The Kiawah Conservancy : A Community of Thousands Working as One
Volunteers do not necessarily have the time ; they just have the heart .” — Elizabeth Andrew
The work of preserving and enhancing the habitats and wildlife of Kiawah Island , the mission of the Kiawah Conservancy , requires the enthusiasm , dedication , and energy of an army of volunteers . Both visitors and residents devote time and skill to running education programs , producing lectures and publications , conducting special occasion celebrations like Earth Day , and caring for a beautiful demonstration garden in Night Heron Park . These activities are just the tip of the iceberg . This year we highlight three outstanding volunteers who have guided the organization in the past , at present , and into the future : our hard-working chairmen — Kevin Cox , Richard Ames , and Richard Warner . These generous individuals have brought their professional and personal skills together with their boundless energy to lead the Conservancy and inspire all who participate . We hope you will be inspired by their efforts and join us as we enter our third decade .
The story of how Kevin and Joy Cox became residents of Kiawah Island is a familiar one . They visited the Island at the suggestion of one of Kevin ’ s business colleagues , fell in love with the place , and promptly bought the lot where their home now stands .
Kevin was originally from New York , but headed south to the University of Richmond for college , and completed his graduate work at the University of Virginia . He spent his career in commercial and investment banking , first with Chase Manhattan Bank and then with Merrill Lynch for 23 years before his retirement . When the Coxes were in the process of building their Kiawah house they got to know their neighbors and through them became involved with the Kiawah Conservancy . They joined with several couples in their neighborhood to donate property across the street from their house to the Conservancy . Their new home was completed in 2010 , and they became South Carolina residents on January 1 , 2012 .
Kevin is the Conservancy ’ s immediate past chairman and has been an active member of the organization since he came to the Island . He has been a particularly effective fundraiser and emphasizes that he does not hesitate to seek donations because of his support for promoting the preservation of the natural habitats found here , and the abundant wildlife those habitats support . Kevin is especially interested in the sustainability of the Conservancy , working to ensure that the organization is well enough established and supported to guarantee its effective functioning not only for the present but into the future as well . To achieve these goals , he has participated in strategic planning and at the same time has worked to establish an endowment to provide financial stability .
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Background photo by Jane Lurie