Business Happenings

Spinella named Hilton Head communications director
The town of Hilton Head Island has named Kelly Spinella its communications and marketing director following a national search that attracted more than 180 applicants.

Spinella, a Hilton Head Island resident for more than 20 years, joined the town in 2017 and had served as interim communications and marketing director since April.

A James Madison University graduate, she has more than 20 years of experience in communications, marketing, public relations and organizational leadership.

During her nine years with the town, Spinella has worked on communications involving capital improvement projects, public safety initiatives, environmental programs, workforce housing and transportation projects.

Beach House donates $50,000 to local nonprofits
Beach House Hilton Head Island Resort donated $50,000 this summer to three local nonprofit organizations through its Community Impact Program.
The resort donated $20,000 each to BackPack Buddies and Friends of Caroline and $10,000 to the Boys & Girls Club.

The Community Impact Program is an EOS Hospitality initiative launched in 2022 to support organizations addressing community needs.

Snowman named to lead Volunteers in Medicine

Dr. Patrick Snowman has been named executive director and chief medical officer of Volunteers in Medicine Clinic of Hilton Head Island, effective April 1, 2027.

Snowman, who practices emergency medicine at Hilton Head Hospital/Novant, has more than 20 years of medical experience and has lived on Hilton Head Island with his family for 22 years.

Dr. Patricia Shapiro will serve as interim executive director and chief medical officer until Snowman assumes the position. She has provided imaging services to VIM patients since 2013.

Current Executive Director Dr. John Newman is leaving VIM in mid-September to serve in the U.S. Navy in Japan.

Thomas recognized for 30 years of oncology certification

Dr. Gary W. Thomas, an oncologist serving Hilton Head Island and Bluffton, has been recognized by the American Board of Internal Medicine for maintaining board certification in medical oncology for more than 30 years.

Thomas moved to Hilton Head Island in 1993 after completing an oncology fellowship at the Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest University. He started SC Cancer Specialists and serves as medical director of its partnership with St. Joseph’s/Candler.

Thomas and the practice work with St. Joseph’s/Candler’s Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion.

Smith Jewelry Co. brings fine jewelry, custom design and repair services to Bluffton
Smith Jewelry Co., a locally owned jeweler in Bluffton, offers fine jewelry, custom design, repair and restoration services.

The business works with customers seeking engagement rings, redesigns of family heirlooms, repairs of existing pieces and one-of-a-kind jewelry designs.
More information is available at smithjewelryco.com or on Instagram at @smithjewelryco.

Beaufort Memorial adds urologist in Okatie, Beaufort
Dr. Meredith Hernandez has joined Beaufort Memorial Urology Specialists and will see patients in Okatie and Beaufort.

Hernandez treats kidney and bladder stones, enlarged prostate, urinary disorders and urological cancers and performs robot-assisted surgical procedures.

She earned her medical degree and completed her urology residency at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis before relocating to the Lowcountry.

Hernandez joins urologist Dr. Louis F. Plzak and physician assistants Kristin S. Callaghan, Matthew Baker and Nancy Thomas.

Appointments are available at 843-524-7607.