Jimmy Huggins
President and CEO
Born in Sumter, South Carolina, Jimmy moved to the Lowcountry at age 12. He received his formal education at the University of South Carolina and The Citadel. After a tour in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot, and successful construction and cable television businesses, his association with Southeastern Wildlife Exposition began in 1983, when he served as a volunteer art and staff coordinator. In 1987, his role changed drastically when he and a group of businessmen bought out the financially struggling event. Serving as Executive Director from 1987 until 1998, Jimmy became President and CEO of the organization in 1998. He currently lives in Summerville, SC with his wife, Beth. jhuggins@sewe.com
John Powell
Executive Director
A native of Greenville, North Carolina, and a graduate of Davidson College, John lives in downtown Charleston and joined the SEWE staff full-time in April 2007.
As Executive Director, John oversees the day-to-day operations of the organization. He works with SEWE corporate partners, and oversees the coordination of all SEWE exhibitors and layouts for all SEWE venues. John lives downtown with his wife, Davy and their two dogs. jpowell@sewe.com
Alyssa Bradford
Special Projects Coordinator
A native of Valdosta, Georgia, Alyssa attended college at Valdosta State University and earned a degree in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations. After graduating, she moved to Charleston to pursue a career in event planning. Alyssa began working for SEWE in January 2016 to help coordinate and execute special projects. She also helps manage the SC Junior Duck Stamp Program, a statewide youth education program under the SEWE umbrella. abradford@sewe.com
Natalie Wooten Henderson
Art Curator
Originally from Burgaw, North Carolina, Natalie joined SEWE’s staff in July 2009, and became the Artist Curator in August 2011. Upon graduating from North Carolina State University, she earned her Event Management Certification from George Washington University School of Business. Natalie, her husband and two children live in Mount Pleasant. nhenderson@sewe.com
Maggie Howell
Special Projects & Exhibitor Director
Maggie was raised in Nashville, Tennessee and has a BA in Communications from Auburn University and Certification in Meeting and Event Planning from Belmont University. Maggie joined the SEWE team in January 2014 to help coordinate and execute special events and manage exhibitor recruitment and processing. She lives in Charleston with her Westie, Gibbs. mhowell@sewe.com
Beth Huggins
VIP Coordinator
A native of the Charleston area, Beth graduated from Winthrop University in Interior Design. Beth has two daughters, Davy and Jesse, two stepdaughters, Lainey and Robyn, a grandson, Eliott and a granddaughter, Merritt. She has a cavapoo named Harriett Rose, six little chickens and is known to take home just about any other creature Jimmy will allow. bhuggins@sewe.com
Mary Mitchell Roberts
Marketing Director
Originally from Lexington, Kentucky, Mary moved to Charleston after graduating from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Integrated Strategic Marketing and Public Relations. She started her career as the Marketing Director for a local commercial real estate and development firm. Mary joined the SEWE team in 2010 and became the Director of Marketing in 2012. She also serves as the state coordinator for the SC Junior Duck Stamp Program. She lives in Mt Pleasant with her husband and two little boys. mroberts@sewe.com