Georgetown, South Carolina, February 1st, The Village Group is pleased to announce that Maranda Johns has accepted the position of Development Officer, effective January 9, 2023. This position reports to the Executive Director, Ray C. Funnye. Maranda will lead the organization in philanthropic efforts by implementing robust fundraising, marketing, and communications strategies to increase awareness, visibility, and fundraising results.

Ms. Johns is a native of North Carolina where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Communications from East Carolina University which included a semester abroad at the University of the Sacred Heart in Puerto Rico. She will graduate this May with a Master of Business Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi. Ms. Johns was awarded her Lean Six Sigma Green Belt strategy certification by Naval Special Warfare after executing successful technology-centered production improvement campaigns for the U.S. government.

Maranda brings with her a combination of both nonprofit and corporate experience with a strong focus on technology. Her nonprofit experience includes cultural and special event planning, grant writing, and fundraising. Ms. Johns brings over ten years of corporate marketing leadership including communications management for Disney Cruise Lines where she worked internationally from ports like Barcelona, Spain, and Venice, Italy. As a child from humble beginnings, Ms. Johns dreamt about traveling the world. She made that dream a reality through college and employment opportunities. She is excited to share her experiences with the students of The Village Group and to support access to their dreams.

The Village Group’s mission is to equip youth with the tools to build a sustainable community by focusing on college and career readiness, cultural education, and economic development. The Village Group envisions a brighter future for its next community leaders by providing enrichment programs that enforce its core values of harmony, habitat, health, and history.

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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Titilayo Akinwumi at 843-240-0534.