charleston sea islands
Community

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Community events, amenities, and pastimes are just the beginning.

Whether meeting a neighbor for a walk to Rosebank Farmstand for fresh produce, spending an afternoon at Farmstead Park with family, or sharing a waterfront sunset view with a friend at the Spring House you will encounter friendly, like-minded faces indulging in nature, wellness and community.

Get to know your team of community managers below.

Jeff Snyder

Chief Environmental Officer

jsnyder@kiawahriver.com

Jeff Snyder is the heart and soul behind Kiawah River’s environmental stewardship. Known for his contagious passion and devotion to the land, Jeff has been part of Kiawah River’s transformation from farmland and private hunting grounds into the thriving Sea Islands neighborhood it is today. With a deep knowledge of the property’s history, plants, and wildlife, Jeff encourages others to explore and appreciate the hidden wonders that make Kiawah River unique.

His primary goal is to preserve the integrity of the land while fostering a sustainable future for the families who call Kiawah River home. Whether teaching residents how to harvest vegetables, plant seeds, or support local farms, Jeff’s enthusiasm for the environment is inspiring. He works closely with the development team to ensure the community’s natural elements are enhanced, creating spontaneous moments for residents to connect with nature at every turn. Jeff’s commitment to protecting Kiawah River’s ecosystem ensures it remains a haven for both wildlife and people for generations to come.

“I watched my son grow up on this property, and it gave me some of my greatest memories—whether he was chasing and catching grasshoppers and lizards, busting open a just-picked watermelon, or catching fish in the Great Salt Pond that were as long as he was,” Jeff said. “The thought of other kids having a chance to build those memories is a driving force in my vision for the future of Kiawah River.” 

Nick Martellini

Environmental Assistant

nmartellini@kiawahriver.com

Nick plays an integral role in maintaining the natural beauty and health of the Kiawah River community. Collaborating with Chief Environmental Officer Jeff Snyder, Nick is involved in special projects ranging from wildlife and water management to forestry, landscaping, and livestock care. With a passion for sustainability, Nick helps implement initiatives designed to preserve and nurture the environment, ensuring the flora and fauna of Kiawah River continue to thrive. Originally from Columbia, Nick holds a BS in Environmental and Natural Resource Management, and his commitment to wildlife and environmental stewardship is at the heart of his work.

 

Chris Reynolds

Community Association Manager

843-203-6220 chris@postcm.com

Chris joined our team at Kiawah River as the Community Association Manager when he joined Poston Community Management in May of 2022. Chris manages the day-to-day operations of the Community Association as well as having non-exclusive authority over the collection of assessments and other income, payment of expenses, purchasing of goods and services, staffing, accounting, bookkeeping, routine maintenance and operation of the Property.

Chris grew up in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He came to Charleston in 2006 after graduating from Appalachian State University with a bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management and minor in Business. He has earned his Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA) designation from the Community Association Institute (CAI). He was previously employed as a property manager on Kiawah Island, SC with 16 years of Hospitality Management experience.

Taylor Woods

Event Operations Manager

843-833-2568 twoods@kiawahriver.com

Taylor brings a deep passion for creating unforgettable events and a wealth of expertise to her role at Kiawah River. Joining the team in June 2023, she coordinates and executes community events, manages private celebrations and weddings, and serves as a resource for both new and current residents. With a rich background in hospitality management and event planning, Taylor thrives on delivering exceptional experiences that leave lasting memories.

Her career has been shaped by roles such as Event Planner for Charlotte Country Club and Marketing and Events Manager at First Tee – Greater Charlotte, before transitioning to The Beach Company’s hospitality team at The Jasper in Charleston. A graduate of East Carolina University, Taylor’s strong operations and food and beverage expertise make her a key asset to the Kiawah River community.

Madelyn Patrick

Event Coordinator

mpatrick@kiawahriver.com

Originally from Richmond, Virginia, Maddie earned her degree in Communications from the College of Charleston, where she discovered a passion for event planning while interning at the prestigious Fox Events. Her experience with the renowned agency ignited her drive to create exceptional, lasting memories through thoughtfully curated events.

Now, as Event Coordinator at Kiawah River, Maddie seamlessly blends her love for nature with her talent for bringing people together, crafting unforgettable experiences for residents and the broader community. Drawn to Charleston for its coastal beauty and dynamic event scene, she is committed to showcasing the best of the Lowcountry, delivering top-tier events that reflect the natural splendor of Kiawah River and the warmth of its community.

Samantha Szymanski

Spring House Manager

sszymanski@kiawahriver.com

Growing up in Alpena, Michigan surrounded by the beauty of Lake Huron and its vibrant local food culture, Sam developed an early passion for crafting unforgettable dining experiences that celebrate fresh, local flavors. This passion, combined with her hospitality business degree from Michigan State University, has shaped her impressive career in luxury resort management.

With leadership roles at the renowned Sea Island Resort beach club and Wild Dunes Resort, Sam has refined her expertise in operational excellence from cultivating a growth-minded culture within her team, to innovative and sustainable menu development practices. Her passion for curating exceptional guest experiences—both for our residents and visitors—truly aligns with the vision we have at Kiawah River.

 

Virginia Benke

Spring House Food & Beverage Director

vbenke@kiawahriver.com

Jeff Snyder

Chief Environmental Officer

jsnyder@kiawahriver.com

Jeff Snyder is the heart and soul behind Kiawah River’s environmental stewardship. Known for his contagious passion and devotion to the land, Jeff has been part of Kiawah River’s transformation from farmland and private hunting grounds into the thriving Sea Islands neighborhood it is today. With a deep knowledge of the property’s history, plants, and wildlife, Jeff encourages others to explore and appreciate the hidden wonders that make Kiawah River unique.

His primary goal is to preserve the integrity of the land while fostering a sustainable future for the families who call Kiawah River home. Whether teaching residents how to harvest vegetables, plant seeds, or support local farms, Jeff’s enthusiasm for the environment is inspiring. He works closely with the development team to ensure the community’s natural elements are enhanced, creating spontaneous moments for residents to connect with nature at every turn. Jeff’s commitment to protecting Kiawah River’s ecosystem ensures it remains a haven for both wildlife and people for generations to come.

“I watched my son grow up on this property, and it gave me some of my greatest memories—whether he was chasing and catching grasshoppers and lizards, busting open a just-picked watermelon, or catching fish in the Great Salt Pond that were as long as he was,” Jeff said. “The thought of other kids having a chance to build those memories is a driving force in my vision for the future of Kiawah River.” 

Nick Martellini

Environmental Assistant

nmartellini@kiawahriver.com

Nick plays an integral role in maintaining the natural beauty and health of the Kiawah River community. Collaborating with Chief Environmental Officer Jeff Snyder, Nick is involved in special projects ranging from wildlife and water management to forestry, landscaping, and livestock care. With a passion for sustainability, Nick helps implement initiatives designed to preserve and nurture the environment, ensuring the flora and fauna of Kiawah River continue to thrive. Originally from Columbia, Nick holds a BS in Environmental and Natural Resource Management, and his commitment to wildlife and environmental stewardship is at the heart of his work.

 

Chris Reynolds

Community Association Manager

843-203-6220 chris@postcm.com

Chris joined our team at Kiawah River as the Community Association Manager when he joined Poston Community Management in May of 2022. Chris manages the day-to-day operations of the Community Association as well as having non-exclusive authority over the collection of assessments and other income, payment of expenses, purchasing of goods and services, staffing, accounting, bookkeeping, routine maintenance and operation of the Property.

Chris grew up in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He came to Charleston in 2006 after graduating from Appalachian State University with a bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management and minor in Business. He has earned his Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA) designation from the Community Association Institute (CAI). He was previously employed as a property manager on Kiawah Island, SC with 16 years of Hospitality Management experience.

Taylor Woods

Event Operations Manager

843-833-2568 twoods@kiawahriver.com

Taylor brings a deep passion for creating unforgettable events and a wealth of expertise to her role at Kiawah River. Joining the team in June 2023, she coordinates and executes community events, manages private celebrations and weddings, and serves as a resource for both new and current residents. With a rich background in hospitality management and event planning, Taylor thrives on delivering exceptional experiences that leave lasting memories.

Her career has been shaped by roles such as Event Planner for Charlotte Country Club and Marketing and Events Manager at First Tee – Greater Charlotte, before transitioning to The Beach Company’s hospitality team at The Jasper in Charleston. A graduate of East Carolina University, Taylor’s strong operations and food and beverage expertise make her a key asset to the Kiawah River community.

Madelyn Patrick

Event Coordinator

mpatrick@kiawahriver.com

Originally from Richmond, Virginia, Maddie earned her degree in Communications from the College of Charleston, where she discovered a passion for event planning while interning at the prestigious Fox Events. Her experience with the renowned agency ignited her drive to create exceptional, lasting memories through thoughtfully curated events.

Now, as Event Coordinator at Kiawah River, Maddie seamlessly blends her love for nature with her talent for bringing people together, crafting unforgettable experiences for residents and the broader community. Drawn to Charleston for its coastal beauty and dynamic event scene, she is committed to showcasing the best of the Lowcountry, delivering top-tier events that reflect the natural splendor of Kiawah River and the warmth of its community.

Samantha Szymanski

Spring House Manager

sszymanski@kiawahriver.com

Growing up in Alpena, Michigan surrounded by the beauty of Lake Huron and its vibrant local food culture, Sam developed an early passion for crafting unforgettable dining experiences that celebrate fresh, local flavors. This passion, combined with her hospitality business degree from Michigan State University, has shaped her impressive career in luxury resort management.

With leadership roles at the renowned Sea Island Resort beach club and Wild Dunes Resort, Sam has refined her expertise in operational excellence from cultivating a growth-minded culture within her team, to innovative and sustainable menu development practices. Her passion for curating exceptional guest experiences—both for our residents and visitors—truly aligns with the vision we have at Kiawah River.

 

Virginia Benke

Spring House Food & Beverage Director

vbenke@kiawahriver.com