Executive Director Molly Fortune
Prior to joining SC250, Molly Fortune was Executive Director at the world-renowned performing arts center, the Newberry Opera House. Under her leadership, the Opera House hosted 150+ events each year greatly impacting Downtown Newberry.
As Director of Restoration and Operations at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, Molly was influential with the development and implementation of new strategic initiatives such as the Fox Theatre Institute, an outreach and consulting division for which she served as the Director of Restoration Consulting.
And even before her work at the Fox, Molly was employed by the Department of Defense as a Cultural Resource Specialist in Historic Preservation and Programming. Molly received her BFA in Interior Design from Converse College with a minor in Physics; received an MFA in Historic Preservation from the Savannah College of Art and Design Summa Cum Laude with Distinction.
Molly is married to LTC (ret) Christopher Kemper and has two daughters and three dogs.
Grants Manager Heather Hawkins
Heather received her BA in history from New York University, but spent over 20 years working in other fields. This SC native is excited to bring her skills to work with historic significance. As the Ticketing & Guest Experience Manager at the Newberry Opera House, she oversaw the Box office staff, coordinated events, trained volunteers, managed front of house activities like concessions, and collaborated with marketing and donor relations. Prior to the Opera House, she spent 10 years in local radio - hosting the mid-day show, selling ads, and covering local government. Other jobs include freelance writing for national magazines, working as an office manager for a promotional merchandising firm, and even a stint teaching math. She is excited to be a part of SC 250th celebration!
Site Development Manager Mike Tyler
Mike is originally from the Lowcountry of South Carolina but now calls the Midlands home. He has been influential in numerous construction projects ranging from site acquisitions to the designing and building stages of the projects. He has been a liaison to many local, state, and private entities during these developments. While one person can bring a lot to the table, Mike is a firm believer that it takes a team effort to see projects across the finish line. When Mike is not wearing his project manager hat, he enjoys spending time with his family outdoors and being on the water with a fishing pole in hand.
Program Coordinator Tyler Clark
Tyler is a Lexington, S.C. native and 2018 graduate from the University of South Carolina with degrees in history and political science. He previously worked at the South Carolina Court of Appeals. His true passion lies in history, evident in his free time activities of exploring historical narratives and curating sports memorabilia.
