Brad Childs is Executive Director of LAS, and has day to day responsibility for staffing, services and external relations. He works with the agency's board of directors to implement policy and advocates for LAS and its mission with state and federal funders. He enjoys the tangible ways that LAS improves people's lives: "And I am reminded every day of the difference we are making throughout this community," he says. A native of Summerville, he has advanced certification with medical compliance. Prior to serving as executive director, Brad was the LAS business manager, and spent several years in health administration. That work history has served him well at LAS, which not only administers services for clients, but also coordinates with the region's vast medical and human services network. He has served as an instructor at Trident Technical College and is the former president of Charleston AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders).

“I look forward to a day when HIV/AIDS is cured and the need for our services disappears. But until then, I'm committed to making LAS a model for care, counseling, prevention and education in the Lowcountry community.”

Stuart Furtwangler directs one of LAS' most successful outreach programs, CHAMP (Charleston Area Mpowerment Project), which focuses on educating young gay men about HIV/AIDS. A Charleston native, Stuart apprenticed with a professional theatre program in Germany, attended Emerson College in Boston, and is pursuing a Masters degree. His advocacy work began in college, when he directed the student gay/straight alliance. He also served as a dedicated volunteer at LAS before joining our staff.

“Peer-led activities are perhaps one of the most important things to keep gay men informed. MPowerment has made a tremendous difference in the lives of hundreds of young men in the area.”

Virginia King directs all Prevention Services at LAS. A native of Charleston and graduate of Talladega College, she also holds a Masters Degree in Management from Webster University. Virginia has a distinguished career in public health and serves on numerous committees and boards that promote understanding and prevention. She is a Fellow of the Centers for Disease Control HIV Leadership Institute and has dedicated years to fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS. Her work at LAS focuses particularly on informing the African American community.

“Decades after we discovered the cause of HIV/AIDS, I am still amazed at how much people do not know about this illness. Helping people understand that they have the power to prevent it is what motivates me every day.”

Mark Gray coordinates our volunteer and nutrition programs, bringing needed resources to our clients. Mark originally joined the LAS team in 1986 as a volunteer and became a full-time staff member in 1997. Originally from Bedford County, VA, he is a certified pastry chef and master confectioner.

“People living with HIV/AIDS have a full spectrum of needs. I appreciate that LAS is able to bring food — and compassionate care — to people who are working hard to manage their lives in the face of this illness.”

Susan Rodriguez supervises case management services at LAS, and brings many years of experience to the job. Rodriguez holds a Masters degree from New York University and provides our clients and their loved ones with psychotherapy, case management and supportive counseling. Susan and her husband relocated to Charleston just two years ago and are enjoying the warm people and the warm sunshine.

“Sometimes clients just need someone to listen to them. Or sometimes their family members need a helping hand. We're here to help everyone affected by HIV/AIDS.”

Jennifer Benvenuto is a case manager at LAS, and she brings a special focus on HIV prevention among young adults. Originally from Memphis, she earned a degree in social work from the University of Tennessee, and a Masters Degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. Prior to joining us, Jennifer worked in the nonprofit sector with prevention of HIV/STI's among teenagers.

“Young people are often surprised to know that HIV/AIDS is still a threat to their health. We are committed to helping people understand the role they can play not only in their own health, but in the health of those they care about, too.”

Chris Podmore is LAS' Office Administrator, and is often the first person clients meet on arriving at our offices. Chris began here as a volunteer, and served in the speakers bureau, delivered food to clients and delivered clients to medical appointments. Born in NYC, he has lived in Mount Pleasant for 38 years, and has two adored dogs, Rosie and Molly.

“As the first person many clients interact with here at LAS, I try to make everyone comfortable and relaxed. Making people feel welcome goes a long way toward easing their worries.”

Jill Barnes is the LAS Business Manager, a position she has held since 2004. Her work for LAS began in 2004, following a successful career as an accountant for high-end hospitality companies. Barnes' first love was the theatre, where she launched her career painting scenery. Jill is a Virginia native and a graduate of Mary Baldwin College.

“I transformed from a volunteer here to a full-time staff member because I really value the many ways that LAS helps improve people's lives, and helps make our community healthier and more knowledgeable.”

Aaron Dunn is Lead Case Manager here, and also serves as a support group facilitator and our resident Cobra insurance expert. A native of Kershaw, SC, he earned a B.S. from Baptist College (now Charleston Southern University) and has a Masters degree from Andersonville Baptist Seminar. A licensed counselor, he notes: "I love my job. There is no greater joy than making a difference in the lives of our clients.”

“I love my job. There is no greater joy than making a difference in the lives of our clients.”

Aaron Harvey is a native of Charleston and serves as a Case Manager at LAS. A graduate of Clemson University, he joined our organization as Outreach Coordinator. Aaron is a seasoned manager, having spent eight years as an Infantry Captain with the US Army, and a decade with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. His past career experience also includes service to Trident United Way and Charleston County Human Resources.

“Sometimes, clients just need some help managing and organizing their lives. My background in for-profit, and my passion for non-profit, have been a great fit for this work.”