Henrietta J. Woodward, Executive Director
Henrietta serves as interim Executive Director of CFLT, prior to accepting this position she served as chairperson. Henrietta has worked in the housing and community development arena in Charleston County for more than forty years.
Henrietta sits on a number of boards focused on housing and Community Development. She chairs the Charleston County Community Development Advisory Board (CDAB), LAMC (chair of affordable housing workgroup), S.C. Housing Justice Network, Lowcountry Mutual Aid Fund, and Charleston Mayor’s Counsel for Homelessness and Affordable Housing and chair of Union Heights Community Reunion Committee. Some of her accomplishments Include:
- Recipient of “Outstanding Young Women of America” Award
- Graduate, Leadership Charleston
- Recipient of 2004 ‘Public Administrator of the Year”
- Graduate, South Carolina Association of Community Development Corporation Program
- Graduate, Community Development Institute – University of Central Arkansas, Conway, Arkansas
- Graduate, Leadership South Carolina
- National Development Council’s Housing Development Certification Program
- National Development Council’s Economic Development Financial Certification
- Graduate of College of St. Teresa, Winona, Minnesota
Skip Mikell, Chair
Skip Mikell is a father of four and a grandfather of nine with deep ties to North Charleston, SC. He is passionate about Mentoring in Business Development, Funeral Service Education and Scouting; Environmental Justice, and Urban Renewal.
Community Activities:
- Former Senior Warden Saint Stephen’s Reformed Episcopal Church, Summerville, SC
- Former Member Weed and Seed Committee – City of North Charleston, SC
- Sponsor / Liaison Gethsemane Community Center Troop 559 and Pack 559 Boy Scouts of America, North Charleston, SC
- Former member Board of Managers W.H.S. Jerdan Conference Center, Diocese of the Southeast, Reformed Episcopal Church USA
- Chairman – Friends of Scouting, Twin Rivers District – Boy Scouts of America
- Mentor – North Charleston Public Schools
- Former Chairman – Twin Rivers District – Boy Scouts of America
- Member – Board of Directors – Coastal Carolina Council Boy Scouts of America
- Member – Community Advisory Board, Lowcountry Alliance of Model Communities (LAMC)
- Chairman – Charleston Community Research to Action Board
- President – Union Heights Community Council
Career Highlights:
- Served as SCMA State Coordinator- Continuing Education for seven years 1989 – 1996
- Served as SCMA Vice President 1996 – 1998, President 1998 – 2000
- Developed and implemented programs which achieved ISO 9000 Certification 1994 and QS 9000 Certification 2002, Rubber Chemical Division, Bayer Corp.
- Developed program and led transition from traditional management to Self-directed Work Teams, Rubber Chemical Division, Bayer Corp. 1997 – 2002.
- Led project to relocate Suburban Funeral Home, Inc. which included construction of new facility 10% under budget, 1990
- Led project to establish the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association Political Action Committee 2000 – 2002.
- Developed program and delivered training for Certified Funeral Service Preceptors for the Funeral Service Program – Piedmont Technical College, Greenwood, SC 2000 to 2007
Esther Adams, Vice Chair
Esther Adams is the Manager of Strategic Initiatives for the Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation, where she manages the Gullah History Preservation Project. She has worked for a nonprofit serving the economically challenged population with energy assistance, rental/mortgage assistance, budget consulting, developing the curriculum for the youth summer leadership program, and the senior farmer’s market vouchers program. Esther has also worked in a local hospital with the uninsured population seeing if they qualify for Medicaid, Medicare or Social Security Disability. Ms. Adams has a passion for government as well as the nonprofit sector. Esther is formerly a Planner with Berkeley County Planning and Zoning Department where she interpreted the zoning ordinance, interacted with the public, conducted site plan reviews and plat reviews. Additionally, Esther has worked with the development community in the City of North Charleston as a site plan reviewer. She has a broad knowledge of real estate having been a real estate paralegal and title insurance underwriter.
Esther received a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina in Political Science and a Masters’ degree from the College of Charleston and the University of South Carolina in Public Administration. While receiving her Masters’ degree, Esther also received a Certificate in Urban Planning. Ms. Adams is very active in her community. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and White Hall Chapter #132 Order of the Eastern Stars. Esther resides in North Charleston, South Carolina.
Heidi Finniff, Treasurer
Heidi Finniff was raised in Pittsburgh PA. She attended Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame where she studied Philosophy. Following college she was a labor and community organizer for most of her 20s. During this time she saw the need of supporting economic and educational development in all communities. Heidi started a career in banking in 2005 where she could help provide financial opportunities and literacy education to clients. After spending over 10 years working in banking and economic development in Ohio she relocated to Charleston in 2016 to be closer to family. She currently is a Commercial Banker with First Capital Bank. Heidi concentrates on working with Business owners and Entrepreneurs. In her free time Heidi likes to hike, camp, cycle and spend time with her adorable dog Ella.
Anne Tyler Howell, Secretary
Anne Tyler Howell is a recent graduate of the College of Charleston’s Master of Arts program in Community Planning, Policy, and Design, where she developed a passion for community building and placemaking. For her capstone thesis project, she partnered with CFLT to develop conceptual designs and policy strategies for the Union Heights and Windsor Place neighborhoods in North Charleston. Prior to her graduate studies, she worked for national membership organizations in Washington, DC focused on the built environment. She served the American Institute of Architects for five years, working with its national leaders to help them set strategy, define policies, and plan for the future of the profession. She currently serves as a project manager for a boutique real estate development firm based in Charleston.
Pat Grant, Community Outreach Coordinator
Raised in Kannapolis North Carolina, Patricia is lovingly known as Pat, she has 2 daughters and 3 sons and is a grandmother of 8. Pat attended a Secretarial Institute in Charlotte NC. Upon moving to College Park GA in 1985, she completed and processed payroll for a Catering Service to all Airlines at the Atlanta Airport. She also worked in Banking and other Businesses, which allowed her to sharpen her skills in Payroll and Administration.
In 1987 she began her career at Delta Airlines where she continued her love for Finance and Payroll, processing checks and credit card refunds. It was there she discovered a natural ability to educate. She was promoted to Delta’s training team where she trained all new hires that came into The Finance Department until her retirement.
Pat has been married to a native Charlestonian for 31 years. Upon moving to the North Charleston area in 2011, she became very concerned and passionate about her community in Union Heights. In the past few years, she began to see a change as well as a positive trend in the community”s
growth. She decided then that she wanted to be an intricate part of that change and make an impact.
Major Michael W. Aiken II, Board Member
Captain Michael W. Aiken II is a Major with the North Charleston Police Department, South Carolina. He is a Charleston Southern University Graduate and has been a certified law enforcement officer for 16 years. He is currently assigned to the North District which encompasses several communities impacted by social decay. In his current capacity, Captain Aiken also oversees the Community Engagement Section which continues to build trust between the community and law enforcement. Throughout his career, Captain Aiken has had assignments in the Uniform Patrol Division, Detectives, and Community Engagement. He is also a member of the Palmetto State Law Enforcement Officers Association which is an organization whose mission is to enhance the visibility of minorities in law enforcement.
In continuing to serve in the community, Captain Aiken has attended numerous community events in which he has provided a better understanding about the gaps between law enforcement and the community. He is also a member of R.E.C.A.P. (Rebuilding Every Community Around Peace) North Charleston and Rebuilding Our Future – Charleston, SC. Captain Aiken is a licensed Real Estate Agent with Dream Realty S.C., LLC.
Captain Aiken obtained his real estate license to help promote the value of homeownership within the community. Captain Aiken is committed to building positive relationships with members of the community. He is also dedicated to continuing to bridge the gap between the community he serves and law enforcement.
Regina Hackett, Board Member
Mrs. Regina Hackett, a former resident of the Liberty Hill Community, spent her formative years attending Liberty Hill Elementary School. She is a proud graduate of Bonds-Wilson High School. Regina pursued her career in the healthcare field, working in various endeavors. She has been certified and has gained mastery through years of study and collaboration within health care related programs. Her studies included years of training through several educational institutions of learning.
Mrs. Hackett is the daughter of the late Willie and Elizabeth Simmons. She is widowed and was married to the late Leroy Hackett. Regina is the mother of 2 children, 3 grandchildren and 1 adorable great granddaughter. She has spent many years serving in numerous capacities organizing, planning, and helping to promote the medical care and wellbeing of countless individuals and families. She works diligently in seeking means and ways to establish a better quality of life for individuals and families in Liberty Hill and surrounding communities.
A member of the Royal Missionary Baptist for many years, Regina has serves faithfully in many areas of ministry. She is committed to a life of service to her church and community. She is a member of Royal’s Senior Missionary Ministry and works in organizing and fulfilling duties with the Low Country Food Bank. She is a active member of the RMBC Caregivers Ministry through her Missionary group. Regina is also a member of the Sunday School and Usher’s Ministry. Additionally, her affiliations within the Liberty Hill Community proves to be a source of inspiration to so many individuals and families because of her strong work ethics. Regina is diligent in planning, collaborating, and networking with other groups, committees, alliances, and organizations sharing the same mindset of providing service to others. Regina is a founding member and key organizer of the Liberty Hill Reunion Group, established in 2019, resulting in the reuniting and the fellowship of more than 500 participants for 3 days of planned activities. Much of the planning was conducted by Regina. She currently serves as treasurer of both the Liberty Hill Reunion Group, and the Liberty Hill Improvement Council. She is also a part of the Liberty Hill Alliance. Association. Currently, she serves as a VA Medical Foster Home Caregiver’s provider. Regina has recently joined the Community First Land Trust as a Board Member. Regina’s hobbies and pastimes include gardening, reading, and traveling. Her true mission in life is that of helping to motivate others in realizing their true potential and self-value.
Regina’s favorite scripture:
6. Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer by supplication with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God.
7. And the peace of God which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and mind through Christ Jesus
~Philippians 4:6-7
KJV
The Liberty Hill Community’s Theme: ~FAITH, FAMILY, AND COMMUNITY~
Craig Logan, Board Member
Craig Logan is a transformative grassroots leader, speaker, and consultant from Greenwood, SC.
He obtained a B.S. in Sociology from Charleston Southern University and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Project Management and Leadership from Charleston Southern University. He currently leads the housing initiatives as the Housing Executive Fellow for the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce. While serving as the housing fellow Craig is building the Regional Housing Coalition. The goal of the coalition is to engage in a tri-county initiative working with 27 municipalities throughout the Charleston, Dorchester, and Berkeley region to champion policy around and the development of attainable housing.
Craig serves as the vice president for the Chicora neighborhood association, project development committee chair for the Community First Land Trust, is a commissioner for the North Charleston Housing Authority, and serves on the Charleston County Housing Steering Committee.
Craig has worked with nonprofits like Metanoia, Children’s Defense Fund, and the international Children’s March. He is a co-founder of Basketball After Dark, a grassroots organization providing mentorship, skills training, and a safe place for youth to engage during late night hours. He spends his spare time with family and friends. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
April Magill, Board Member
April is the Principal Architect and Owner of Root Down Designs (founded in 2011), an Adjunct Professor at The American College of the Building Arts, a Natural Builder, Educator & Workshop Facilitator, Board Member/Advisor to several non-profit organizations: The Community First Land Trust & The TERRA Collaborative, and The Charleston Redevelopment Corporation. She is a community leader & activist, and a mother of two.
April attended architecture school at Virginia Tech where she graduated with a 5 year BA in architecture. During her studies in Europe, she became inspired by the organic architecture of Gaudi (link) and of the ancient world and would later, further broaden her knowledge of the ancient built world through an exploration of earthen building methods, in search of a truly sustainable building model.
In 2004, she began her career in Charleston, South Carolina, working for several architecture firms and developing a diverse range of skills and knowledge in a variety of project types. In 2011 she founded Root Down Designs on a mission to bring a true sustainable and regenerative architecture to the south; inspired by Natural Building projects from around the world and the principles of Permaculture (link), yet grounded by the roots and knowledge of her past experience.
Her passions and creative work are expressed through her architecture and her love of community-building. April is an activist and an advocate of affordable housing solutions, healthy building solutions, and the empowerment of women as building artisans.
April is a leading voice in the advancements of Alternative, Natural, & Healthy building methods and has been a pioneer in the advancement of alternative building methods in the southeast. She has worked with multiple building jurisdictions in helping clients obtain building permits for alternative materials. She has successfully obtained permits for multiple rammed earth projects, compressed earth block, and off-grid Eco Resorts. April’s conventional background also allows her to excel in Project Management and she has led large teams through the conception of an idea through to the completion of a project, with the client’s budget always at the forefront of every project.
April has led over 4 dozen community-building workshops and courses, is an Adjunct Professor for the American College of Building Arts, and is a keynote speaker and presenter to many organizations and universities. Her passion for engaging with communities and involving people in the process of building is essential and a major passion. She is a true visionary for resilient and healthy buildings for the future and for the future of a healthy planet.
