Three new members join the board in 2017; Ruell Hicks, Jr. named Board Chair

MURRELLS INLET, S.C.: January 9, 2017 – Waccamaw Community Foundation, a grantmaking institution serving Horry and Georgetown Counties, has announced three new board members for 2017 and a new slate of officers, with board member Ruell L. Hicks, Jr., Senior Vice President – Investment Officer for Wells Fargo Advisors, taking on the role of Board Chair.
The new board members come from a variety of professional backgrounds. Terri DeCenzo comes to WCF from higher education as the executive director of Women in Philanthropy and Leadership (WIPL) for Coastal Carolina University. Brent D. Groome, chief executive, customer operations at Horry Telephone Cooperative, Inc. (HTC), joins the board following service on the Knight Foundation’s Donor-Advised Fund Grant Committee with WCF. Finally, Christopher Hanna comes to the organization from Coldwell Banker Chicora Real Estate, where he is a Senior Associate.
“All three of our newest board members embody the spirit of community and bring talent, expertise and energy to the table. We are very fortunate to have them by our side as we continue to strengthen communities throughout Horry and Georgetown Counties,” said Karen Minogue, Director of Development.
Elected to serve as officers in 2017 alongside Hicks are Scott Hutto (Vice-Chairman), Muriel O’Tuel (Secretary) and G. David Bishop. A co-founder of Waccamaw Community Foundation and Chair for the past four years, Bishop will continue his board service as Immediate Past Chair/Treasurer in 2017.
“Year after year I’m grateful for the leadership we have with our board, especially that of our outgoing Chair, G. David Bishop,” said Hicks. “We have very strong leadership in place on the Board of Directors, and we are very pleased with these three new appointments. Each of these individuals possess expertise on many levels and have demonstrated a commitment to our community.”
After many years of dedicated service, members O. Allen Jeffcoat and John Draughn retired from the WCF Board of Directors. Cheryl Adamson and Dennis Wade were re-elected to their positions as WCF board members. Wade will chair the board’s Development and Donor Services Committee in 2017.
About Waccamaw Community Foundation: Waccamaw Community Foundation seeks to improve quality of life across Horry and Georgetown Counties by offering individuals, families and organizations the opportunity to establish named charitable funds that support the community through grants and scholarships. Founded in 1999, Waccamaw Community Foundation connects people with the causes they care about, provides personalized service and helps donors leave a lasting legacy. To learn more visit waccamawcf.org or call (843) 357-4483.
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