Board

Bob Raynor

Bob is presently the coordinator of recreation therapy at MUSC’s Institute of Psychiatry. He has worked there for over thirty years, and has been involved in the treatment of inpatients and outpatients with mental health and substance abuse problems. He has also been on the boards of several national and regional nonprofits associated with the field of recreation therapy. Through these professional experiences, Bob brings to the board skills in interpersonal relationships, verbal and written communication, board knowledge, and wellness. Additionally, his passions for natural and human history, sailing, and writing came together with the completion of two books related to Cape Romain, and an ongoing blog. He has done regular service work for Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, including participation in the loggerhead program, and therefore also brings knowledge of our federal partners, and relationships with staff and volunteers. Bob resides in Awendaw, and has a great love for the Lowcountry and a commitment to stewardship of its natural and cultural resources.

“I not only have the wonderful fortune to live in such an important area of the natural world on the Atlantic coast, but to also play a role in its conservation through Friends of Coastal South Carolina.”

Penny Arnau

Originally from Indiana Penny moved to South Carolina in 1986 to take a position with the Charleston County School District where she worked as a Ph.D. level school psychologist, working with Special Education and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports, for 31 years. She continues to consult with the University of South Carolina working to expand social emotional learning curricula and mental health services in public schools for children across 14 states in the Southeast United States. Penny lives in Awendaw, South Carolina with husband Brantley Arnau who is a family practice physician and avid naturalist. When not working Penny and Brantley are camping in the ACE Basin, sailing or hiking.

“I grew up on a farm in Indiana and long ago realized how important connecting with nature is and more so now in this fast paced world we live in”.

Betsy Brabson

Betsy, originally from Charlotte, NC, moved to Georgetown in 1990 with husband Bill and children Wylie and Tyler. She is a graduate of St. Mary’s College and UNC-Chapel Hill. She has been actively engaged in sea turtle conservation for 27 years and currently serves as the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Project Coordinator for DeBordieu, Hobcaw and North Island Marine Turtle Conservation Program. Betsy’s business, Signed, Sealed & Delivered creates and prints innovative t-shirt designs for outfitters, outdoor retailers and organizations throughout the Lowcountry.

“Being on the Board of the Friends of Coastal SC excites me because the organization is helping introduce the next generation to the great outdoors. They are learning about the diverse ecosystems of our treasured 3 National Wildlife Refuges and National Forest. The hope is to instill the desire to preserve and protect these natural areas for the future”.

Kenneth McDowell

Ken and his wife Cindy raised their two daughters in Texas and then moved to the Lowcountry where the Isle of Palms has been their full time home for the last five years. Ken worked as an oil and gas exploration geophysicist for 35 years. His avocations have always been outdoor related, whether fishing, paddling or hiking, he enjoys remote places and being part of nature.
Ken is a certified as a South Carolina Statewide Master Naturalist, and has been an active volunteer environmental educator with Friends of Coastal South Carolina. He has developed programming for the local Boy Scouts, the Charleston Master Naturalist Association and the Bulls Bay Nature Festival. He currently serves as President of the Lowcountry Paddlers Club which was founded by Charleston County Parks and Recreation over 30 years ago and finds paddlng a great way to get an intimate look at nature.
“I have truly been inspired by the cause of environmental education. Conservation starts with awareness”.

David Quick

David is a native of North Carolina and the son of parents who loved “The Great Indoors.”
Through running and photography, he started developing an appreciation of nature and active, outdoor activities. As a young adult in the 1980’s, environmental disasters – both physical and political – compelled him to join the Sierra Club and follow environmental issues.
Moving to the Lowcountry in 1988 and being exposed to its wildlife and natural beauty made his love of the Earth and all its intricate diversity and patterns complete.
After 30 years of journalism, David left the field to dedicate the rest of his life to conservation endeavors.

Bill Jarrard
Accountant

Bill Jarrard, CPA, offers a breadth of public accounting and corporate financial experience, including experience with a Big Four accounting firm and working with Fortune 500 level corporations. As Treasurer of the board of Friends of Coastal South Carolina he offers expertise in the areas of nonprofit accounting and tax. He earned his Master of Professional Accountancy from Clemson University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of South Carolina. He has also served on the finance committee for the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and received the Charleston Regional Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 award in recognition of individuals under the age of 40 who have made outstanding accomplishments in, and contributions to, the Charleston business community.

“As an avid boater and camper, I strongly believe in the preservation of our natural resources, and being involved in Friends of Coastal South Carolina affords me the opportunity to assist with this conservation so these resources can be enjoyed by future generations.”

George Geer
Board Member Emeritus

George Geer is a native South Carolinian. He is a graduate of Kingstree High School, Wofford College, and University of South Carolina Law School. He served in the United States Army for two years. George was President of Andrews Bank and Trust Company until its merger with Citizens and Southern National Bank. He then practiced law with Hinds, Cowan, Strange and Geer in Georgetown, SC. George brings with him a wealth of experience in education and the nonprofit world. He has served as Chairman of the Board of the Georgetown School District, Chairman of the Belle W. Baruch Foundation, President of Georgetown County United Way, Chairman of Black River District of Boy Scouts of America, on the executive committee of AMI Kids and on the Georgetown County Development Commission. While serving on the Coastal Community Foundation Board George became impressed by the SEWEE Association and its programs. Later as a board member of the Frances P. Bunnelle Foundation he became more informed about the work of Friends of Coastal South Carolina and its expansion to serve Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge. George is an avid cyclist and he and his wife Betsey enjoy living on the edge of Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge in McClellanville SC.

“The greatest risk to humanity today is our exploitation and abuse of earth and its fauna and flora. Exposing young people to the natural world and all its wonders; and developing in them an understanding of the necessity of conservation is essential to the survival of humanity.”