As Roper St. Francis Healthcare embarks on the transformational journey of building a state-of-the-art Roper Hospital campus in North Charleston, the healthcare system remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a culture of engagement and advocacy.
What sets it apart is a strong sense of camaraderie and community. This is achieved by ensuring team members and volunteers reflect the rich diversity of the region — its backgrounds, demographics and perspectives. By welcoming local leaders to the board, the healthcare system strengthens its ability to serve patients while staying deeply connected to the communities that rely on it.
Roper St. Francis Healthcare recently welcomed a new group of highly accomplished local leaders to the Roper Hospital Board of Directors. These individuals, who have volunteered their time and expertise, bring invaluable insight that will shape the direction of the hospital and strengthen its mission to provide exceptional care to patients and the community. Set on a 27-acre property near interstates 26 and 526, the future campus is expected to be completed in summer 2029 as a major milestone in our Roper St. Francis Healthcare 2030 Strategic Plan initiative to optimize the system’s footprint in the Charleston region.
The board members are developing several subcommittees to help optimize the current and future impact of Roper Hospital. See more on that effort below.
The healthcare system extends its gratitude to the new and returning board members for their dedication and service to Roper Hospital:
Board Members
Listed in alphabetical order
Rev. Dr. Byron L. Benton (New to the board)
The senior pastor of Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, Dr. Benton is a leader in community engagement, ministry and social justice. He serves on numerous advisory boards, including the Lowcountry Food Bank, and is known for his dedication to family and faith-based initiatives. His background in business education, pastoral care and marriage and family therapy makes him a valuable voice on the board.
Mayor Reginald “Reggie” Burgess (New to the board)
A native of North Charleston’s Union Heights and Liberty Hill neighborhoods, Mayor Burgess has dedicated his life to public service. After an impressive football career at Morgan State University, he transitioned to law enforcement, serving with distinction in the North Charleston Police Department for nearly three decades, ultimately becoming chief of police. In 2024, he was inaugurated as mayor of North Charleston, bringing his leadership and community engagement experience to the hospital board.
John Buxton
John Buxton is a sales professional with CVRx, which specializes in heart failure implants and other therapies that harness the body’s natural systems.
Jay Davis
Jay Davis, an attorney, chairs both the Professional and Medical Liability and the Business and Banking Litigation groups at his firm, Clement Rivers LLP. A fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, he specializes in medical and legal malpractice and complex litigation. He also served as an adjunct professor at Charleston School of Law.
Natalie Caula Hauff (New to the board)
A Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Hauff is deputy director of the Charleston County Public Library, overseeing partnerships, outreach and marketing. With a career spanning print, television and digital media, she has been a strong advocate for public access to information, literacy and community engagement. Her leadership will be instrumental in expanding the hospital’s outreach initiatives.
Jairy Hunter
Jairy Hunter Jr. is president emeritus of Charleston Southern University, where he led for 34 years. Under his leadership, the university saw restored accreditation, a 500 percent rise in alumni donations, quadrupled endowment and financial stabilization. He now teaches graduate business courses and supports the Limitless Capital Campaign.
Lynne Kerrison
Lynne Kerrison, CPA, CMPE, is EVP/CFO of Bishop Gadsden Episcopal Retirement Community, managing its $72 million budget and financial operations. A former public accountant, she holds certifications in healthcare compliance and medical practice management. She also serves with We Are Sharing Hope’s Finance Committee and as treasurer of SC LeadingAge.
Hunter Louis (Chair)
Dr. Hunter Louis of Lowcountry Emergency Physicians is the attending emergency physician at Roper Hospital. He has been practicing emergency medicine for more than 15 years. He holds a medical degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine and an MBA from The Citadel. Louis is also founder of Tiger Swamp Solutions, which specializes in residential real estate construction, management and leasing.
Craig Mackaness, D.O. (Vice Chair)
Dr. Craig Mackaness is a hospitalist who practices at all four Roper St. Francis Healthcare hospitals. He is board-certified in nephrology and internal medicine. He holds a medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed residencies in internal medicine and a fellowship in nephrology at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg.
Bernett “Bernie” William Mazyck (New to the board)
The founding and only president and CEO of the South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development, Mazyck has dedicated his career to improving economic conditions in low-wealth communities across the state. With expertise in financial strategies and wealth-building initiatives, he is an influential advocate for sustainable community development and will bring this experience to the hospital board.
Sunju Patel (New to the board)
A seasoned entrepreneur and real estate leader, Patel has over 20 years of experience in investments, acquisitions and development, particularly in hospitality and commercial real estate. As the founder and CEO of TMGOC Ventures, Patel has cultivated a deep understanding of business growth, capital markets and strategic development, which will be essential as Roper Hospital expands its presence in the region.
Audrey K. Starks Lane (New to the board)
A founding partner and executive director of E3 (Educate, Empower, and Elevate), Lane is an advocate for racial and economic justice. She has extensive experience in talent pipeline development, leadership strategy and community engagement, ensuring that underserved communities have access to resources and opportunities. Her commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion will be a vital asset to the hospital board.
Edward Rawl
Edward Rawl, an attorney, is Boeing’s senior director of Ethics, overseeing global compliance, conflict of interest issues and cultural assessments. A former partner at a labor law firm, he also served as Boeing’s senior counsel. He’s a founding member of Boeing’s Racial Equity Task Force and holds degrees from the University of South Carolina.
New Subcommittees
These board members’ ongoing leadership and commitment are immeasurable as the healthcare system continues to advance healthcare in the community. Roper St. Francis Healthcare looks forward to working with the board to shape the future of Roper Hospital and ensuring it remains a trusted healthcare partner for generations to come.
The board is creating new subcommittees that it expects to evolve over time as needs for the future Roper Hospital develop. Check out the subcommittees and key questions board members plan to tackle:
- TELLING THE HISTORY: How do we capture the historical story of Roper St. Francis Healthcare, the Medical Society of South Carolina and the surrounding community?
- GREENWAY AND HEALING GARDEN: How do we leverage these spaces to provide areas for respite and an inviting environment for all patients? Based upon previous feedback, it may be that these spaces complement the history-telling.
- CAPTURING THE CULTURE AND REGION THROUGH ART: In collaboration with an art consultant, how do we capture the local area through the artwork utilized through the hospital?
- COMMUNICATIONS: What groups and opportunities are there to spread the message of our future hospital plans? How do we best educate and provide excitement around the project while also being courteous to our neighbors?