Page 18 - The Anchor

SE A ISL AND

The bridge to Sea Island opens a world of serenity and
nature and returns members and guests to the adjoining
Golden Isles, where Sea Island has a significant impact on
this region.

Conservation & Philanthropy
Howard Coffin was a Midwesterner and leader in the
nation’s early auto and transportation industry. He and
his wife, Matilda, fell in love with the beauty of Georgia’s
barrier islands. He purchased Sapelo Island and acquired
Sea Island while buying additional land parcels on St.
Simons Island.
A.W. “Bill” Jones, Sr. was Coffin’s younger cousin who
Sea Island CEO Honored with
worked with Coffin in the 1920s to build Sea Island. When
Commitment to People Award Mr. Coffin died in the 1930s, his business and land holdings

were inherited by Bill Jones, Sr.
Congratulations to Scott Steilen, President Nearly a century later, three generations of the
and CEO of Sea Island, for leading a culture Jones family are among the region’s most distinguished
of respect, kindness, and gratitude! advocates for conservation and community. Much land
The Council of Hotel needs a hand with guests was deeded for nonprofit, religious, residential, and
and Restaurant Trainers checking in, I can help. treasured venues on the islands. Bill Jones III initiated a
(CHART) bestowed its Doing the simple things voluntary donation program at Sea Island that allows hotel
prestigious national accolade, are very important.”
guests to contribute to the St. Simons Land Trust.
the 2024 Commitment to His national CHART
Bill Jones, Sr. helped
People Award, to Scott award recognizes how he
negotiate Jekyll Island
Steilen – chosen for his
has developed a culture
into its state park
exceptional dedication to the
where team members feel
development and well-being status by 1947. He had a
valued and appreciated.
of Sea Island Company team strategic role in securing
Steilen strives to greet each
members. In his 12+ years
team member by name. He the designation of
as president, Steilen has
fosters open dialogue with Cumberland Island as a
channeled the Island’s 97-
“Coffee and Conversation national seashore and
year tradition of excellence
with Scott.” He champions the worked with local leaders
by blending high-level
live-work balance by creating to establish Brunswick
operations with sincere
a tuition reimbursement for
and meaningful interactions. Junior College in
a team member’s personal
“This is the highest 1961 – now College of
development, scholarship Jekyll Island Entrance
professional honor I will ever Coastal Georgia.
opportunities with the local
receive. There is nothing more
Over the years, Sea Island has donated land holdings
colleges, and a financial fund
rewarding than your team
for area churches and schools – Oglethorpe Point
to assist team members
nominating you,” said Scott
Elementary School and Frederica Academy; land to
in times of need. Steilen’s
Steilen. “I am committed
to supporting and helping efforts have led to substantial build Epworth-by-the-Sea Conference Center, Wesley
our team every day.” He community projects Methodist Church, and Frederica Presbyterian Church.
added, “During our busier throughout the Golden Isles Brunswick-Golden Isles Chamber confers the A.W.
times I motivate, inspire, and spearheaded by Sea Island Jones, Sr. Award to recognize outstanding civic service
congratulate. If someone team members.
and leadership annually, and College of Coastal Georgia
awards a scholarship honoring Bill Jones, Jr.
14 Brunswick-Golden Isles Community Magazine • The Anchor • BrunswickGoldenislesChamber.com