COASTAL OBSERVER

After searching for a new executive director for almost five months the Frances P. Bunnelle Foundation found her close to home.

Ashley Nelson, the foundation’s senior director, was selected by the nonprofit’s board this week to take charge of an organization with over $40 million in assets. 

“She has dedicated her career to making Georgetown a better place,” said Sarah Smith, who chairs the foundation board. “You can’t make someone care. She naturally cares about every nook and cranny of Georgetown County and making sure we all move up together as the county grows.”

Nelson will replace Geales Sands, who retired in May to spend more time with her grandchildren. Sands served in the position for 21 years as the first executive director.

Nelson said Sands had a special way of connecting people.

“We are better together. That’s a part of her legacy that I want to build on moving forward,” she said.

The foundation was started 25 years ago to support nonprofits and improve the quality of life in Georgetown County. Last year, it awarded over $2 million in grants to organizations working in the county.

Nelson, a Pawleys Island native, joined the Bunnelle Foundation in 2014 after spending seven years with Verizon Wireless. She was promoted to senior director in 2022.

She is in charge of the foundation’s Cradle to Career initiative work that includes the Pathway to Possibilities career expo for eighth graders in the region and the Bunnelle Foundation Youth Board, made up of county high school students who lead service projects and make grants.

She also manages Palmetto Giving Day, the annual online fundraiser that raised $4.3 million for 89 nonprofits this year.

Each of those experiences gave her new perspectives, she said. By joining the foundation, Nelson said she made a professional investment but also a personal one as a mother of a 7-year-old daughter.

“All those experiences showed me the power of community and ways to transform peoples’ lives,” Nelson said.

She earned a bachelor’s in integrated marketing communications from Winthrop University and an MBA in human resources management online from Strayer University. 

Nelson is a 2002 graduate from Waccamaw High, where she served as the student body president. She was able to transfer those skills into her career.

“The ability to expand my network at such a young age and to learn from students across the state made an impact on my life,” Nelson said.

She also learned about leadership from her grandfather, the Rev. Abraham Nelson, pastor of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Parkersville for 29 years.

Nelson said her grandfather taught her how to form relationships and how to treat people, which she said shaped her into who she is today.

“He loved to tell a good story and to make people laugh. It didn’t matter who the person was, he would make the connection,” she said. “That’s certainly how I try to model my work.”

Nelson also serves on the Georgetown County Planning Commission and is a former board member of the Coastal Montessori Charter School.

Smith said Nelson’s “good track record” with the foundation and ties to the area made Nelson the “total package” candidate for the position.

“The board looked for someone who can carry that mission for the next 20 years,” Smith said.

There were 44 applicants for the position, who were narrowed down to six semi-finalists, according to Smith. That culminated in three finalists.

Not only does Nelson meet the qualifications of the job, Smith said that stakeholders and grantees wanted someone who understands Georgetown and the communities that make up the county.

Nelson said it was surreal when she was offered the job. She starts Dec. 1.

“I’m excited about this next chapter. I’m still speechless,” she said. “It’s my highest honor to work alongside our team and to give back to the place I call home.”