Hilton Head-Bluffton Chamber honors five at 2026 Chamber Ball
The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce honored five recipients during its annual Chamber Ball on Feb. 7 at The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa.
The awards recognize individuals and organizations for contributions to the economy, environment and civic life of Hilton Head Island, Bluffton and southern Beaufort County.
Tom Barnwell received the Icon Award, which recognizes an individual whose work has had a lasting impact on the community. Born on Hilton Head Island in 1935, Barnwell has been active in efforts to preserve Gullah culture and advocate for native islanders. He testified before Congress during the civil rights era and served on President John F. Kennedy’s “To Fulfill These Rights” Committee. Barnwell also co-authored the book “Gullah Days.”
The Heritage Award was presented to Volunteers in Medicine, a nonprofit clinic founded more than 30 years ago by Dr. Jack McConnell. The organization provides medical services to uninsured and underinsured residents and reports conducting more than 20,000 patient visits annually across 26 specialties. The clinic operates through volunteer medical professionals and community support.
The Pinnacle Award, recognizing business achievement and community involvement, was awarded to The Riverstone Group and The Sea Pines Resort. Sea Pines, originally developed more than 60 years ago by Charles Fraser, includes Harbour Town and the Sea Pines Forest Preserve and hosts the annual RBC Heritage PGA Tour tournament.
Dr. Jean Fruh received the inaugural Guardian Award for environmental leadership. Fruh is executive director of the Outside Foundation and a South Carolina Master Naturalist. She has led environmental education initiatives, including the Kids in Kayaks program for local students, and has supported oyster restoration and conservation efforts in the region.
Kristin Keller was named Zonta Woman of the Year. The award is presented by a local club affiliated with Zonta International and recognizes leadership and service benefiting women and girls. Keller, a marketing representative at Palmetto Electric Cooperative, has served as board president of the Hilton Head Island Recreation Association and as president of her Rotary club. She has also served on the Leadership Hilton Head-Bluffton Board of Regents and Beaufort County School District committees.
The Chamber Ball is one of the chamber’s signature annual events and supports its economic development and workforce initiatives in southern Beaufort County.
