About Us:

Charleston Young Professionals was established in 2006 to provide opportunities for young professionals to excel - professionally, socially and economically - in the Charleston tri-county region. The initiative was a recommendation of the 2005 Forward Charleston report, which was released by the Charleston Regional Development Alliance. The report recognized the economic impact of engages, young professionals on the region, and the need to retain existing, and attract new, engaged young professionals to the area.

The initiative is led by a Steering Committee comprised of 14 young, business and community professionals residing and working in the Charleston area. The Steering Committee creates the program of work and directs the sub-committees throughout the implementation process stages.

2009 - 2010 Steering Committee:

Allison Cox McCutcheon, Obviouslee Marketing - CYP Chair

John Osborne, Osborne and Osborne - CYP Chair Elect

Carter Andrews, Adams Outdoor Advertising - Sustainability Chair

Caitlin Bailey, Clear Channel Communications - Membership Subcommittee Chair

Sheena Calliham, Real Estate Capital Management - Events Subcommittee Co-Chair

Amanda Bunting Comen, Center for Women - Communications Liaison Chair

McRae Hamer, MUSC Department of Urology Clinical Trials Office - Mentor Program Chair

Lindsey Pakkala, Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce - CYP/Chamber Liaison

John Rizzo, BookSurge - Idea Subcommittee Chair

Matt Watson, Moody CPAs and Advisors LLC - Finance Chair

Emily Watts, Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce - CYP/Chamber Marketing Liaison

Melissa Whetzel, College of Charleston - Community Resource Chair

Tara Fanjoy Wooten, Daniel Ravenel Sotheby's International Realty - Events Subcommittee Co- Chair