About Us

Pam was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pa. She recently retired as a Managing Director in Medical Device Investment Banking for Capital One. Pam finished a 6-year commitment as a Board Member for Four Diamonds. The last 3 years on the Board she served as Vice-Chair for 1 year and Chair for the final 2 years. Four Diamonds is affiliated with Penn State Hershey Medical Center. The charity covers 100 percent of all medical expenses related to pediatric cancer care that is not covered by insurance

J.B. was born and raised in Chevy Chase, MD. He moved to Hilton Head in 2003. He became involved working Special Olympics tennis in the greater Hilton Head/Bluffton area through PTI. 

J.B. was a Senior V.P. for CoBank in Denver and then V.P. for ACBS, a leading developer of banking software for large regional, money center and international banks.

Cherie is a graduate of Clemson University and moved to the Lowcountry in 1982. She is the Co-Director of Area 8 Special Olympics which works directly with SOAR. Cherie continues her dedication to the special needs community by serving on the board for the Children’s Relief Fund and hosting several families for Hilton Head Heroes. Cherie also works full-time as an insurance agent at Kinghorn Insurance

I have proudly served as a board member for SOAR Special Recreation since 2022. Being part of an organization that creates opportunities for individuals with disabilities to stay active, build relationships, and feel truly included has been incredibly meaningful to me. Having lived in the community since 2011, giving back to the place I call home has always been important. As a real estate advisor, I’ve built my career around relationships, trust, and helping people find where they truly belong. That same belief carries into my work with SOAR. I care deeply about serving individuals with special needs and ensuring there are meaningful opportunities for those with disabilities across the Lowcountry. What stands out to me most about SOAR is how it creates more than just programming—it builds confidence, connection, and a true sense of community for participants and their families. I’m grateful to be part of an organization that makes such a lasting and meaningful impact.

Originally from Brookline, Massachusetts, Sarah has called Bluffton home since 2003. She works in real estate with Engel & Völkers Hilton Head–Bluffton, where she met Kathy Cramer and became involved with SOAR through her work there. Passionate about volunteering and expanding community resources, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family and participating in local events while supporting initiatives that create lasting impacts.

Lauren grew up in Philadelphia, PA and moved to Hilton Head is 2019. Lauren spent the large part of her career as an Executive at JPMorgan Chase. While there, she directed and led teams in technology, marketing, operations, and data analytics. Lauren became started coaching tennis for SOAR. Lauren’s nephew, Matty, has special needs and she has seen first-hand how valuable it has been for him to participate in recreational activities

Vincent Elia joined Synovus in March 2021 as the Retail Market Manager in Hilton Head. Vincent has more than 23 years of banking experience in Florida and South Carolina. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree In Business Administration at Belmont Abbey College. Has been married for 28 years to Karen Elia who works at the Beaufort County School District in HR and has 2 Daughter Hannah (26) and Emma (23), who graduated from the College of Charleston. Both now live in Beaufort County. Vincent currently serves on the Board for SOAR Special Recreation for the Lowcountry and was a member of The Hilton Head Kiwanis Club until it closed at the end of 2025. Now is a member of a special fundraising committee. He is a member of the Beaufort County Softball
League and BNI Lowcountry Early Risers, which he has held a leadership role since 2022.

Jean was born and raised in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, and moved to Hilton Head in 2021. She now works full-time as the Guest Service Manager at Sunset Rentals of Hilton Head. After meeting Kathy Cramer, Jean became involved with SOAR and quickly found a meaningful way to advocate for individuals with special needs. Passionate about inclusive community programming, she supports SOAR’s mission to empower young athletes through Special Olympics and Unified initiatives in local schools.