The Emerging Leader of the Year is a new award category that recognizes a young professional that has given their time and talents to make Summerville and Dorchester County a better place with passion, teamwork and innovative thinking. This person has leadership qualities that surpass those of their peers and has accomplished many things in their short time in the workforce.  

Congratulations to the 2019 Emerging Leader of the Year, Brooks Hearn. Hearn has been a member of the Junior Service League since 2013 and has since held five leadership positions within the organization, including President. Additionally, Brooks has served on the Board of Directors for Sculpture in the South, as a committee member for the Dorchester Children’s Advocacy Center Kitchen Tour since 2015, and as a participant and volunteer in The ARK's Dancing with the Stars event since 2015.   

Hearn is currently serving as Lowcountry Regional Representative for the University of South Carolina’s Young Alumni Council, V.P. of Membership for the S.C. Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, and was recently promoted to Lowcountry Regional Field Director for the Miss South Carolina Pageant - a role that involves traveling from Beaufort to Georgetown, serving as the go-to person for each Teen and Miss contestant and director participating in the pageant.  

As if that is not enough to keep one person busy, Brooks excels at her job as Director of Advancement for Pinewood Preparatory School, which includes creating all of their communications material and most recently, serving as the lead for their annual fundraising golf tournament, which saw record-breaking donations in 2019. Brooks also provides freelance communications assistance and volunteer work with other organizations.  

“In everything she does, her leadership capabilities shine,” says Brooks’ nominator and younger sister, Sarah Hearn. “Brooks' heart is called to serve in any capacity in which she may be needed [and] she truly puts the needs of others above her own without hesitation. Everyone who meets Brooks knows that she is the woman to call when they need something done, and done right, and she is admired by the students and members of the organizations she serves. I truly do not know how she does it. If there is any person in Summerville that would be a shining example of an emerging leader, it would be Brooks.” 

About the Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce  

Since its establishment in 1911, the Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce has been an integral part of the growth of Summerville and the surrounding areas. Our mission is to protect and promote the quality of life in the community, with specific emphasis on improving economic vitality and providing a favorable business climate. For more information, please visit www.greatersummerville.org or call (843) 873-2931.  

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