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.
Director of Operations
Jay has a wealth of experience to this new role. Jay has been a PGA Member since 1994. Prior to Haig Point, he served as Director of Golf at Grandezza Golf Club in Estero, Florida, for a decade, and held positions as Head Golf Professional and Teaching Professional at Raptor Bay Golf Club in Estero for nine years, Pelican Marsh in Naples for two years, and Vineyards Country Club in Naples for seven years. His distinguished career reflects a steadfast commitment to the sport and its community.
Originally from Dallas, Texas, Jay’s professional journey is marked by notable accolades. He has been honored as Merchandiser of the Year twice by the South Florida Section of the PGA, nominated for Teacher of the Year in the Southwest Florida Chapter of the PGA, and recognized as a member of the PGA President’s Council for his contributions to growing the game of golf. His program earned Over-All Golf Club Operations of the Year for WCI Communities and Jay is a graduate of WCI Communities’ High Impact Leadership Program. Additionally, Jay earned a place among the Top 25 Golf World Business National Merchandisers of the Year for Resorts, underscoring his exceptional leadership and expertise.
Real Estate
broker in charge
REALTOR®
A native South Carolinian, David brought his award-winning expertise to Daufuskie in 2024. Formerly a top-producing REALTOR® in Aiken, SC, he dominated the luxury equestrian real estate market, earning titles such as Top Individual Agent and High Selling Agent. David’s “championship” approach stems from a prestigious former career as a World Champion horse trainer and two-time Rider of the Year. He translates that elite business acumen into successful, high-stakes transactions for his clients. Deeply committed to real estate ethics, David actively serves on the SC Association of REALTORS® Professional Standards and Grievance Committees, ensuring every Daufuskie Island land or home sale is handled with absolute integrity. A College of Charleston alumnus, David lives the island lifestyle he sells—exploring the coast, riding in the hunter arena, and enjoying the wilderness with his three children and dogs.
Lead real estate agent
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.
Realtor®
With over 15 years of experience in the Chicagoland real estate market, I am dedicated to helping buyers and sellers navigate every step of their real estate journey with confidence and ease. I recently expanded my real estate services to South Carolina, allowing me to assist clients in two incredible markets.
Gina prides herself on building lasting relationships through honesty, hard work, and personalized service. Whether helping first-time buyers, growing families, or those looking to relocate, her goal is always to make the process as smooth and successful as possible.
Outside of real estate, she loves spending time with her family, new granddaughter, volunteering in the community, and enjoying the outdoors whenever she can. Her passion for helping others extends beyond real estate and into every part of her life.
MEMBER and REAL ESTATE RELATIONS MANAGER
Courtney brings more than 16 years of experience in the hospitality and private club industry to Haig Point, combining a proven background in sales, hospitality management, and relationship-driven service. Throughout her career, she has built a reputation for delivering exceptional member experiences, cultivating lasting client relationships, and driving revenue growth through strategic sales and engagement initiatives.
Her role is responsible for leading membership sales efforts, fostering strong partnerships with real estate professionals, and enhancing member engagement and retention. She serves as a key ambassador for the Club, guiding prospective members through the discovery process while ensuring new and existing members enjoy a seamless, personalized experience.
Drawing on her extensive hospitality expertise, Courtney is passionate about creating meaningful connections that strengthen the club community. Through proactive outreach, relationship-building, and innovative member programming, she helps cultivate the welcoming culture and exceptional lifestyle that make Haig Point a truly unique coastal club destination. Her commitment to service excellence and member satisfaction plays an integral role in supporting the continued growth and success of the Club.
Marine and transportation manager
Captain Nathan Plavcan brings more than 20 years of experience of maritime experience to his role. His background spans commercial passenger vessels, private motor yachts, and complex marine operations. Nathan’s leadership philosophy is rooted in accountability, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to safety. A veteran of the United States Coast Guard Reserves, Nathan served for 15 years as a Boatswain’s Mate, developing the operational discipline and leadership skills that have defined his career. Throughout his professional journey, he has built a reputation for leading teams through complex challenges while maintaining high standards of service, efficiency, and performance.
DIRECTOR OF agronomy
Randy brings more than 20 years of agronomic and leadership experience. Most recently, he served as Superintendent of the River Course at the prestigious Kiawah Island Club, one of the region’s most respected and meticulously maintained private courses. His career has taken him through renovation projects, complex coastal turf environments, and the daily delivery of championship-caliber conditions. His reputation in the industry is second to none.
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
Private Events Manager
Liv brings over a decade of experience in food and beverage, with a passion for hospitality that began when she first entered the industry as a hostess. Having learned many food and beverage positions along the way, she developed a strong understanding of how each role contributes to a seamless and elevated guest experience.
While earning her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Leadership, Liv pursued a minor in Hospitality, blending her education with her growing interest in events. She launched her events career at the Country Club of North Carolina in Pinehurst, where she discovered a love for thoughtful event design and meaningful moments that bring people together. She thrives in collaborative environments and enjoys sharing the energy and excitement of event planning with those around her. Her love for the coast makes creating events in the area especially rewarding, drawing inspiration from a place she feels deeply connected to.
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.