News Summary
The Historic Beaufort Foundation held its 2025 Annual Meeting to celebrate the contributions of retiring executive director Cynthia Cole Jenkins and announce new leadership. Jenkins, honored for her dedication to historical preservation, was succeeded by Lise Sundrla. The meeting highlighted the importance of community involvement in preserving Beaufort’s unique historical character and included the election of new board officers to guide the organization forward.
Beaufort – The Historic Beaufort Foundation (HBF) convened for its 2025 Annual Meeting on June 7, where the organization celebrated the contributions of retiring executive director Cynthia Cole Jenkins and announced new leadership changes. Jenkins has dedicated a total of 14 years to the HBF across two tenures, significantly impacting the preservation of Beaufort’s unique historical character.
During her tenure, Jenkins emphasized the need for continued vigilance in safeguarding the town’s historic integrity. Her leadership was recognized at the state level when she received the 2021 South Carolina Governor’s Award for Excellence in Preservation for her extensive work in protecting both architectural and cultural history in the Lowcountry and beyond.
Following Jenkins’ retirement, Lise Sundrla has been appointed as the new executive director of HBF. Sundrla brings over 40 years of experience in nonprofit management and community redevelopment. She expressed her optimism for the future of the organization, signaling a readiness to advance its mission and initiatives.
The annual meeting took place at the First African Baptist Church, situated within Beaufort’s National Historic Landmark District. Rev. Alexander McBride, a member of the HBF Board of Trustees, detailed the rich history of the church and highlighted ongoing preservation efforts that reflect the commitment of the community to heritage conservation. The church had previously undergone restoration in 2007, which earned it a Historic Preservation Honor Award.
During the meeting, several board officers were elected, demonstrating a commitment to continuity within leadership roles. Rob Montgomery was re-elected as chair for a third term, while Donna Dehncke was chosen as vice-chair. Marshall Bassett assumed the position of treasurer, and Larry Haskell was appointed as secretary, with Wayne Vance serving as immediate past chair. This new leadership structure aims to steer HBF into its next phase with experienced personnel who have a deep understanding of preservation and community involvement.
Board members re-appointed to three-year terms include John Troutman, Wayne Vance, Larry Haskell, Drew Scallan, Ivey Savage, Sarah Dyson, and Marshall Bassett. However, John Tashjian stepped down from the board after serving four years, marking a transition in HBF’s leadership dynamics.
Rob Montgomery, the newly re-elected chair, is a local architect known for his dedication to preservation work, especially with the John Mark Verdier House. Donna Dehncke, who has been actively volunteering with the HBF since 2015, previously led the Development Committee and Events programs. Treasurer Marshall Bassett, who joined the board in 2022, has contributed significantly to the Finance Committee since 2020. Secretary Larry Haskell has played various roles at HBF and is experienced in nonprofit development.
Additionally, leaders for various committees were appointed during the meeting. Rob Montgomery will lead the Preservation Committee, while Marshall Bassett will oversee the Finance Committee. Drew Scallan will head the Operations Committee, and Ivey Savage takes charge of the Development Committee. Sarah Dyson will lead the Verdier House Committee, ensuring that focused attention is given to each area’s needs and growth.
The changes announced at the meeting reflect HBF’s strategic priorities moving forward, as the organization continues its mission to preserve the rich history and cultural fabric of Beaufort. With new leadership at the helm and ongoing commitment from board members and volunteers, HBF aims to strengthen its efforts in maintaining the authenticity of this historic town.
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Additional Resources
- Your Island News
- Island Packet
- Post and Courier
- Bluffton Today
- The Travel
- Wikipedia: Beaufort, South Carolina
- Google Search: Beaufort SC news
- Google Scholar: Beaufort South Carolina history
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Beaufort SC
- Google News: Beaufort historical news
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
