June 2016
D I G E S T
The Official Publication of the Kiawah Island Community Association
KICA Hires New Security, Finance Directors
Al Cannon, who worked with Elder on numerous occasions,
praised the selection.
"When faced with the most challenging situations, Deputy
Chief Elder's collaborative leadership style and intricate
understanding of people and communities has consistently
delivered the best possible outcomes. Throughout the Mother
Emmanuel church tragedy, Tony was the quiet force who
successfully worked throughout Charleston, with families,
institutions and government leaders, to ensure the appropriate
response, decorum and necessary levels of security were
maintained throughout the difficult several week period.
This spring, two of KICA’s senior staff positions opened as Controller
Deborah Retalis accepted another opportunity, and Security
Director Joe Croughwell celebrated his well-deserved retirement.
Interest in both positions was strong, with more than a hundred
resumes submitted. After weeks of considering qualifications,
reviewing resumes and interviewing candidates, KICA has
selected Tony Elder as its new security director and Jane
Ovenden as its new director of finance. The two bring decades
of experience and expertise to KICA’s leadership team.
Elder, a native of Virginia Beach, joined KICA on May 16.
He brings over 30 years of law enforcement experience, most
recently as deputy chief of police and bureau commander for
operations for the Charleston Police Department, in command
of 360 law enforcement officers.
Prior to joining CPD in 2007, Elder spent 22 years with the
Virginia Beach Police, in roles of increasing responsibility. He
has also served as an adjunct faculty member for the Citadel and
other institutes of higher learning.
Tony's very strong relationships with SLED, Charleston
and Berkeley counties, numerous other local agencies and
the community have proven invaluable as we have come
together to address local issues with regional solutions.
I look forward to continuing to work with Tony in his new
position. Collaboration between the Charleston County
Sheriff's Office, The Town of Kiawah Island, and Kiawah Island
Community Association Security are critical in providing safety
and security for the citizens and guests of Kiawah Island."
Jane Ovenden is a CPA with 30 years in public accounting.
She will join KICA on June 6. Since 2012 Ovenden has served
as senior director of operations with the Spartanburg (SC)
Regional Healthcare System Foundation. In this position she
oversaw financial reporting and audits, operating budget, treasury
functions and donor-related reporting for the foundation, which
had net assets in excess of $40 million. Prior to 2012, she worked
as controller for the Spartanburg Humane Society, and as a tax
manager for Dixon Hughes. She is well-versed in fund accounting
and Financial Edge, both of which are employed by KICA.
Elder holds a Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from
Troy University, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice with
honors from Saint Leo University, and is a graduate of the Police
Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police.
Ovenden, a Clemson native, is a summa cum laude and Phi
Betta Kappa graduate of Wofford College, with a double major
in accounting and humanities. She is a member of AICPA and
the SCACPA. Her nonprofit experience includes serving as
controller for the Spartanburg Humane Society.
Elder’s performance at CPD and demonstrated ability to build
relationships in the local law enforcement community were key
attributes that led to his selection. Charleston County Sheriff
“Security and Finance are two vital functions of KICA,” said
KICA COO Jimmy Bailey. “We are excited to welcome these
highly qualified individuals to the KICA team.”