MEET OUR NEW BOARD MEMBERS:

Joan Berry-Warder. I am a gardener. Why? There is dirt everywhere. What is it for but to grow things. It seems the most natural thing to do! Raised on a dairy farm, our family of nine spent our days growing food — for our animals and for ourselves. But as I matured the city and its schools beckoned and I spent my days, while raising two wonderful kids, as a consultant to PA and VA colleges and universities in their efforts to serve adults wanting graduate business degrees. Besides education, high on my value list is books, through Friends of the Library, and historic preservation, through the Preservation Society. And, because my soul seems to need it, I always find some dirt to grow things in… both to produce food, of course, and to create a greener, more beautiful world. I am a gardener and I look forward to participating in and promoting all that CHS Hort represents in Charleston.


Jennifer Garr: Although running her own brand consultancy for the past few years, Jennifer spent a majority of her career working for global marketing communications firms; leading brand strategy for some of the largest, most successful brands in the marketplace. After spending more time in Charleston than on the road, Jennifer joined the advisory board of the College of Charleston’s dynamic entrepreneurial IMPACT program and even added the role of adjunct professor to her list of commitments; (thus far) teaching three semesters of Brand Management in the marketing department of the school of business. Beyond her professional life, Jennifer’s philanthropic commitments have ranged from serving on the boards for the Chicago Junior League, The Northwestern Hospital Auxiliary, and the Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana Girl Scouts. A native of Kentucky and graduate of the University of Kentucky, in 2018, she was inducted into the UK College of Arts & Sciences Alumni Hall of Fame. Although she has worked all over the world, she is enjoying running her own consultancy, (finally) spending quality time with her husband Steve, and enjoying every minute of living in a USDA hardiness zone above 7!


Sarah Kellerman has been a member of CHS Hort about as long as I’ve been living in Charleston – going on 11 years now. I came here by way of Southern California where the gardening was almost easy. The James Island sandy soil demanded that I know more as a gardener. Being a member of CHS Hort with the classes, the lectures, and the knowledge and experience of our members made the learning curve less steep and a lot more fun. As an Agile Business Strategist and Consultant I work with companies, teams, and individuals who are looking to be able to respond to the market changes with ease and creativity. Being a gardener is quite similar, we must listen without ego and pivot when our plants, soil, and weather give us input.


Cameron Rickett has been an ISA Certified Arborist with Bartlett Tree Experts over 11 years working in Charleston, SC where he has spent time as a Climber, Plant Health Care Specialist, and Arborist Representative. He has done extensive work involving tree structural support systems, insect and disease management in woody plants, and developing soil care programs for trees and shrubs of the landscape. He sits on the Advisory Committee for Trident Technical College’s Horticulture Department, where he did his study in Horticulture, and is an active member in Trees SC, South Carolina’s state tree organization. He enjoys spending time with his wife Bryna and his children Graham and Claire.