We have a blog series, the Staff Q&A, to help you get to know the people at SCCLF here to help you invest in community. Today, we are learning more about Kelly Sharkey, our Program Manager.
01. Tell us what you do here at SCCLF.
As the Program Manager at SCCLF, I organize and implement our Technical Assistance programs, including Feeding Innovation, LEAP, Borrowing 101, New Market Tax Credit Workshop, and Housing Development 101. Additionally, I work on the policy and advocacy side of the organization. Our efforts mainly focus on affordable housing and access to healthy foods. I have had the privilege of meeting with state and federal officials to discuss the need of these programs in the state of South Carolina.
02. What’s your favorite part of your job?
It is hard to pick one favorite part of my job at SCCLF. I enjoy organizing and planning the multiple events that we have throughout the year. Seeing the calendar booked up gets me excited! I also love going to Washington, DC, for visits with legislators. Roaming the halls of the senate building is pretty fascinating for me. I love to talk about the good work that we are doing throughout the state in order to get lawmakers to support these programs. I also feel very blessed that my work is done statewide which allows me to see all the different regions and towns of South Carolina. Having only been in the state for a year, I feel like I have been able to learn a lot from visiting various towns.
03. What do you like to do when you’re not at work?
When I’m not at work, I like to spend time with my husband and our cat Ted and dog Phoebe. We love to do work on our house and grill on our porch. A lot of weekends I’m traveling, visiting friends in New Orleans or family in Virginia. I love heading to a bar during football season and catching a Saints game on a Sunday. Who dat?!
04. What is something you’re looking forward to, either personally or professionally?
I’m looking forward to getting to know South Carolina and the Charleston area. Having recently moved from New Orleans, I feel like there are a lot of experiences and sights that I still have yet to see in South Carolina. This job definitely helps me achieve that goal but I’d also like to explore the state on my personal time. So far I’ve spent time in the local beaches, like Folly, Sullivan’s, and even Edisto. I’d like to spend more time in the Upstate area where it’s more mountainous.
05. Is there anything you want people to know, either about you or about SCCLF?
I’m very excited to be on the SCCLF team! I have worked in community development in New Orleans for nearly 10 years and am excited to continue doing the same type of work in South Carolina. I recently graduated with a double Master’s Degree in Social Work and Public Health from Tulane University. I’m thrilled that I am able to utilize both degrees in this job!
Kelly can be reached via email at kelly@sccommunityloanfund.org or via phone at (854) 222-3010.