Jessica Marie Knuff is the new President of DIHS replacing Chris Frisby.

Jessica is moving up from the Vice President role. She brings a unique blend of experiences to her new role.

She is active in Indigenous People activities locally and nationally including the Native American Foreign Affairs Council…she’s part Pee Dee and Cherokee.

Knuff worked overseas as a professor of political science and international security studies.

Prior to her jobs in academia, she was a researcher at the United Nations and the Center for Refugee Studies in Rome, Italy.  She’s a wife and a mother and also designs, makes and sells Native American bead work jewelry.

There’s a familiar face replacing Jessica as Vice President.

DIHS co-founder Mike Dahlman is taking over that role.

Mike brings years of experience with the Society (which he co-founded with Beth Bush) and is a widely recognized authority on Daniel Island History. He and his son, Mike Jr. co-authored the definitive local history. “Daniel Island.”

Also leaving the board is our longtime membership coordinator Fred Klare. Fred was the friendly face at a table as you entered the meeting venue. He did yeoman work in a vital but frequently unheralded role. Thank you Fred!

And, yes, we need a volunteer for this vital role! if you’re interested, let us know at DIHistoricalSociety@gmail.com.

Secretary Kim Sermersheim and Treasurer Valerie Miller will be continuing in those roles. Board Members Beth Bush, Lee Ann Bain, Andrew Harris and Bill Payer will also continue in their current roles.

And finally, a special thanks to Chris Frisby. Chris has served DIHS as both Vice President and President. His time in each of those roles was marked by energy, creativity and dedication. Among his initiatives was the DIHS Student Essay Contest for high schoolers who live in or attend class in the 29492 zip code area.

Chris will continue on the DIHS Board as an ex officio member and has expressed interest in helping with programming.