charleston community, serving on several boards, including a previous term as a trustee at Porter-Gaud. Al is married to Kat Phillips, with whom he has four children, three of whom graduated from Porter-Gaud. Al is a lifelong member of St. Philip’s Church, where he teaches Sunday School and serves as a confirmation leader.

Manda Poletti

Manda Poletti was born and raised in Charleston, and studied Finance & Accounting at Clemson University. After graduating from Clemson, she worked in the accounting field before spending ten years in the pharmaceutical industry as a sales representative, product trainer, and in sales management. Currently, she works in accounting on a part time basis.

Manda’s true passion has always been volunteering in her community. While her children attended elementary school on Sullivan’s Island, she advocated for safe walking/biking routes for students and worked with the SC Department of Transportation to have multiple sidewalks and crosswalks installed. Manda also worked with Charleston County Council to secure a grant to build a handicap accessible boardwalk so all students could have safe and direct access from the elementary school to the beach.

Manda is the President of the Sullivan’s Island Park Foundation, which raises funds to upgrade parks and public spaces on the island. She is also Vice Chair of the Sullivan’s Island Planning Commission, which she has been appointed to for 11 years, and is the current PGPA Treasurer. She has served on multiple other boards in the Charleston area.

In addition, Manda has volunteered as a Guardian Ad Litem, as a Reading Partner in local Title I schools, at Lowcountry Orphan Relief, and has been involved with Charleston Waterkeeper.

Manda and her husband Steve have two children who are Porter-Gaud graduates; DeLacy and Logan, Class of 2024.

Faith Rivers James '83

Faith grew up in the Four Mile community East of the Cooper River and is a graduate of the Porter-Gaud School. She graduated from Dartmouth College and Harvard Law School, then launched a legal career in Washington, D.C. After returning home, she served as Executive Director of the South Carolina Bar Foundation, where she was fortunate to be able to work in partnership with the Coastal Community Foundation and the Conservation League to launch the Heirs’ Property Preservation Project, an issue that remains near and dear to her heart. Later, her law teaching career led her to focus on property and environmental issues at Vermont Law School and Elon University School of Law. She returned home to the Lowcountry five years ago to serve as the Assistant Provost for Leadership and Chair of the Department of Leadership Studies at The Citadel, where she taught the next generation of our state’s leaders.

As the leader of the Conservation League, Faith is committed to conserving our natural resources, protecting our landscapes, and preserving our communities, which are the backbone of our lives and all we love in coastal South Carolina.

Reeves Skeen

Reeves Skeen is an area executive for First Citizens Bank. He has been with First Citizens for 16 years in multiple cities throughout the Southeast. As an Area Executive, he works with teams from Savannah to Charleston to Moncks Corner. Headquartered in Raleigh, First Citizens is the 19th largest bank in the country and the largest family controlled bank in the US.

Originally from Myrtle Beach, Reeves attended The McCallie School (TN) for High School and Presbyterian College, where he played soccer for four years. He has attended multiple post-graduate development programs at Lander University and the University of North Carolina. Reeves and his wife, Catherine, live on James Island with their two children, Coleman and Lucy.

Richard Star

Richard Star is currently a principal and co-founder of NEXgistics, LLC, a national third-party logistics provider. He has an undergraduate degree from Northwestern University and holds Masters degrees from both Duke University and New York University. Richard currently serves as Chairman of the Regional Board for Reading Partners South Carolina, a non-profit focused on addressing literacy gaps in public schools across the state. Richard is also a member of the advisory board for the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University. He also serves on the boards of a number of other corporate and non-profit entities. Richard and his wife, Shara, have two daughters who are students at Porter-Gaud, Samantha (Class of 2027) and Jillian (Class of 2031).

Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley

Bishop Ruth Morse Woodliff-Stanley was ordained and consecrated as the 15th bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina on Oct. 2, 2021 at Grace Church Cathedral in Charleston, South Carolina. Woodliff-Stanley is the first woman to lead the diocese as bishop, and the first full-time diocesan bishop serving the diocese since 2012.

Raised and ordained in Mississippi, Woodliff-Stanley has served as rector of a parish, as canon on the staffs of two bishops of The Episcopal Church, and also in churchwide ministry focused on stewardship of finances and property. Prior to her election in May, she was serving as canon for strategic change for the Dioceses of Northwestern Pennsylvania & Western New York, and senior vice president for strategic change for the Episcopal Church Building Fund.  She is married to the Rev. Nathan Woodliff-Stanley and they have two adult sons.