95 Years of Hospitality

Ask members and guests what makes Sea Island so special and chances are they will tell you that it is the “people.” Not just the friends they make over the years, but the dedicated team members who go above and beyond to make their experiences memorable.

“This year is our 95th anniversary and while a lot has changed over that time, the one constant has been our committed and passionate team members whose graciousness permeates throughout the organization,” comments Sea Island President and CEO Scott Steilen. “When guests and members arrive, we are welcoming them home.”

Another aspect that distinguishes Sea Island is the resort’s famed “Quarter Century Club, made up of team members who have worked at the resort for 25 or more years. While this longevity is virtually unheard of in today’s day and age, these longtime team members, of which there are more than 100 who are still active in the company, are stalwarts of Sea Island and take pride in guiding the next generation and keeping our traditions alive and well.

Mighty Fine with former President George H. W. Bush

 

Mighty Fine today

“Sea Island is like one big extended family,” says Director of Revenue Management Billy Copelan, who recently celebrated his 31st year at the resort. As a young man, he started in the plant nursery. From there, he moved up to the front desk of The Cloister, then into supervisory and management positions.

While his three decades of service produced many great memories, his favorite was playing “The Grinch” during the Grinch-themed Christmas at Sea Island in 2015. “For about a two-week period I made appearances throughout the property at numerous events dressed as The Grinch,” he remembers. “It was so much fun, especially to see the surprise and delight of the children and even many adults!”

Billy Copelan with Shelia Muse (back) and Harna Hill in 1992.