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.

 

Billy Copelan today

Copelan notes that not only is Sea Island a great place to work, but it’s also a wonderful area to raise a family, and he can’t imagine ever leaving. And he’s not alone.

At 61 years and counting, the resort’s most tenured team member is Robert Davis, who goes by the nickname “Mighty Fine.” Anyone who has visited the Men’s Locker Room at The Lodge at Sea Island has likely been greeted by his warm smile and gracious hospitality. Asked what makes Sea Island special, he replies: “the people” – guests, members and team members alike. “That’s what makes Sea Island, Sea Island,” he comments. “Everyone is happy? His favorite memories include meeting a number of U.S. presidents who visited the resort to plant its famous oaks or attend the 2004 G8 Summit.

For all its dedicated team members, scholarship and benefit programs have been established and supported by members, guests and Sea Island. For example, the Sea Island Property Owners Association (SIPOA) created the SIPOA Scholarship for employees to pursue their education at the College of Coastal Georgia. In addition, The Sea Island Legacy Fund, managed by a nonprofit organization, provides emergency funding for team members and their families who have experienced a unique, severe economic situation. The Sea Island Legacy Fund is also expanding scholarship opportunities offered to team members and their families.

“When your team is family, this is what you do,” says Steilen. “And I’ve never come across a team led by so many who exhibit this level of passion and service. For 95 years, that’s been the constant.” Throughout 2023, Sea Island will continue celebrating its 95th anniversary by honoring the dedicated team members who have brought the resort to life for nearly a century. Join in on the festivities and meet more of the team by visiting seaisland.com/95-years.

Sea Island is thrilled to welcome 19 new team members into the Quarter Century Club for 2023! These team members were honored in May for 25 years or more of service during the 70th annual Quarter Century Club Party at The Cloister.