Following an unusual finish to the annual Leadership Grand Strand (LGS) program, the 26 participants in Class XL have graduated. The commencement follows 10 months of leadership development, Grand Strand education and 75 hours each of community service projects. 

Class XL is known for the recent makeover of Withers Alley in downtown Myrtle Beach. But the group also spent time working with nonprofits such as Habitat for Humanity, Horry County Schools and New Directions. They also have the distinction of being the first LGS class to attend virtual sessions due to the pandemic. 

“The LGS Board of Regents congratulates Class XL for successfully completing the program during this difficult time in our community,” said Diana Greene, LGS executive director. “Their work in the community, particularly on Withers Alley, has left a lasting impact on the Grand Strand.  This group demonstrated flexibility and perseverance as we transitioned to a virtual program for the first time in our 40-year history, further emphasizing their qualifications as future leaders of our community.”

Graduates of LGS Class XL are: 

• Sean Bailey, SkyWheel Myrtle Beach

• Courtney Baker, Surfside Realty Company

• Joseph Bonner, Ally Management, Inc.

• Dillon Callaham, The Earthworks Group

• Todd Chapman, Myrtle Beach Pelicans

• Diane Charno, Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce

• Nicolette Cole, Showstopper, Inc.

• James E. Croland, Edward Jones

• Jonathan Evans, Myrtle Beach Fire Department

• Christy Everett, Grand Strand Water & Sewer Authority

• Angie Goeppinger, SkyWheel Myrtle Beach

• Ryan Graham, Horry Telephone Cooperative, Inc.

• Dr. Jessica Y. Greene, Next Level Behavioral Health and Wellness, LLC

• Adam Harrelson, Horry County Solicitor's Office

• Matt Hayward, The Heroes4Hire, LLC

• Jon Craig Howell, Jr., Bellamy Law Firm, P.A.

• Kerry K. Jardine, The Pearce Law Group, P.C.

• Ashley Nelson, Frances P. Bunnelle Foundation

• Emme Pinkerton, Harrison Realty Co., Inc.

• Misty Polston, Waccamaw Dermatology

• Vadym Pysmennyi, Metglas, Inc.

• Davis Skipper, III, The Conway National Bank

• Anna Strickland, Santee Cooper

• Michelle Ward, South Atlantic Bank

• Jennifer Wilbanks, Horry-Georgetown Technical College

• Cobi Williams, MBA Student - Coastal Carolina University

LGS also announces new board members. Ryan Graham, Jessica Greene and Misty Polston will each serve a three-year term on the LGS Board of Regents. Anna Strickland will serve as volunteer coordinator for this graduating class and Sean Bailey will serve as social coordinator. Additionally, LGS added two new At-Large board members for 2021; Donald Hovis, Jr., with Tideseye Photography and Matt Harris with RE/MAX First Choice.