MEET THE TEAM
Jeff Drew
Hometown: Knoxville, Tennessee
Alma Mater: Yale University, BA in Economics and Mathematics; MBA Duke University Fuqua School of Business
Inspiration: Three grown kids with great hearts; each completely different
Lives: Paradise Valley, Arizona
On the Weekend: Yoga festivals and watching sports
Jed DrewPublisher
Darcy Shankland
On Staff Since: 2000
Hometown: Stockton, California
Alma Mater: University of California at Santa Barbara, BA in English literature
Inspiration: Puzzles have always interested and entertained me. I think producing a great magazine is like putting together an intricate puzzle—many important, singular pieces that fit together seamlessly.
Best Parts: Telling the stories of such a layered and interesting place and working with an immensely talented yet modest team
Lives: James Island—I love my quiet burb with its ancient oaks, marshy views, and neighbors who smile and wave.
On the Weekend: Hanging with my hilarious husband, whether embarrassing our teenage daughter, biking through various neighborhoods or the Greenway, or out and about downtown
Melinda Smith Monk
Design Director: Asheville Wedding Guide, High Country Wedding Guide, & House Calls
On Staff Since: 1993
Hometown: Charleston, South Carolina
Alma Mater: The Communication Arts & Design School at Virginia Commonwealth University, BFA
Inspiration: I love being able to tell stories through design, photos, and videos.
Best Part: There is something new to learn every issue. I love working with the team, and I’m a reader and fan of our magazines as well!
Lives: James Island—Close to the beach and far enough away from the busyness of downtown.
On the Weekend: Lost Dog Cafe on Folly; power walking the beach; or hanging out at home with my family and two dogs, Hank and Mr. Fong.
Pam RobinsonChief Financial Officer
Pete Banko
On staff since: 2020
Hometown: Canisteo, New York
Alma Mater: University of Dayton (Ohio), BA
Inspiration: I have always been interested in the printed word and media. I have spent my career working in newspapers and magazines.
Best Part: Learning about the people, scenery and fascinating stories of the Grand Strand.
Lives: Georgetown —We love the life up and down the Grand Strand.
On the weekend: My wife and I enjoy traveling and exploring.
John Prim
On Staff Since: 2020
Hometown: Mount Pleasant, SC
Alma Mater: College of Charleston, BFA Political Science, Minors in History & Philosophy
Inspiration: My children, Open Source Development, Creative People, Gaming
Best Part: Discovering new ways to creatively display multimedia content to the masses.
Lives: Summerville, SC
On the Weekend: Spending time with my wife & children, camping with the boys, exploring, traveling, random drives to nowhere in particular, cooking, a certain 25 year old wizard game, Twilight Zone & tinkering.
John PrimDirector of Digital Development & Revenue
Darcy Shankland
On Staff Since: 2000
Hometown: Stockton, California
Alma Mater: University of California at Santa Barbara, BA in English literature
Inspiration: Puzzles have always interested and entertained me. I think producing a great magazine is like putting together an intricate puzzle—many important, singular pieces that fit together seamlessly.
Best Parts: Telling the stories of such a layered and interesting place and working with an immensely talented yet modest team
Lives: James Island—I love my quiet burb with its ancient oaks, marshy views, and neighbors who smile and wave.
On the Weekend: Hanging with my hilarious husband, whether embarrassing our teenage daughter, biking through various neighborhoods or the Greenway, or out and about downtown
Melinda Smith Monk
Design Director: Asheville Wedding Guide, High Country Wedding Guide, & House Calls
On Staff Since: 1993
Hometown: Charleston, South Carolina
Alma Mater: The Communication Arts & Design School at Virginia Commonwealth University, BFA
Inspiration: I love being able to tell stories through design, photos, and videos.
Best Part: There is something new to learn every issue. I love working with the team, and I’m a reader and fan of our magazines as well!
Lives: James Island—Close to the beach and far enough away from the busyness of downtown.
On the Weekend: Lost Dog Cafe on Folly; power walking the beach; or hanging out at home with my family and two dogs, Hank and Mr. Fong.
Julie Wood
Associate Art Director: WNC Magazine, Charleston Magazine & Weddings Division: Charleston Weddings, Asheville Wedding Guide, High Country Wedding Guide & WNC Weddings
On Staff Since: 2004
Hometown: Summerville, South Carolina
Alma Mater: University of South Carolina, BA in graphic design with a minor in journalism
Inspiration: I love the pace, the blank slate with each new issue, and the opportunity to work with so many different people.
Best Part: All of the above! Any photo shoot involving food or styling, count me in!
Lives: Mount Pleasant—I love being close to the beach!
On the Weekend: Enjoying the outdoors with my two kids and husband or checking out the new breweries in town
Julie WoodAssociate Art Director
Christine Hall
Art Director: Charleston Fashion Week - Lead Designer: Charleston Wedding Week
On Staff Since: 2012
Hometown: Rockville, Maryland
Alma Mater: University of South Carolina, BA in journalism and mass communications with a minor in graphic design
Inspiration: I have loved drawing and painting since I was little, which turned into a love for graphic design. I combined that with my studies in journalism and ended up working at a great company that allows me to be around both worlds.
Best Part: Waking up and not knowing what I’m going to design that day. One morning, I’ll be working on a layout; by lunch, I am designing ads; and by that afternoon, I’m designing a giant tent decal that will hang over hundreds of people while models walk down the runway. It’s impossible to get bored.
Lives: Charlotte, North Carolina—I’m in in the South End area, which is full of young professionals.
On the Weekend: At one of three places: brunch, one of the 15-plus breweries in the area, or Orange Theory
Christine HallProduction Designer
John Prim
On Staff Since: 2020
Hometown: Mount Pleasant, SC
Alma Mater: College of Charleston, BFA Political Science, Minors in History & Philosophy
Inspiration: My children, Open Source Development, Creative People, Gaming
Best Part: Discovering new ways to creatively display multimedia content to the masses.
Lives: Summerville, SC
On the Weekend: Spending time with my wife & children, camping with the boys, exploring, traveling, random drives to nowhere in particular, cooking, a certain 25 year old wizard game, Twilight Zone & tinkering.
Shelley Hill Young
How long have you been with Gulfstream Communications? Since August 2019, 5 years this summer
What is your hometown? Columbia
What is your Alma Mater? Wofford College for undergrad and the University of Georgia for graduate school in journalism
What inspires you? Music, the beach, good storytellers, and people who are passionate about what they do
What is the best part of working in your field? Getting to know creative people and people working to make our community a better place—and being able to share their stories
Where do you live? James Island
What do you enjoy doing on the weekends and/or in your free time? Listening to live music, going to the beach, and shopping—when I can squeeze that in with keeping up with our 10-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter
Photo credit - credit Chrisman Studios.
Shelley Hill YoungManaging Editor Charleston Magazine
Holly Roberts
How long have you been with Gulfstream Communications? Late December 2020
What is your hometown? Athens, GA
What is your Alma Mater? UGA
What is the best part of working in your field? The colorful folks of Charleston; Engaging with so many interesting people and learning more about their passions
Where do you live? West Ashley
What do you enjoy doing on the weekends and/or in your free time? Hunting for the best biscuits and gravy in town and walking my rescue pup
Holly RobertsCharleston Magazine Assistant Editor
Kelly Creasy
How long have you been with Gulfstream Communications? Since Nov. 2020
What is your hometown? Fort Lauderdale, FL
What is your Alma Mater? Villanova University
What inspires you? I am inspired by people who do good in their community. If we all volunteered our time to help the betterment of our communities, the world would be a better place!
What is the best part of working in your field? I love working in advertising production, it's like putting a puzzle together. I love seeing the magazine come together each month!
Where do you live? Mount Pleasant, SC
What do you enjoy doing on the weekends and/or in your free time? I love being outside, riding bikes, kayaking, swimming in the ocean and spending time with my family!
Kelly CreasyAdvertising Production Manager
Rachel Stern
On Staff Since: 2022
Hometown: Medford, NJ
Alma Mater: SUNY New Paltz
Inspiration: I'm inspired by nature and exploring new places, my friends, and expanding my knowledge in design.
Best Parts: I love being a part of this team that makes every issue interesting and fun to read, and learning about the people and goings-on of Charleston.
Lives: West Ashley
On the Weekend: Reading lots of books, taking a spin or yoga class, chatting with friends, or driving down to my family (and dog) in Savannah!
Rachel SternGraphic Designer
Ruby McClinton
On Staff Since: March 2024
Hometown: Asheville, NC
Alma Mater: College of Charleston
Inspiration: I am inspired by living a healthy and active lifestyle, meeting creative and fun people, and taking advantage of all there is to do, see and taste in this amazing city!
Best Part: The best part is that I love Charleston and being a part of a team that promotes the beautiful people, places, and events happening here is a perfect match for me!
Lives: Downtown Charleston, SC
On The Weekend: Trying new restaurants/coffee shops, cooking, going on long walks and catching up with friends!
Ruby McClintonAdvertising Consultant
Denise Nandi
On Staff Since: 2006
Hometown: New Hope, Pennsylvania
Alma Mater: Temple University, BS in marketing with minor in economics, and University of Utah, MS in marketing
Inspiration: I have always loved glossy pubs and have been an avid magazine reader since college. I set forth my path to be part of the industry at a young age.
Best Part: Being able to learn about so many different types of businesses. It makes me happy knowing that I’m a part of what can help businesses attain success. You become part of their team, and it’s a great feeling!
Lives: Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, and Austin, Texas
On the Weekend: With my daughter, Asha Anne, and my husband and dog, exploring, traveling, and most importantly making memories!
Denise JanoveSenior Account Executive
Terrie Bergdorf
On Staff Since: 2017
Hometown: Portage Lakes, Ohio
Alma Mater: Kent State University, BA in journalism
Inspiration: I started in journalism and owned my own video production company for 17 years, so media is very comfortable for me.
Best Part: Being part of the Gulfstream team.
Neighborhood: West Point, Mount Pleasant—It’s a small, family-oriented community, close to everything.
On the Weekend: On the Isle of Palms beach early for a sunrise walk and again later in the day for a visit to the Bistros
Terrie BergdorfA/R Specialist/Circulation
Melissa Carr
On Staff Since: 2023
Hometown: Everywhere! I'm an Army brat.
Alma Mater: College of Charleston
Inspiration: My family, creativity, and kindness.
Best Parts: Sense of humor, curiosity and the cool people around me.
Lives: Fort Mill, SC
On the Weekend: Coffee, wine, running around with the kiddos, traveling, sleeping, and surviving.
Melissa Carr
Marian Lynam
On Staff Since: 2010
Hometown: Fayetteville, North Carolina
Alma Mater: Western Carolina University, BS
Inspiration: After college, I moved to NYC and started working for an ad agency, where I fell in love with the whole idea of creating something for someone to make their business grow.
Best Part: I never meet new customers; I meet new friends.
Lives: Mount Pleasant
On the Weekend: By the pool or on the beach
Marian LynamAdvertising Consultant
Pete Banko
On staff since: 2020
Hometown: Canisteo, New York
Alma Mater: University of Dayton (Ohio), BA
Inspiration: I have always been interested in the printed word and media. I have spent my career working in newspapers and magazines.
Best Part: Learning about the people, scenery and fascinating stories of the Grand Strand.
Lives: Georgetown —We love the life up and down the Grand Strand.
On the weekend: My wife and I enjoy traveling and exploring.
Marian Lynam
On Staff Since: 2010
Hometown: Fayetteville, North Carolina
Alma Mater: Western Carolina University, BS
Inspiration: After college, I moved to NYC and started working for an ad agency, where I fell in love with the whole idea of creating something for someone to make their business grow.
Best Part: I never meet new customers; I meet new friends.
Lives: Mount Pleasant
On the Weekend: By the pool or on the beach
Tonya Carroll
On Staff Since: 2009
Hometown: Kings Mountain, North Carolina
Alma Mater: Western Carolina University, BS
Inspiration: I love our products and enjoy working closely with my clients, learning about their business, and watching their business grow.
Best Part: My clients receiving the magazines and being pleased with the results
Lives: Pawley’s Island
On the Weekend: On the river or the beach
Marilyn Milkovich
On Staff Since: 2015
Hometown: McKeesport, Pennsylvania
Best Part: Assisting with creating the ads
Lives: Myrtle Beach, just a short distance to the beach
On the Weekend: Where else? The Beach
Rachel Leslie
On Staff Since: 2019
Hometown: Asheville, NC
Alma Mater: Western Carolina University, BS
Inspiration: Having graduated recently, I wanted a job that allowed me to engage with my community
Best Part: Being able to get involved in my community in creative ways
Lives: Asheville, NC- I love its uniqueness and forward way of thinking
On The Weekend: Camping, discovering new vegan food in the Asheville area, or hanging out with my pet pig, Greg
Rachel LeslieEditorial Assistant
John Prim
On Staff Since: 2020
Hometown: Mount Pleasant, SC
Alma Mater: College of Charleston, BFA Political Science, Minors in History & Philosophy
Inspiration: My children, Open Source Development, Creative People, Gaming
Best Part: Discovering new ways to creatively display multimedia content to the masses.
Lives: Summerville, SC
On the Weekend: Spending time with my wife & children, camping with the boys, exploring, traveling, random drives to nowhere in particular, cooking, a certain 25 year old wizard game, Twilight Zone & tinkering.
John Prim Director of Digital Development & Revenue
Jenna Berounsky
On Staff Since: 2023
Hometown: Woodstock, Georgia
Alma Mater: University of South Carolina- Bachelors in Hospitality Management, with experience in Marketing, Public Relations/Advertising, and Event Management.
Inspiration: To keep learning as much as I possibly can!
Best Parts: Meeting and connecting with people from all over the world with so many different talents.
Lives: Downtown Charleston
On the Weekend: Exploring my new city, walking everywhere around town to check out local shops and fun restaurants!
Jenna BerounskyDigital Marketing
