After 37 years of service, Membership Director Ann Brown will be hanging up her hat and picking up her gardening gloves.
Ann Brown started with Dataw as the assistant to the Vice President of Operations for ASCI (ALCOA South Carolina, Inc.) where she assisted with the hiring of startup staff, as well as writing training manuals, and ordering uniforms and tableware for the dining operation. Throughout her long tenure, she has served in several positions, in order from earliest to most recent: Human Resources Director, Director of Membership, Secretary to both Boards of Directors, Director of Special Events, and about seven years ago, she moved back to Director of Membership.
She says she truly has enjoyed all she has done here, but she most enjoyed working in Special Events. “Special Events allowed me the flexibility to utilize my more creative side although it did require a lot more hours. I also enjoyed decorating the Clubhouse for holidays and special events and making huge floral arrangements -- go big or go home, right?”
Ann takes great pride in her work and the contributions she has made over time. “I love seeing staff that I hired all those years ago still working and thriving here; watching the evolution of how Dataw has emerged from its initial concept to where we are today; working with a great team under the dedicated leadership of Ted Bartlett and Lori Murdaugh; and having the pleasure to serve our wonderful membership over the years in so many ways.”
And, the leadership with which Ann has worked has a mutual appreciation for Ann's service.
"Ann is a very steady and extremely reliable employee," says General Manager Ted Bartlett. "She is always ready to pitch in where needed and rises to the challenges presented - whether in her normal purview or a special project, like pitching in with design ideas or working hands-on."
Over the course of four decades, Ann has had the opportunity to be involved in many ways and on many projects. When asked about which memories she will treasure the most, she offered a laundry list of good times she will always cherish:
“Gosh, after 37 years I have a ton of great memories! Some of my favorites include working with resident member Dave Didier on the Wizard of Oz themed Member-Guest reception complete with a staff participation skit (I was Dorothy and made all the costumes!). I also enjoyed remodeling projects like reflooring the Marina Office with Arthur Aldridge (prior Director of Security) to help save some money. And least I forget – I was married on Dataw on the pierhead at the Marina 31 years ago and arrived to the ceremony on a Scarab-style boat – what a way to make an entrance!”
And, her memories extend to the improvements that she has or been part of or seen over the years. “There have been many positive changes over the years – the transition from developer-owned to ran by owners; approval of the “One Island Concept”; Equity to Initiation Fee change; new Membership Plan approval; purchase of the Marina; building of the Community/Fitness Center – these were all changes that have made an impact on the positive position we are now in today.”
With all these great memories, it’s no surprise that Ann says she will really miss her “extended Dataw family” – although she also adds with a laugh, “and I’ll miss having a paycheck!” A laugh that coworkers have come to love, with Bartlett calling it "infectious" and mentioning it's one of many things he and her other coworkers will remember fondly.
Later this summer once she is retired, Ann looks forward to spending quality time with family and friends and entertaining more often, as well as going out in the river and to the beach whenever the mood strikes her (She said she’s ready to “Say yes to tan lines!”) She also has converted her garage to a she-shed full of exercise equipment she wants to get better acquainted with, wants to go on a lot more camping trips (“Where I will someday catch a fish that doesn’t resemble bait!”), spend time gardening and cleaning, and she wants to go through all the cookbooks she’s collected over the years, whipping up some exciting new dishes. In addition to more time with these hobbies, she also looks to pick up a couple new ones: learning to play guitar and banjo!
When asked what one piece of advice she might give the next person who comes into the Membership role, she says, “Be gracious, thankful, and professional. Hard work and dedication are elements for being successful in any role. Sweat the small stuff and don’t hold a grudge.”
Ann, we congratulate you on your retirement, and thank you for your many contributions to Dataw Island!