The Charitable Society of Charleston is led by a volunteer Board of Directors made up of young professionals who bring energy, expertise, and heart to everything we do. Together, the board oversees our fundraising efforts, volunteer programming, and strategic partnerships—ensuring that CSC remains rooted in service and responsive to Charleston’s evolving needs.
Our board plays a critical role in shaping the future of the organization while honoring the legacy of those who led before them.
Active leaders shaping CSC’s service projects, fundraising events, and community partnerships.
100% volunteer-run, with members driving our mission through service and philanthropy.
Honoring the vision of CSC’s founders while inspiring future leaders to continue the work.
William McElveen, CPA, is the Treasurer of the Charitable Society of Charleston and serves as Controller for Hunter Quinn Homes. A graduate of The Citadel with a degree in Business Administration, he went on to earn his Master’s in Professional Accountancy from Clemson University before beginning his career in audit with Dixon Hughes Goodman. Originally from Columbia, SC, he has grown to truly love Charleston and is passionate about giving back to the city as much as possible through his work with the Charitable Society of Charleston. He now lives in Mount Pleasant with his wife, Lauren, and their dog, Goose.
Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, Avery is the Executive Assistant to the President & CEO, Helen Hill, at Explore Charleston. After graduating from the College of Charleston in 2023, she jumped right into her career with Explore Charleston. She now lives on James Island with her fiancé, Will, and is passionate about the Charleston area’s vibrant hospitality community and dedicated to supporting its continued growth and excellence.
Chloe Field is the Public Information Officer for Charleston County Government, where she leads strategic communications and media relations efforts as the official county spokesperson. Previously, Chloe served six years on the City of Charleston’s communications team and developed and executed public relations campaigns for nonprofits and local government clients while at a local PR firm.
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Chloe graduated from the College of Charleston with degrees in Communication and Political Science and has lived in Charleston since 2013.
Emily leads communications and engagement initiatives to connect the community with the organization’s mission. She is a Sr. Content Marketing Specialist at TreviPay, creating content and campaigns that drive growth and thought leadership in the B2B payments space.
Born and raised in Massachusetts, Emily holds a B.A. in Communication and Marketing from the College of Charleston and studied Public Relations and Strategic Communications at American University. She also supports local nonprofits through marketing, events and volunteer work.
Originally from Nashville, TN, Olivia Keating graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2025 with her Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Operations & Supply Chain Management. Upon graduation, Olivia moved to Charleston to begin her career with SouthState Bank as a Commercial Banking Associate. Though she is new to the city, Olivia is passionate about being involved in the growing Charleston community.
A Summerville native and Citadel graduate, Ben dedicated over 35 years to his family’s local sporting goods business, T&T Sports of Charleston, before retiring. He and his wife, Tracy, made their home on James Island, where they proudly raised their three daughters. In 1993–1994, Ben served as the founding President of the CSC Board of Directors, helping to lay the foundation for the organization’s growth and success.
With over 25 years in the mortgage industry at South State Bank, Laurie has established a reputation as a top-producing mortgage originator known for exceptional customer service and a commitment to helping clients achieve their homeownership dreams. She and her husband, Ted (who met at a CSC event!), reside with their family on James Island.
Kelly relocated to Charleston, South Carolina, in 1989 just before Hurricane Hugo, beginning what would become a long-standing connection to the Lowcountry community. She built a successful career with Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated, working there for 18 years before transitioning to the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) College of Pharmacy. She has now dedicated over 16 years to MUSC, contributing to its mission in higher education and healthcare.
Deeply committed to community service, Kelly joined the CSC Board in 1994 and has actively organized and managed numerous fundraising events over the years. Her dedication has helped support the organization’s outreach and impact in the community.
Kelly is married to Rob Teague, and together they have three daughters. She values family, community involvement, and professional excellence, and looks forward to working to relaunch CSC and connecting with new and alumni members.
| Ben Thrash – Founder | 1993-1995 |
| Doug Warner | 1995-1996 |
| Kit Thrash | 1996-1997 |
| Scott Schools | 1997-1998 |
| Linda Novello | 1998-1999 |
| Peter McKellar | 1999-2000 |
| Sherri Bennet | 2000-2001 |
| Philip Marcum | 2001-2002 |
| Kathleen Brophy | 2002-2004 |
| Chris Ahern | 2004-2005 |
| Alicia Smith | 2005-2006 |
| Courtney Ellicot | 2006-2007 |
| Dana McMurray Burgan | 2007-2008 |
| Glen Gardner | 2008-2009 |
| Jeff Odom | 2009-2010 |
| Carter Pearson | 2010-2011 |
| Erin Melvin | 2011-2012 |
| Jared Bramblett | 2012-2013 |
| Meredith Wright | 2013-2014 |
| Brooks Carmichael | 2014-2015 |
| Cristen Farrell | 2015-2016 |
| Leigh Pound | 2016-2017 |
| Frances Timmons Yarbrough | 2017-2018 |
| Nate Johnson | 2018-2019 |
| Hayley Carpinello Phillips | 2019-2020 |
| Kaitlyn Francis | 2020-2021 |
| Ben Thrash – Interim | 2024-present |
