Center for Strategic Planning

Tom retired after a 40-year career in commercial banking and finance. Born and raised in Ohio, he graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in Economics, and from the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at the University of Delaware. His entire banking career prior to coming to Hilton Head Island was in Pennsylvania with Mellon Bank, PNC, and Keystone Financial where he was a subsidiary bank president. In 1998 Tom left Keystone to start the Legacy Bank of Harrisburg where he grew it to $400 million in total assets, eight branches, and 120 employees. Legacy was acquired by FNB Corporation in 2006, and later that year Tom came to Hilton Head as President and CEO of Harbourside Community Bank. In Pennsylvania, Tom had been involved in numerous civic and charitable organizations including president of the local Chamber of Commerce, division chairman of the United Way, President of the Harrisburg, Pa. Art Association, and a member of the Pennsylvania Society. He served six years on the Hilton Head Island Planning Commission where he was its Vice Chairman, Chairman of its Capital Improvements Plan committee, and served on the Comprehensive Plan Committee. He was first elected to Hilton Head Island Town Council in 2014, re-elected in 2018, and now chairs its Finance and Administration Committee. He also represents the Town on the Southern Low Country Regional Board, is a member of the Greater Island Council, and the Governmental Affairs Committee of the Chamber of Commerce.

Rod is Chairman Emeritus, SCORE SC Lowcountry Chapter, where he led a team of 40+ certified business mentors (2017-22) supporting start-up businesses and in-business clients in Beaufort, Jasper, Hampton, and Colleton counties. He is a SCORE certified Business Mentor and on the National Advisory Council.  SCORE is the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals. During his tenure the Chapter was recognized as South Carolina’s District Chapter of the Year in 2018, 2019, 2021, and was selected as National Chapter of the Year in 2019. Rod had a 30+ year career with Eli Lilly & Company in multiple leadership roles with a track record of developing high performing teams focused on successful implementation of strategic and operational initiatives. He has been active in the Lowcountry community serving on various boards including Sandalwood Community Food Pantry and the Don Ryan Center for Innovation. Rod graduated with a BA in Chemistry, Summa Cum Laude, University of South Florida, and an MBA, Magna Cum Laude, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University.

I spent my early work-life involved in Libraries, Information management, and operations administration, leveraging both my analytical mind and my desire for knowledge. I have always found joy in applying these skills to help, inform, and serve others, which lead me to a new path: a bachelor in Hospitality Management. Motivated by the pursuit of excellence, I find executing plans, coordinating schedules, and engaging my community invigorating, and more so when my efforts create an unforgettably stellar experience. With endless energy and effervescent charm, I strive to go above and beyond to make life even just a bit easier and pleasant for everyone, believing there is always more to be done.