Board of Directors: 2023-24
.jpeg)
Fran
Howley
President
​
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.
Missy McLaughlin
Executive Vice President
​
Hubby Mike and I have moved 12 times in our 34 years of marriage and now are living the dream in Palmetto Bluff.
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 have made so many new friends through WOPB and enjoy giving back to the Bluffton community.
Amy
Johnson
Secretary
​
Who would have thought an avocado and mango farm girl from Homestead, FL would end up in Palmetto Bluff? The route here began with a business degree in Hospitality Management, which took me to Atlanta to work as a manager in private country clubs. We discovered Palmetto Bluff in 2018 while attending a conference at the Montage and we moved into our new home in River Road July of 2020. I have admired the WOPB and the smart, giving women who serve and felt it was time to get more involved and was excited to be asked to join the Board.
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.
Amy
Wagner
V.P., Volunteers
​
My husband and I have been in Palmetto Bluff since 2012 and now live half-time in Louisville, Kentucky and half-time in Palmetto Bluff. After over 30 years as a Registered Nurse I was retired in 2016. What I always dreamt of being was an artist, which I now am and have been since 2013. Palmetto Bluff has a vibrant arts community which enriches my passion and allows me to meet wonderful and talented people in the Low country. Kayaking, pickleball, exercise, yoga, and cooking round out my interests. I am always up for new adventures too, especially when it involves food! Whenever we leave this beautiful place I count the days until our return to the warm people and active and interesting lifestyle we so enjoy.
Donna
Litten
V.P., Membership
​
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.
Mary
Murphy
Co-V.P., Fundraising
​
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.
Roberta Marcantonio
Co-V.P., Fundraising
​
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”.
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.
Leslie
Butler
V.P., Social
​
After college, I met my husband working in the insurance industry. Over the years that followed, we found ourselves on an unexpected journey of living in and around many different cities here in the US. During this time, we raised two sons and thoroughly enjoyed the friends we made and all the experiences we were able to share with friends and family. However, the best was yet to come when we chose Palmetto Bluff to retire to in 2021. This has been a very welcoming community and one we feel fortunate to be a part of. Here in Palmetto Bluff I am a regular Mahjong player, active in the many fitness and wellness programs and a beginning golfer. I’m excited about joining the WOPB and serving on the board.
Marcie
Bowen
V.P., Social
​
My family and I discovered and became enchanted with Palmetto Bluff shortly after the resort opened in the mid-2000s. I grew up in middle Tennessee and spent my professional career in Atlanta, GA. as a commercial space planner and interior designer. We were particularly drawn to Palmetto Bluff's vast beauty, open spaces, and abundant recreational opportunities. Our two children grew up spending substantial quality time here, and as adults, continue to enjoy visiting the Bluff and our two golden retrievers.
​