Hugh was recently elected the 2016 Chairman of the Board of Directors for Southeastern Firefighters Burn Foundation (SFBF). He's been a board member since 2011, and has been a source of wisdom and support as he served in many capacities, including Treasurer and Vice Chairman.
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Hugh will serve the Foundation well as its chairman. I have known and worked with Hugh for years, and have the utmost respect for him. He will continue to bring a wealth of experience and wisdom to the board in this new role," shared Stephen Farmer, member and former Chairman of the SFBF Board of Directors.
Hugh grew up outside of Hickory, North Carolina and graduated from Appalachian State. He is the Senior Vice President of State Bank Mortgage with responsibilities for residential construction and development lending.
You don't have to look far to see Hugh's thumbprint on many economic and social areas affecting our community. In addition to the Burn Foundation, he enjoys serving in the Bridge Ministry, as First Baptist of Augusta Team Leader. This ministry provides a worship service and hot meal to 250-350 inner city poor and homeless each Saturday underneath the 15th Street Bridge.
Hugh serves as Chairman of the Development Authority of Columbia County, where the focus is to help recruit industry and business to the area. He has been active in both the Homebuilders Association of Georgia, as the past state Associate Vice President, and the Builders Association of Metro Augusta, where he is a Life Director on the Board of Directors. Hugh is past President of The Coalition for Quality Government for Columbia County and a deacon at First Baptist Church of Augusta.
Hugh says he's honored to be a part of the Burn Foundation. "Anyone who has experienced trauma like a burn injury knows that an integral part of the healing process is having family close by. We are there to help meet the needs of those visiting loved ones in the Burn Center - or the patients themselves," explained Hugh.
As chairman, Hugh has three goals: 1) continue to support the efforts of the staff as it meets the daily needs of burn patients and families, 2) assist the staff with its strategy to expand the number of partnerships with fire departments in our region, and 3) continue to raise the visibly of the Burn Foundation in the Augusta community.
"Hugh is very passionate about our cause. He is an involved participant at every event and goes above and beyond in moving our mission forward. From assisting in our recent HVAC installation, to pursuing new partnerships, Hugh is definitely a blessing to the Burn Foundation," shared Linda McKnight, President/CEO.
Hugh and his wife, Sherri, are parents of two adult children and enjoy spending time in the North Carolina mountains. Hugh's favorite hobby is cycling, and for the past four years he has participated as a team member with the Ironman 70.3 Augusta Road Cycling team.
