Deena Hilton, MBA
Wholespire is pleased to announce the appointment of three new board members, a new board chair, and new board officers who will each help support its mission to provide communities with proven and sustainable approaches that lead to increased access to healthy choices for all people.
“We are looking forward to the thought leadership our new board members will bring to Wholespire,” said Meg Stanley, executive director. “They each have expertise in their fields that will continue our work in being a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization from the top down.”
Wholespire also chose HopeHealth, Inc., Chief Administrative Officer Deena Hilton as its new chair, Long Branch Baptist Church Paster Reverend Sean Dogan as vice-chair, and Wofford College Director of Communications Dudley Brown as secretary.
Hilton replaces Anna Hamilton as chair, who will continue to serve in an advisory position as Immediate Past Chair for one year and provide guidance to the new leadership. Hamilton served on the executive committee as the vice-chair before becoming the board chair. She was instrumental in leading staff during a time without an executive director, initiating and overseeing the executive director hiring process, and supporting the organization during its rebranding endeavor.
“Working with Anna these past two years has been a great learning experience as she truly provided direction and guidance during a time of change,” said Stanley. “I’m confident that our new board chair will continue the forward movement of this organization. Deena completely understands the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and her experience in that area will be such an asset for us as we navigate through this important work.”
The new board members will begin their three-year terms with Wholespire on January 1, 2022. The three new board members are:
Sean Battle, CPA, Audit Manager at Bauknight Pietras & Stormer, P.A.; Vice President of Engagement, Institute of Management Accountants Columbia Chapter; Member, South Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants and American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Mary J. Wilson, PhD, MPH, Assistant Research Professor at the University of South Carolina Arnold School of Public Health, Department of Health Promotion Education and Behavior; Former Health Educator, Prisma Health; Certified Healthy Lifestyles Coach, Emory University and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Founder and Owner, RoseMARYly-; Member, Richland County Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; Member, Health and Wellness Ministry, Journey United Methodist Church
Reid McCrea, DC, Doctor of Chiropractic, Sweetgrass Health & Wellness
Stanley says that the new board members are committed to furthering Wholespire’s mission. “I’m excited to work with our new board members and get their perspectives on various organizational and community-based areas of focus. Each of them is an expert in their field and is passionate about healthy eating and active living.”