Staff
Executive Director
Cherimie Crane Weatherford
Cherimie is an entrepreneur, former educator, community arts advocate, and award-winning writer dedicated to preserving and celebrating the cultural heritage of Beaufort's historic Northwest Quadrant. Through the Freedman Arts District and King Street Art Center, she works to support local artists, expand access to the arts, and create opportunities for creative and economic growth.
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A successful business owner with more than 20 years of experience in real estate, community revitalization, and mentoring young women, Cherimie combines preservation, storytelling, and placemaking to strengthen neighborhoods and connect people through art, history, and culture. In 2025, she was recognized by the South Carolina Associated Press as Best of the Best for her writing on art, life, and the South.
Development Director
Sara Miller
Sara is a nonprofit development professional, arts advocate, and seamstress with nearly a decade of experience in fundraising, donor relations, event management, and community engagement. As Director of Development for the Freedman Arts District, she works to build philanthropic support, foster community partnerships, and advance initiatives that preserve cultural heritage while expanding access to the arts.
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Prior to joining the Freedman Arts District, Sara held development and event leadership roles with the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, where she witnessed the powerful impact of bringing artists, patrons, and communities together through shared creative experiences. With a passion for sewing and the handmade arts, she is dedicated to supporting artists, strengthening cultural connections, and creating welcoming spaces where creativity can thrive.
Board of Directors
Dick Stewart
Board Chair
Dick is a serial entrepreneur and community leader with a long history of supporting the arts, education, environmental stewardship, and economic development throughout the Lowcountry. His leadership has helped advance numerous organizations, including the Higher Education Trust, the Port Royal Sound Foundation, and Crystal Lake Park, all of which have expanded educational and cultural opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
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Throughout his career, Dick has championed historic preservation and community revitalization, playing a key role in restoring several significant properties in Beaufort's Historic District. He has served on numerous nonprofit and civic boards and has been recognized by state leaders for his contributions to economic development. Dick believes that being a citizen carries a responsibility to give back, a philosophy that continues to guide his commitment to strengthening communities through preservation, education, and the arts.
Bill Quarles
Treasurer
Bill brings more than 30 years of financial and executive leadership experience across a wide range of industries, including media, entertainment, energy, and business consulting. As founder of Aurora Business Consulting, LLC, he provides strategic financial guidance and expertise in business financing, acquisitions, and organizational growth.
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Throughout his career, Bill has overseen hundreds of millions of dollars in acquisition and sale transactions, including serving as Chief Financial Officer of Northwest Broadcasting as it expanded to more than two dozen television stations nationwide. A Lowcountry resident and Citadel graduate, he contributes valuable financial stewardship, business acumen, and nonprofit leadership to organizations working to strengthen the community through education, preservation, and the arts.
Linda Silk Sviland
Vice Chair
Linda is an accomplished graphic designer, illustrator, and arts advocate with more than 40 years of creative experience. Her work includes award-winning branding for presidential campaigns, commemorative designs presented to royalty and corporate leaders, and public art installations that earned her the Historic Preservationist Award from Stafford County, Virginia.
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A longtime supporter of the arts, Linda has served on the boards of several arts organizations and brings extensive expertise in visual communications, design, public art, and community engagement. Her commitment to creativity and cultural enrichment continues to strengthen the organizations and communities she serves.
Robb Wells
Robb is a destination marketing professional with nearly two decades of experience promoting Beaufort, Port Royal, and the Sea Islands as premier cultural and tourism destinations. As President & CEO of the Greater Beaufort-Port Royal Convention and Visitors Bureau, he leads initiatives that enhance the visitor experience while strengthening the area's economic vitality through tourism.
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A dedicated community partner, Robb works to connect visitors with the region's rich history, arts, culture, and natural resources. He currently serves as Chairman of the South Carolina Lowcountry Tourism Commission and sits on the Board of Directors for the Southeast Tourism Society. Robb believes that tourism is economic development and brings valuable expertise in marketing, community engagement, and destination stewardship to support the growth of the arts and cultural economy.
Ashlee Houck
Ashlee is a hospitality and tourism professional with more than a decade of experience in destination marketing, event management, nonprofit leadership, and hospitality operations. As President and CEO of the Beaufort Area Hospitality Association, she works to strengthen the region's visitor economy while supporting the businesses and organizations that make Beaufort a vibrant destination.
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With a strong background in community engagement and tourism development, Ashlee brings valuable insight into marketing, partnerships, and visitor experiences that help connect residents and visitors with the area's arts, culture, and heritage. Her leadership and collaborative approach support the continued growth of Beaufort's creative and hospitality sectors.
Valinda Littlefield, Ph. D.
Dr. Littlefield is a distinguished historian, educator, and advocate for preserving and sharing African American history. As Director of the Institute for the Study of the Reconstruction Era, her scholarship focuses on the history of women, African Americans, and education, with particular emphasis on the experiences of African Americans in the South.
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A recipient of the South Carolina Humanities Governor's Award, Dr. Littlefield has dedicated her career to advancing public understanding of history through research, education, and community engagement. Her expertise in cultural heritage, storytelling, and historical interpretation provides invaluable guidance in preserving and celebrating the rich history of Beaufort and the Reconstruction Era.