Our Team
Meet Our Team
At Haig Point, we pride ourselves on the amazing team members here to exceed your expectations. Led by Don Hunter, we share one priority — to ensure our Members and Residents enjoy an incredible experience every day.
ADMINISTRATION
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Don has three decades in the club management/service industry earmarked by remarkable success through change and innovation at numerous high-profile facilities.
Don holds a CCM Designation from the Club Managers Association of America, studied business at Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis. He enjoys mentoring young club managers to help them achieve career success.
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
A graduate of Mercyhurst College, in Erie, Pennsylvania, Joe has over 35 years experience leading teams and focusing on organizations’ operational accounting processes along with the complexities associate with the construction and funding of renovations and special projects.
Joe and his wife, Paula, relocated from the Naples area and have purchased a home in Bluffton and have three grown children. Joe enjoys exercise of all kinds, enjoys golf/spending time outdoors with his family, cooking and food.
SALES AND MARKETING
director of marketing
Lauren joined the Haig Point team in 2017 as Marketing Coordinator. In her current role she is responsible for the copywriting and graphic design of all Member communication both printed and digital, manages the website, creates and publishes the Haig Point Happenings, handles all social media interactions and content creation, and contributes to Sales and Marketing efforts and initiatives – big and small – for Haig Point and its subsidiary companies.
Broker-in-charge
Jennifer Simoneaux Windley is your Lowcountry insider. Born and raised in the beautiful Lowcountry, Jen has experienced firsthand the tremendous change and growth that’s transformed the area into one of the East Coast’s most sought-after destinations. Applying the knowledge learned in a career of marketing and business administration, Jen brings business savvy and professionalism to her real estate clients. Her exceptional knowledge of the market, coupled with her extensive network and contacts in the area, makes Jen the unequivocal go-to resource for all your real estate needs.
lead realtor
Laura Leigh, her husband, and two children have lived on Daufuskie Island since January 2007. Before joining Premier Properties by Haig Point Laura Leigh stayed at home raising her two children and was involved in multiple community organizations around the island. She graduated from The University of Georgia in 2002 with a degree in psychology and after graduating she then pursued a career in pharmaceutical sales for more than 5 years. Laura Leigh has most recently decided to start a career in real estate focusing on Daufuskie Island. With her past history in sales along with her many years of living on the island, she can offer her clients firsthand information and extensive knowledge of this area to assure success for all their real estate needs.
realtor
Bernadette Putz has proudly called Haig Point on Daufuskie Island home since 2020. With her extensive relocation experience, she brings a unique perspective & skill set to assist both buyers & sellers. Her 20+ years of corporate team building provide strength in effective communication & negotiation. From contract to closing & every step in between, you can trust Bernadette to guide you through your luxury real estate journey.
Bernadette is dedicated to giving back to her community by serving on various boards & committees. When she’s not helping clients find their dream homes, she enjoys exploring the best of the Lowcountry, including beach walks with her husband & their golden retrievers. Bernadette loves our island community & is eager & excited to share it with you.
realtor
Born and raised in the upstate of South Carolina, Hollie was captivated by the Lowcountry 20 years ago. She moved to Daufuskie Island in 2021 and served the community and surrounding areas in the public sector as a Firefighter/Paramedic. She later embarked on a career path that allowed her to focus on Business/Entrepreneurship. Her passion for architecture and design coupled with her love to work with people, lead her into Real Estate Industry in 2023.
MEMBER & REALTOR RELATIONS MANAGER
Courtney comes to Haig Point with a background in Event & Hospitality Management. With 11 years of professional experience in the Hospitality & Country Club industry, Courtney’s role is to serve as a liaison to our Membership and serves as the point of contact for new Members and new homeowners in Haig Point.
Director of marine operations
Prior to joining Haig Point, Chris served as a senior executive for two large international yachting companies, Beneteau America and Hudson Yacht Group. In his role as President of Hudson Yacht Group he was responsible for 400 employees.
His 10 years in the marine industry was preceded by 25 years in the private aviation business, where he founded and led the growth of Global Air and subsequently sold to a large public corporation. His long and successful career includes engaging governmental stakeholders like the Federal Aviation Administration and the United States Coast Guard.
Chris holds licenses as an FAA pilot, Flight Paramedic, PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor and a USCG 100 Ton captain. He’s excited to bring his experience in both marine and private aviation to Haig Point. He has recently moved from the upstate and has put down roots here in the Lowcountry. Over the past several months he’s identified areas for improvement and is excited to bring his many years of experience to our unique operation.
DIRECTOR OF GOLF
For 10 years, Jay was Director of Golf at The Grandezza Golf Club in Fort Myers, Florida. Jay brings over 30 years of golf operations and high-end private club experience to Haig Point along with an extensive background in teaching, hosting tournaments and merchandising.
DIRECTOR OF racquet sports
Originally from Crystal River, Florida, Brian attended Florida Southern College where he played on the varsity tennis team and earned a degree in marketing in 2011. Combining his passion for both business and sports, his career in tennis and hospitality began with coaching at the RDV Sportsplex in Orlando, Florida. In 2015, he became the Director of Junior Tennis for Midtown Athletic Clubs in Atlanta, Georgia. Four years later, he took on the role of Head Tennis Professional at White Columns Country Club in Milton, Georgia. In 2021, he was named Director of Racquet Sports at Polo Golf and Country Club in Cumming, Georgia before returning to White Columns in 2022 to serve as their Director of Racquet Sports.
Director of Recreation and Wellness
Recently from Asheville, NC where Mitchell spent the last 3.5 years at one of the top wellness retreats in the country, Skyterra. In his time there, he grew from a Health & Fitness Specialist to Fitness Director, and eventually Program Director, which allowed him to work directly with guests of all ages, backgrounds, skill levels. Helping individuals see what they can achieve through being active and improving their fitness levels is what he loves about his career the most.
Director of equestrian
Marlene is an accomplished horsewoman with a reputation for incorporating proven techniques into her customized training programs and prioritizing top-notch equine care in the barn. She enjoys working with clients of all ages, levels, and backgrounds. Her specialty is Hunter/Jumper lessons with an emphasis on safety, correct basics, and proper equitation. Marlene owns two personal horses, Ava and Indie, and when she’s not riding them in her free time, she is usually walking to the beach with her dog, Elvis.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Food & beverage director
Michael was most recently the General Manager of the South Carolina Yacht Club. Michael has worked in private clubs, hotels, and restaurants across the country. Before moving to Hilton Head several years ago, he spent 15 years in Atlanta working at the Buckhead Diner, Del Frisco’s Grille, Chops Steak House, and Pano’s and Paul’s.
executive chef
Smith has dedicated his culinary career to curating exceptional dining experiences for members and their guests as well as developing and fostering exceptional culinary teams in the club industry. His passion for cooking shines through in every dish he creates, bringing a delightful blend of flavors and creativity to the table. Smith is committed to offering a unique experience from beginning to end for every meal he prepares.