Who We Are
We may hail from different hometowns, but we are united in our love for Charleston—its food, history, hospitality, art, and culture—and in our passion for sharing the very best of it with guests from around the world. Get to know the talented Charming Inns® team.
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Richard Widman
Chairman
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Richard Widman
Chairman
“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.”
Favorite Spot
"I love to run the three-mile loop from Kings Courtyard Inn to Waterfront Park, around the Battery to the Coast Guard station, past Colonial Lake, past the Wentworth Mansion and return to King Street."
Michelle Widman Woodhull
President
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Michelle Widman Woodhull
President
“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.”
Favorite Spot
The seawall along The Battery
Linn Lesesne
VP, Community and Industry Relations
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Linn Lesesne
VP, Community and Industry Relations
“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.”
Favorite Spot
Colonial Lake or The Battery if in the city
Noreen Marchant
Director of Operations
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Noreen Marchant
Director of Operations
“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.”
Favorite Spot
"The top of the Ravenel Bridge at sunrise or sunset."
Ginny Severs
Sales Manager
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Ginny Severs
Sales Manager
“I'm proud to say that I've been a member of the Charming Inns® staff since 2000. 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!”
Favorite Spot
“Charles Towne Landing, Waterfront Park, Sunset Cay, shopping at any home décor store… GDC and Celadon are my faves.”
Taylor McKenzie
Director of Marketing & Public Relations
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Taylor McKenzie
Director of Marketing & Public Relations
“I am originally from Columbus, Ohio. Go, Bucks! Charleston stole my heart in 2013, when I migrated south for the winter and didn’t look back. The Lowcountry quickly felt like home—a city that beams beautiful scenery and true southern hospitality, how could I ever leave? I love finding creative ways to encourage others to travel to Charleston and embrace the Charming Inns® experience.”
Favorite Spot
King Street shopping and all of the beautiful, hidden alleyways
Margaret Baxley
Corporate Revenue Manager
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Margaret Baxley
Corporate Revenue Manager
“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 beach-goers 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.”
Favorite Spot
“For shopping, I like Noddy on Queen and Indigo on Vendue Range.”
Nicole Turner
Innkeeper, Wentworth Mansion®
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Nicole Turner
Innkeeper, Wentworth Mansion®
"I moved around the world as a child of an Army soldier and my family and I finally settled in Charleston in 1991. I graduated from Charleston Southern University in 1997 and have since raised my daughter here. I made a career in hospitality and I am delighted to be a part of the team at The Wentworth Mansion. My mission aligns with the entire Charming Inns team, which is to provide an impeccable experience for our guests and provide support and inspiration to our dedicated staff."
Favorite Spot
"Any rooftop that provides a view of the Charleston skyline. I especially love the majestic church steeples."
Lisa Anderson
Innkeeper, John Rutledge House Inn®
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Lisa Anderson
Innkeeper, John Rutledge House Inn®
“Born a Vermonter, I grew up in Massachusetts, 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.®”
Favorite Spot
“Washington Park, the park where my hubby and I first talked about moving to Charleston.”
Elizabeth Belcher
Assistant Innkeeper, John Rutledge House Inn®
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Elizabeth Belcher
Assistant Innkeeper, John Rutledge House Inn®
“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.”
Favorite Spot
CofC Campus
Tom Moorman
Innkeeper, Fulton Lane Inn & Kings Courtyard Inn
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Tom Moorman
Innkeeper, Fulton Lane Inn & Kings Courtyard Inn
I grew up in Columbia, S.C. but spent many summer days in Charleston and Pawleys Island. I grew up in a Citadel family and have great memories of summer camp, football games and family time in the low country. I graduated from The Citadel in 1988, and was thrilled to move back to the low country in 2000. Since then, I have been extremely fortunate to work in hotel sales and management at Kiawah Island Resorts, the Francis Marion Hotel, and Hilton Hotels. I joined the Charming Inns family in 2018 and I found home. I also love the beach! Whether it’s a quiet run, a stroll with my daughter, or playing with my son, I can often be found at the Isle of Palms station #33 with a bag of boiled peanuts.
Stephanie Mello
Front Desk Manager, Wentworth Mansion®
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Stephanie Mello
Front Desk Manager, Wentworth Mansion®
“I have lived in Charleston since 2002 when I moved here from Port Orange, Florida. I love living here because every day I wake up there is something to do between the parks, beaches, harbors, local shops and restaurants. The Charming Inns® team welcomed me in 2011. I love Charming Inns® because it is like my family away from home.”
Favorite Spot
"Enjoying champagne and mussels on the outdoor patio of Rue De Jean on a sunny day."
Jess Garris
Director of Housekeeping, Fulton Lane Inn & Kings Courtyard Inn
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Jess Garris
Director of Housekeeping, Fulton Lane Inn & Kings Courtyard Inn
Marc Collins
Executive Chef, Circa 1886 Restaurant
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Marc Collins
Executive Chef, Circa 1886 Restaurant
“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.”
Favorite Spot
“Kayaking out of Shem Creek.”
Michael Dawson
Office and Event Manager, Circa 1886 Restaurant
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Michael Dawson
Office and Event Manager, Circa 1886 Restaurant
“A native of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, I have been living and working in Charleston's hospitality industry for 10 years. I am ever inspired by our city's history, culture, natural beauty, and residents. I love to utilize my passion to create unique and unforgettable experiences for our guests. I am proud to work with such a talented group of people that make up Charming Inns, and I am grateful to have their support and friendship along the way."
Favorite Spot
Sullivan's Island Station 30.
Mark Severs
Restaurant Manager, Circa 1886 Restaurant
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Mark Severs
Restaurant Manager, Circa 1886 Restaurant
“Since 1998, 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.”
Favorite Spot
“Watching CofC Cougars or Riverdogs.”
Charles Adkins
Dining Room Manager/ Sommelier, Circa 1886 Restaurant
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Charles Adkins
Dining Room Manager/ Sommelier, Circa 1886 Restaurant
I was born and raised in Northern Michigan and moved to Florida as soon as I graduated from high school. I lived in Florida for 18 years and then relocated to Charleston in 2010. I joined the Charming Inns family in 2013. I have been fortunate enough to work for some of the top hospitality companies in the country and I have to say that Charming Inns is the top of the top. It's great to work for a company that allows such personal growth as well and promotes employees from within.
Favorite Spot
"Anywhere with a great glass of wine!"