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About Charming Inns
We Are Charleston
A family-owned and operated collection of historic inns and an award-winning restaurant in one of the world's most beloved cities.
A Bit About Charming Inns
Meet Our Talented Team
We may hail from different hometowns, but we are united in our love for this city - its food, history, hospitality, art, and culture - and in our passion in sharing the best of it with guests from around the world. We invite you to get to know our talented team.
Join Us
Join the proud ranks of our family-owned and operated collection of historic inns and an award-winning restaurant. If you love Charleston and unforgettable hospitality, let's talk.
Our Team
President
Richard Widman
I founded Charming Inns in 1982, and it's always been a labor of love, just like raising a family. It started with me but the 'family' grew one Inn at a time adding family members to support the business. Many employees began in the Charming Inns family as bellmen, concierges and have grown within the company and are valuable members of management now. As the 'parent,' it's rewarding to watch the family work together to ensure that our guests receive a great experience. I enjoy Charleston for its friendliness and small town feel. Walking down the street or waving at a passing car, you always see someone you know.
Contact Richard at rwidman@charminginns.com or (843) 722-8680 (ext.700)
V.P., Sales and Public Relations
Linn Lesesne
I began my Charming Inns career in 1993, and the people I work with make my job what it is and are the reason I want to come to work everyday. We care about each other personally just like you would siblings. Everyone takes ownership in their individual jobs - and we are all always willing to help each other out. As a native Charlestonian, I have so much history here. I love the beaches, the ocean, the friendly people, the beautiful historic homes, and the tree lined streets.
Contact Linn at llesesne@charminginns.com or (843) 722-8680 (ext.701)
V.P. of Marketing and Revenue Management
Michelle Woodhull
I've been part of the Charming Inns family since 1999. I work with a wonderful group of people who genuinely care and support each other personally and professionally. We all work together for the same common goal: seeing our guests smile! For a small city Charleston has so many big city offerings. From the fine arts and history, to sporting events and great cuisine, to beaches and spectacular weather, Charleston is truly a fantastic place.
Contact Michelle at mwoodhull@charminginns.com or (843) 722-8680 (ext.703)
Corporate Sales Manager
Jennifer Huber
Though I'm an Indiana native (Go, Boilers!), I love Charleston - and the best thing about it, the friendly people. Someone is always there to welcome you with a smile. Since 2011, I'm happy to work with people I can count on, who make me laugh and with whom I've built lasting friendships.
Contact Jennifer at jhuber@charminginns.com or (843) 722-8680 (ext.706)
Social Media & Content Manager
Ellen Schmedinghoff
Being part of the Charming Inns family means I'm in good company - with the people responsible for making Charleston's food and hospitality scene so fantastic. As a northern girl, hailing from Cranston, Rhode Island, my favorite things about Charleston are the people, the weather, the beach, Sunday brunches and walks across the Ravenel Bridge.
Contact Ellen at ellen@charminginns.com or (843) 722-8680 (ext.702)
Human Resources
JoAnn Duncan
I'm from Mt. Pleasant, SC. I grew up there, went to elementary school and high school there, and live in the house I grew up in. Charleston is my home; I simply couldn't live anywhere else. I've been part of the Charming Inns team since 1995, and all of the employees are closely knit. We aren't like a family - we are a family.
Contact JoAnn at jduncan@charminginns.com or (843) 722-8680 (ext.709)
Controller
Judi Beahn
On the Charleston peninsula, I love the architecture and preservation of historic buildings and churches, and gardens tucked away behind private residences. Of course, living near the ocean is pretty amazing too. Since 1997, I've worked with people I like and respect, who always have your back, who will always be there when you need them…just like a family.
Contact Judi at jbeahn@charminginns.com or (843) 722-8680 (ext.707)
Innkeeper, John Rutledge House Inn
Kathy Leslie
As a member of the Charming Inns family since 1999, I always know someone is there as a sounding board, to provide guidance, to celebrate in the victories and find consolation in defeats. As a Syracuse, New York native, I love Charleston's history, architecture, the pride of its citizens - and the sunshine best!
Contact Kathy at kleslie@charminginns.com or (843) 723-7999
Assistant Innkeeper, John Rutledge House Inn
Elizabeth Belcher
Born and raised in Simpsonville, South Carolina, I came to Charleston in 2002 to attend the College of Charleston and never left. There's always something happening in Charleston. You can walk down a random street and learn history. I've been with the Charming Inns family since 2006, and take comfort in knowing someone is always there for me.
Contact Elizabeth at ebelcher@charminginns.com or (843) 723-7999
Innkeeper, Kings Courtyard Inn & Fulton Lane Inn
Lisa Anderson
Born a Vermonter, I grew up in Massaschusetts, but I've been part of the Charming Inns "family" since 2004, and it's just that - family. A Dad and Mom, sisters, cousins, brothers, aunts. They say you can't pick your family…I'm fortunate enough to pick mine! I like the nooks and crannies of Charleston. The one balcony table at Muse, the back outdoor space of Blind Tiger, the alley called Pennsylvania Ave., and the Pineapple courtyard at Kings Courtyard Inn.
Contact Lisa at landerson@charminginns.com or (843) 723-7000 (ext. 101)
Assistant Innkeeper, Kings Courtyard Inn & Fulton Lane Inn
Margaret Baxley
I've been part of the Charming Inns family since 2007, and they have supported me in my decisions through college and young professional life. The best thing about Charleston has to be its ability to appeal to many different lifestyles. From history buffs to beachgoers to "foodies" and to those who only come to town for a little retail therapy, there is a niche for all types of visitors and locals alike.
Contact Margaret at mbaxley@charminginns.com or (843) 720-2600 (ext. 350)
Innkeeper, The Wentworth Mansion
Noreen Marchant
I've been a part of the Charming Inns family since 2010. We're the first to cheer for each other, when goals or rewards are achieved. We're in your corner, during hard times. We support one another. It's more than a business; it's a family! There's much to love about Charleston, but I especially love the history and way the local citizens preserve and cherish it. The secret gardens you only find by walking down a one-way street and peeking through the wrought iron fences, and the greatest restaurant scene on the east coast.
Contact Noreen at nmarchant@charminginns.com or (843) 853-1886
Assistant Innkeeper, The Wentworth Mansion
Kenneth Sorenson
Since 2008, I've had the pleasure to come to work everyday and work with people I have respected and looked up to since college. There is nothing better than working with this group of friends and professionals. We are truly a family. The best part of Charleston is the food - and I'm lucky to work at a place that's at the forefront of the city's culinary scene.
Contact Kenneth at ksorenson@charminginns.com or (843) 853-1886
Executive Chef, Circa 1886 Restaurant
Marc Collins
I'm an Erie, Pennsylvania, native who's been part of the Charming Inns team since 2001. To be part of this incredible team is to be part of a family committed to our guests' total enjoyment of Charleston. I believe the best things about Charleston are the weather and the people who support our great culinary scene.
Contact Marc at mcollins@charminginns.com or (843) 853-7828
Restaurant Manager, Circa 1886 Restaurant
Mark Severs
Since 2000, I've been part of a close-knit group of individuals all graciously working towards the same goal, giving support and inspiration whenever either is needed. That's what Charming Inns is all about. There's so much to love about Charleston, but the water, history, hospitality, and diverse culinary scene are my favorites.
Contact Mark at msevers@charminginns.com or (843) 853-7828
Special Events Coordinator, Circa 1886 Restaurant
Ginny Severs
I'm proud to say that I've been a member of the Charming Inns staff since 1998. These folks are hardworking, loyal, and passionate about their jobs. Like any family, we care for one another, we support one another, and we work together to be successful. We strive everyday to provide the best customer service and create memorable experiences for our guests. When it comes to Charleston, I love the history, the hospitality, the diverse culinary scene, and of course - the view!
Contact Ginny at gsevers@charminginns.com or (843) 853-7828