The South Carolina Healthy Business Fellowship, a leadership program of the South Carolina Healthy Business Coalition, brings together workplace leaders from across the state who are committed to advancing the health and wellbeing of their workforce.
Through peer learning, collaboration, and shared expertise, the Fellowship supports leaders as they explore practical strategies and implement solutions that strengthen workplace culture, improve wellbeing, and contribute to healthier, more resilient communities across South Carolina.
The South Carolina Healthy Business Fellowship is a selective, interdisciplinary leadership experience designed for professionals who influence workplace culture, organizational strategy, and employee wellbeing.
Fellows represent a wide range of sectors and bring diverse perspectives, united by a shared commitment to learning from one another, collaborating across disciplines, and advancing practical solutions that support a healthier future for people, workplaces, and communities.
The Fellowship is designed for passionate, motivated professionals who are committed to advancing workplace wellbeing and strengthening their organization’s culture of health.
Ideal Fellows are curious, engaged leaders who value collaboration and are interested in learning alongside peers from across South Carolina who are navigating similar challenges and opportunities in today’s workplace.
The Fellowship equips workplace leaders with the tools, resources, and knowledge needed to drive meaningful health and wellbeing initiatives within their organizations.
Fellows participate in interactive, half-day sessions throughout the year that focus on key aspects of organizational wellbeing. Topics may include leadership strategies, policy and culture change, health-supportive systems and practices, and the role of the built environment in supporting employee health and wellbeing. Sessions emphasize practical application, real-world examples, and peer learning
Fellows are asked to participate fully in the Fellowship experience, including four half-day, in-person sessions held throughout the year. Sessions are hosted across South Carolina—including the Lowcountry, Midlands, and Upstate—and are designed to support shared learning, relationship-building, and meaningful engagement across the cohort.
As part of the Fellowship experience, participants receive individualized guidance to help translate learning into action within their organization. Using evidence-informed tools and frameworks, Fellows reflect on current wellbeing practices and identify opportunities for growth, with support from SCHBC mentors through structured conversations and periodic check-ins.
Through participation in the Fellowship, leaders deepen their understanding of workplace wellbeing, strengthen cross-sector relationships, and develop practical approaches to creating healthier, more supportive work environments.
The Fellowship also builds a statewide network of leaders who are shaping the future of work in South Carolina—connecting organizations, ideas, and communities through a shared commitment to health and wellbeing.
Upon completing the Fellowship, participants are recognized as South Carolina Healthy Business Fellows and join a growing statewide network of workplace leaders committed to advancing workforce health and wellbeing.
This recognition reflects each Fellow’s commitment to leadership in organizational wellbeing and provides continued connection to a collaborative community working to create healthier workplaces and communities across South Carolina.
Each year, the Fellowship brings together a cohort of leaders from across South Carolina—representing diverse organizations, sectors, and communities—who share a commitment to advancing healthier workplaces and stronger communities.
Meet the leaders who make up each Fellowship cohort and learn more about the professionals advancing workplace wellbeing across South Carolina.
April Slinkard serves as Benefits and Wellness Manager for the City of Charleston, where she designs and implements health and wellness initiatives to enhance the well-being of city employees. A registered nurse with a passion for preventive health, April recently earned her Certified Wellness Practitioner (CWP) designation through the National Wellness Institute. She brings a clinical perspective to workforce well-being, combining healthcare expertise with strategic program development to improve employee engagement and quality of life across the organization.
Bree Slauscius serves as a Client Success Manager at Hinge Health, bringing more than six years of experience in the wellbeing and digital health industry. She partners with employers and health plan clients to drive program adoption, strengthen engagement, and optimize performance, ensuring members receive high-quality, evidence-based musculoskeletal (MSK) care. In 2024, Bree earned her Certified Workplace Wellness Specialist (CWWS) credential, further enhancing her expertise in workplace wellness strategy. She is passionate about helping organizations implement data-driven solutions that improve employee health outcomes and overall workforce performance.
Brian Head serves as Technical Services Manager at Mount Pleasant Waterworks, where he has dedicated more than three decades to advancing operational excellence and public service. In addition to his technical leadership, Brian has served for over 12 years as Wellness Team Sponsor, championing initiatives that promote employee health, engagement, and a strong workplace culture. He is passionate about fostering environments where employees can thrive and is committed to integrating wellness into organizational strategy. Brian brings valuable insight from Mount Pleasant Waterworks’ ongoing wellness journey and long-standing commitment to its workforce.
Christa Porth serves as HR Business Partner at Landmark Construction Co., bringing more than 20 years of leadership experience across corporate, legal, and construction environments. With a strong background in training and development, she focuses on aligning people strategies with operational goals to strengthen organizational health, employee engagement, and leadership capability. Christa is passionate about empowering managers and employees to perform at their best while fostering a culture of accountability, growth, and well-being. She approaches her work with integrity, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous improvement in dynamic, people-centered workplaces.
Dave has served in HR for the past 25 years and began his career with Spero Financial in 2021. He currently serves as the SVP of Talent Management in January of 2025. Dave oversees Human Resources and Learning & Development. Dave is a native of Rahway, New Jersey but has spent most of his life in Greenville, SC. Dave graduated from Clemson University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in PRTM.
Jodiannah Rish Peruski serves as an Associate Total Rewards Analyst at JTEKT North America Corporation, where she supports compensation, benefits, and employee wellness initiatives. With more than five years of experience in Human Resources, she leads JTEKT’s Wellness Program, promoting a holistic approach to health that encourages associates to thrive both at work and at home. Jodiannah is passionate about advancing organizational well-being and is committed to continuing her professional growth through leadership development and collaborative learning.
Joy Drago serves as a Corporate Health and Wellness Regional Supervisor and Wellness Coordinator with Novant Health, supporting employee health initiatives across more than 50 urgent care locations in South Carolina. With over 10 years of experience in both public and private sector public health, Joy has led program development efforts ranging from emergency response to workforce wellness strategy. She is known for building and supporting high-performing teams, launching new initiatives, and addressing complex health challenges. Joy is passionate about advancing employee health and creating systems that promote sustainable workplace well-being.
Kristin Randolph brings over nine years of experience in the medical office environment, offering a strong background in customer service within a concierge-style practice. Her goal is to effectively bridge the gap between patients and providers to deliver a highly personalized medical care experience. Kristin’s upbeat demeanor and extensive management experience contribute to an unmatched level of patient care. A Charleston native, she learned to fish at a young age and knows all the best seafood restaurants in town.
Tara Branham serves as Senior Account Executive at TM Floyd & Company, bringing more than 20 years of experience in IT sales and recruiting across the Carolinas. A Clemson University graduate with a degree in Psychology, Tara specializes in building strategic partnerships that align technology talent with evolving business needs. Her experience spans technical and leadership placements, project management, business analysis, and systems integration. She is passionate about fostering meaningful connections that create long-term value for individuals and organizations, while promoting wellness and positive impact in both professional and community settings.
Will Escoe serves as a Human Resources Generalist with The Onyx Group, where he supports private medical practices under the Tribe513 umbrella. Based in Greenville, South Carolina, William focuses on fostering workplace cultures that prioritize well-being, engagement, and belonging. He is passionate about holistic wellness and dedicated to aligning people-centered practices with organizational goals. Through his work in healthcare-focused environments, William brings thoughtful HR support that strengthens teams and enhances the employee experience.
Zoe Watkins serves as a Human Resources Partner at South Carolina Federal Credit Union, where she leads employee wellness initiatives, promotes benefits and resources, and advocates for a strong, inclusive workplace culture. Since joining the organization in 2015 and transitioning into HR in 2017, Zoe has focused on enhancing the employee experience and elevating employee voices. She also plays an active role in advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts within the organization. Zoe holds the aPHR and SHRM-CP credentials and is passionate about building workplaces where people feel supported, valued, and empowered to thrive.
Brooks Wheeler serves as Employee Experience Manager at Mashburn Construction, where he leads initiatives across the full employee lifecycle—from recruitment and onboarding to professional development, performance management, and retention. Over his 10-year tenure with the company, Brooks has played a key role in shaping Mashburn’s people-centered culture, previously serving as Culture Coordinator and launching formal onboarding programs, employee-led committees, and engagement initiatives. He began his career at Mashburn as a Wellness Coach, focusing on team-building and holistic employee well-being. Brooks is passionate about investing in people and creating workplaces where employees can thrive at every stage of their career.
Candy Marlowe serves as Well-being Program Manager for Charleston County Government, where she leads initiatives that support employee health, engagement, and organizational effectiveness across county departments. With a strong background in government administration, Candy brings expertise in employee benefits design, organizational development, event planning, and strategic program management. She is an experienced public speaker and collaborator, committed to creating workplace environments that prioritize well-being and performance. A graduate of Limestone College, Candy is passionate about advancing sustainable, people-centered practices within the public sector.
Carly Duffy, MPH, RD, is a Registered Dietitian and public health professional with a master’s degree from the University of South Florida, where she specialized in human nutrition, food science, and public health. Since joining Thorne’s medical affairs team in 2022, Carly has combined her scientific expertise and passion for education to support both consumers and healthcare practitioners. In her current role as Medical Education Specialist at Thorne, she leads strategic educational initiatives that translate complex health science into actionable insights, helping individuals make informed choices about their health and wellness.
Christy DeLuca serves as Human Resources Director for the Town of Mount Pleasant, bringing extensive experience in employment law, mediation, and strategic workforce leadership. With a strong legal background and SHRM-SCP certification, she provides thoughtful guidance at the intersection of compliance, people strategy, and organizational culture. Christy partners closely with leadership to advance employee engagement, professional development, and inclusive workplace practices, while navigating the complexities of public sector workforce management. She is passionate about creating equitable, high-performing organizations where both employees and communities can thrive.
Kristin Willman serves as a Corporate Wellness Benefits Consultant with AmeriHealth Caritas and Select Health of South Carolina, where she partners with organizations to design and implement comprehensive wellness and benefits strategies. With a background in health promotion and extensive experience in fitness and wellness programming, Kristin brings expertise in vendor management, program development, and employee engagement. She is passionate about supporting whole-person well-being—helping employees address their physical, emotional, and financial health through practical, accessible workplace initiatives.
Star Ross serves as Director of Human Resources for James Island Public Service District, bringing more than 20 years of experience across government, transportation, healthcare, and public sector organizations. She holds multiple certifications from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and has expertise spanning the full employee lifecycle, from onboarding through organizational strategy and workforce development. Star is an active leader within Palmetto SHRM, serving as Past President, and contributes at the state level as a Sponsorship & Expo Director with the SC State SHRM Council. She is passionate about strengthening the HR profession and fostering professional connection across South Carolina.
Interested in learning more about the Fellowship or applying for a future cohort? We invite you to share your interest or explore the application process.
