Board of Directors: 2022-23
Patti Damaska
President
I look forward to an exciting year serving with WOPB while creating friendships and memories. Our organization has something for everyone with a focus on celebrating community. Like so many, I have lived in several parts of the US and I am thankful to be home in Palmetto Bluff with my husband, Phil and our dog, Lincoln. I cherish the May River, the skies, the plant life, and the wildlife. Right now, I’m particularly amazed by the rainforest conditions.
Mary Murphy
Executive Vice President
I have lived full time in Palmetto Bluff with my husband Jim since 2019. Our love of golf and the beauty of the low country drew us here and there is so much to do when our daughters and their families visit. I am an avid needle pointer, reader , and Mah Jong player. Prior to retirement, we lived for a short time in London and Melbourne, Australia, and are now on a quest to golf the Top 100 Public Courses in the US. I am a member of Low Country Women’s Golf Association, Southern Seniors Golf Association, and Captain of the May River golf team for Low Country Team PIay Association.
Pat Young
Treasurer
I first experienced Palmetto Bluff when some friends invited my husband, Ken, and I to see the property they’d purchased and celebrate a 65th birthday. We fell in love with PB and went home with offers on two different properties. We joke that we came down for a birthday party and went home with a gift for ourselves. We’ve now been here for six years. I grew up outside of NYC, and spent my entire professional career in finance. I enjoy being a WOPB member, appreciate its charitable activity, and look forward to working with the wonderful women of this very worthwhile organization.
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Fran Howley
Secretary
My husband and I retired to Palmetto Bluff in 2021 after living in GA, WI and MA with our 3 sons. The boys still live in the North East and I nudge them constantly that the weather is much nicer here and you don’t have to shovel snow. Since we’ve moved here I have felt such a warm welcome from this community. One way that helped me connect was the Women of Palmetto Bluff which has done great things for Palmetto Bluff and Bluffton and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead.
Roberta Marcantonio
Co-V.P., Social Events
Destiny led us to Palmetto Bluff in multiple ways. My sisters moved to different communities in Bluffton and on a Bluffton visit we recalled our Palmetto Bluff family history. My husband Joe Brackin’s family lived on Box Plantation, which is now part of Headwaters. Joe’s great grandfather was Property Superintendent for the Wilson’s. We’ve lived in PB for just over 8 years and love it. We’ve certainly seen many changes as we grow. The constant has been the great friends we’ve made and all the activities that keep us busy. The WOPB has been instrumental in those friendships. We often reference Palmetto Bluff as our ‘forever home”.
Patricia Mothershead
Co-V.P., Social Events
I’m a retired stockbroker who is no stranger to volunteering, from musical theatre to special needs to equestrian therapy. I met my husband, Jerry, right before he deployed to the Gulf War. We married soon after he safely returned in 1991. We adopted our daughter, Lizzy, in 1997, bringing her home just two days after she was born. Lizzy is all grown up now and is engaged to be married in the spring of 2023. The Mothershead family has lived in Palmetto Bluff for three years. I think we must have done something right to be so blessed to live here. This is my second year serving on the board of WOPB, and I hope to be a part of making it the best year ever.
Donna
Litten
Co-V.P., Fundraising
I have over 20 years of experience in events -- planning, design, and floral design. My passions include traveling, exercising, wine tasting, and volunteering with animal rescues. I care about the environment, support local vendors, and want to help the Bluffton Community. I live with my husband Brian and our two rescue dogs - Lucca & Finley.
Missy McLaughlin
Co-V.P., Fundraising
Hubby Mike and I have moved 12 times in our 34 years of marriage. We met in NYC, moved to MA, CT, NJ, NY, TX, NC, and now are living the dream in Palmetto Bluff. We raised our two boys in Darien CT and Ridgewood NJ. I am a serial volunteer, and an Event Planner by profession. I love to listen to/read books, any excuse to go on boating excursions, dog rescue transport, and hosting friends for cocktails and dinner parties. We have two crazy rescue dogs, Buddy and Hasty that we adore. I look forward to meeting many new friends and giving back to the Bluffton community.
Diane
Hopper
V.P., Communications
My husband John and I discovered Palmetto Bluff in 2008 but did not have the privilege of moving here until 2019. Prior to that, we lived in Pittsburgh, PA, Birmingham, AL, and lots of places in Ohio where we raised our three children and worked on our careers. I enjoy all that life on the Bluff offers, especially paddle boarding and kayaking on the beautiful May River, as well as Palmetto Bluff’s tremendous sense of community. I have met so many interesting and fun-loving friends through The Women of Palmetto Bluff and am grateful to be part of this fantastic group of women.
Chris
Dattilo
V.P., Membership
My husband and I love calling Palmetto Bluff our home. We moved from Boston, MA five years ago and have never looked back. After many years as a business owner I’m thankful to continue “working” through service on volunteer boards, the PB Marine Advisory Board, non-profit consulting, and as VP of Membership for WOPB. I love boating, taking part in conservancy activities, and walking our beautiful trails. Joe and I have a son living in Charlotte, NC who is recently married. I look forward to a wonderful year meeting all of you and welcoming back our members.
Cindy Bartholow
V.P., Volunteers
After spending my childhood in Illinois, I attended college at the University of Virginia where I met my husband Ford, and medical school at Northwestern University. We have one son, Drew, and a mixed breed rescue, Cody. After retiring from my medical practice in Chicago, we moved to PB in 2017. My passion is people and I love working with this community of amazing, talented, and diverse women. I am an avid golfer and enjoy pickleball and hiking. Feel free to contact me for volunteer opportunities, big or small, and get to know your neighbors and your neighborhood!