Meet the board

Ernie Wiggers, Chair

Ernie is past President and CEO of the Nemours Foundation, a nonprofit organization with the mission to provide stewardship for 9,800 acres in Northern Beaufort County, conduct scientific studies relating to wildlife ecology, and deliver educational programs focused on wildlife.

Ernie joined Heritage Community Farm in its infancy and has promoted the mission of involving students in the many lessons found outdoors. Ernie holds a Ph.D. in wildlife management and is a graduate of Clemson University and Texas Tech University. He was a professor at the University of Missouri before returning to his native South Carolina.

“I grew up on a small farm in Pomaria, SC where my family grew most of the food we consumed. If asked how large the family garden was during my youth when weeding, picking, and canning vegetables were constant chores, I would say 10 acres.

Gardening during my childhood caused many disagreements between me and my parents (none of which I won), but since leaving home I have installed a garden everywhere I have lived! I long ago realized how fortunate I was to have gardening as a part of my childhood. I want to make sure others have those same experiences.”

Roy Green, Vice Chair

Roy was born to George and Pearl Green on September 28, 1961. He is one of fourteen children. Roy was raised on a farm and was taught at an early age the importance of growing your own fresh produce. He began farming alongside his mother and father at the age of five. Roy has always been active in the community, within the local church, and coaching youth sports.

Roy successfully completed the South Carolina Master Gardener program through Clemson Cooperative Extension. He shares a passion for growing vegetables. He would like to spread that passion to others and educate everyone on the advantages of growing their own vegetables.

Catherine Isbell, President

Catherine's background is in education and during her career, taught preschool through high school. Having fallen in love with the Lowcountry, she and her husband retired to Beaufort.

Catherine participated in Beaufort County Clemson Senior Leadership Program in 2019. It was through that experience, Catherine recognized the need for school and community gardens specifically in Northern Beaufort County. Initially as part of an exploratory committee, she went on to co-found Heritage Community Farm to promote education, food security, conservation, and preservation through horticulture and the natural world.

Kathy Malcomson, Treasurer

Kathy has a background in corporate training in the Chicago area before moving full-time to Beaufort in 2021. She also served as the Finance VP on the board of the Chicagoland Chapter of the Association for Talent Development (ATD), a national non-profit organization dedicated to helping learning professionals improve their skills and knowledge. She became a volunteer at the garden at the Whale Branch Middle School in 2023 and has enjoyed working with the kids and other volunteers. 

Anne Hartzell, Secretary

Anne has an extensive background in non-profit organizations and government agencies. She has been involved in numerous grant-writing campaigns and public outreach. As a newcomer to the Lowcountry, Anne brings a desire to become involved and help the community she now calls home.

Freddie Lawton, School Coordinator

Freddie is a long-time resident of the Seabrook community. As past principal of Whale Branch Middle School and now a district manager at Beaufort County School District, Freddie brings to the board a connection to the community, campus, and the Beaufort County School District. Freddie has extensive landscaping experience and brings an enthusiasm to make things happen.

Lilliana Coltelli, Volunteer Coordinator

Lilliana came to us as a volunteer who brought the pollinator back to life. With a background in education administration, Lilliana brings dedication and enthusiasm to the backbone of HCF…our volunteers.

Tom Fornasar, Greenhouse and Orchard Manager

Tom earned his BS in Horticulture from West Virginia University, then worked 32 growing seasons as a Golf Course Superintendent in his home state of Virginia. Master Gardener training in both Virginia and South Carolina has furthered his pursuit of growing the perfect tomato, which still eludes him.

James Floyd, Middle School Liaison

James Floyd is a native of Jasper County, South Carolina. After retiring from the naval service and working as an educator in Chesapeake, Virginia, his family and he relocated to Beaufort County to continue his career as an educator. He is currently an 7th grade science teacher at Whale Branch Branch Middle School where he incorporates a Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematic (STEAM) activities that provide students an opportunity to solve “real world” problems. Students are also provided an opportunity to learn about and participate in Whale Branch’s school garden to learn about sustainable farming practices and agribusiness career opportunities.

Charlie Williams, Chair Emeritus

Charlie joined the advisory committee at the infancy of Heritage Community Farm. With his background in private industry and non-profit organizations, Charlie was instrumental in the development of the mission of Heritage Community Farm and the designation of non-profit status. Charlie's contribution to HCF will always be remembered.