About Charleston Leaders

Charleston Leaders goal is to connect professionals in the Charleston metro area to create business, community and individual success. Our intent is to develop programming and opportunities that complement learning for leaders of all ages. We create yearly opportunities that engage leaders, inform leaders and develop leaders.We also offer volunteer, committee and leadership opportunities.

Why join Charleston Leaders?

Charleston Leaders is a collective group of business leaders in the Charleston Region that engage with one another to foster future leaders. We develop relationships, support our youth leaders and harness the knowledge we gain from each other to better our community. Join us to offer your knowledge and support as well.

Our Leadership Team

Ruthann Kelly Hipps

Ruthann Kelly Hipps

Founder and Executive Director

​Ruthann Kelly Hipps is the Founder and Executive Director of Charleston Leaders. She has over 25 years experience in sales and relationship management. She was a Sales Manager in the advertising department of The Post and Courier for 14 years. She was also the Senior Director of Sponsorship Sales for The Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce.

Cassie Cherichello

Cassie Cherichello

Board Member

Cassie Cherichello is the Regional Director South Carolina Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina. Cassie has over 25 years of helping small to large employers with health insurance needs. Cassie has been with BlueCross BlueShield South Carolina since 2019. Her responsibilities are growth of clients and membership, retention and mentoring of teams. Cassie works with insurance brokers all over the country. Cassie works with determination and a positive attitude. Cassie genuinely cares for her team, brokers and clients. Cassie has previous board experience with See Kids Dream organization. She is the proud mother of four and married to Jim for over 25 years. Cassie is a triathlete and enjoys listening to live music with her family.

Mary Jo Romeo

Mary Jo Romeo

Board Member

Mary Jo Romeo is a Columbia University Certified Executive Coach and a PCC level coach with the International Coaching Federation. Executives and emerging leaders rely on her experience leading national sales teams and growing businesses. Her coaching practice focuses on executive, communication, transition and women’s advancement. Mary Jo also facilitates virtual and in-person workshops and consults with companies on business growth. Active in the Charleston area, in addition to serving on the Board with Charleston Leaders, Mary Jo volunteers her coaching and facilitation skills to non-profits, is active in Rotary and with her church.

Tim Rogers

Tim Rogers

Leadership Veteran

Tim Rogers is a Results-Driven Leadership Veteran Skilled in Business Growth, Customer Delight, and Revenue Surge. Expertly steering successful sales teams, crafting and executing sales strategies, and consistently propelling organizations to new heights. With two decades of dedicated service, I bring a proven track record of orchestrating dynamic business development initiatives, cultivating customer satisfaction, and architecting strategic pathways to revenue expansion. My leadership ethos is rooted in fostering a culture of excellence, driving teams to exceed targets, and delivering tangible results that speak to the bottom line.

Trischia Khouri

Trischia Khouri

CEO and Founder of KhouriGroup

Trischia Khouri is the visionary CEO and Founder of KhouriGroup, Emerging Technology Advisors, a firm specializing in the ABCs – AI, Blockchain, and Cybersecurity. With a rich background spanning over two decades, Trischia is a seasoned technologist, known for her deep expertise in software development and project leadership. Her career is distinguished by her exceptional ability to deliver complex software projects, adhering strictly to timelines and budget constraints.

Kent Floyd

Kent Floyd

Board Member

Kent Floyd is a seasoned professional in the HVAC industry with over two decades of experience. Starting as a residential service technician in Colorado in 1998, Kent Floyd quickly excelled in the field and was promoted to a sales position in 2000. In this role, Kent Floyd was responsible for estimating, selling, and managing retrofit projects, gaining expertise in delivering HVAC solutions to residential customers.

Michael Renault

Michael Renault

Board Member

After a successful 21-year banking career, I opened – Image360 Charleston – in July 2018. Image360 Charleston works with businesses to design and produce creative and effective graphics, signage, and displays that enhance their brand awareness which leads to increased market share. Similar to my banking career, I focus on relationship building and superior customer service while delivering value-added solutions across all aspects of the visual communications industry.

Jennifer Baez

Jennifer Baez

Board Member

Jennifer Baez is a High performance, results-driven, Culture and people expert with skills in Project Management. Highly successful in demonstrating and growing staff and leadership, integrity-driven work ethic, and communication with individuals from the public and private sectors. Proven track record for implementing systems and processes to increase productivity, and achievement, and create a positive work culture climate. Distinguished record in understanding stakeholder requirements and delivering business goals stamped with a stellar blend of on-time and on-budget performance.

Donna D’Amato

Donna D’Amato

Board Member

Donna D’Amato is the owner of Intercoastal Consulting Services, and Director of Finance for Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach. Accomplished, Finance and Accounting executive with a proven record of managing financial affairs, developing and implementing financial and operational controls in non-profit organizations, biotechnology companies and professional service firms. Financial and Strategic Planner with a focus on hands-on day to day accounting operations, audit, compliance, budget development and management. Passionate about providing excellent customer service to internal and external stakeholders.