The individuals featured here are part of the talented team that brings Mount Pleasant Magazine to life. This is not a comprehensive list of everyone who contributes their skills and passion to make our publication possible.
BILL MACCHIO
Publisher
Bill Macchio launched his first publication, Gainesville Magazine, in the ’70s while studying journalism at the University of Florida. It was a mix of Rolling Stone and The Village Voice with a dash of chaos. After a stint in corporate media (spoiler: not his thing), he sold Gainesville Magazine and moved to Charleston to start Media Services, parent of Mount Pleasant Magazine. As a single dad, he became a master of multitasking, balancing work and parenthood. Bill tells stories about Mount Pleasant with relentless enthusiasm, wearing permanent rose-colored glasses. His energy is infectious, his passion undeniable, and his ability to juggle projects is slightly concerning but entertaining nonetheless.
ZACH GIROUX
Managing Editor
Zach is an award-winning journalist from Vermont, who has served as editor of several local newspapers and magazines in Charleston. He is an English fanatic and quotes AP Style like The Bible. When there’s not a deadline, he can be found at a nearby golf course, brewery or beach bar drinking an IPA and watching his beloved Clemson Tigers. He’s proudly from the North and has been told he’s “one of the good Yankees.”
STACEY MCLOUGHLIN
Brand Ambassador
Stacey McLoughlin has been the Brand Ambassador for Mount Pleasant Magazine since 2021. Spending the majority of her career in New York in publishing and advertising, Stacey now loves being involved in the community she lives in. In 2013 Stacey, husband Hugh and two daughters, Claire and Elaina decided to make a move and enjoy a more healthy lifestyle in Mount Pleasant. Stacey is now a tennis player, very active in her children’s school and activities, and their family loves to travel, spend time at the beach and camp and hike in the mountains.
ALLYAH HARRAR
Digital Director
Allyah is an SEO specialist and certified data nerd. When she’s not at her computer, she’s either spoiling her dog, overanalyzing sports stats, or convincing herself that her latest Excel sheet is “just for fun”. She has a knack for using her Math and Statistics degree to blend data-driven strategies with creativity, making our marketing initiatives as engaging as they are effective. And yes, she will absolutely judge your fantasy football draft.
PAUL SMITH
Digital Strategist & Media Consultant
BETHANY LONG
Production Manager + Digital Design
Bethany is a passionate graphic designer specializing in print marketing, crafting compelling advertisements since 2018. She loves working with local businesses to bring their brands to life. When she’s not designing, you can find her bartending at a local brewery or enjoying Stingrays and Charleston Battery games. On sunny days, she unwinds on Isle of Palms, soaking in the ocean views.
GEORGE CONKLIN
Webmaster
George Conklin, a Glen Burnie, Maryland native, served in the Army before receiving a medical discharge. He subsequently relocated to Goose Creek, South Carolina, with his young family. For over two decades, George has been employed at Media Services, where he assumed the role of Webmaster. His expertise encompasses HTML, PHP, and various other web technologies. In his personal time, he enjoys spending time at home with his wife, Christine, and daughter, Ashley.
DANA COLEMAN
Art Director
Dana Coleman is an award winning, international fine art painter as well as the Art Director at Media Services. Born and raised in Charleston, Dana studied civil engineering at the University of South Carolina where he refined his innate ability to recognize and execute the fine detail that can be found in his paintings. Following his overwhelming passion to paint and design, Dana’s work can be seen on bookshelves and racks around the Lowcountry and in galleries along the east coast and countries around the world including a permanent fixture at the Sierra Leone National Museum and in the Fort Sumter Museum on Sullivan’s Island. As the Art Director of several magazine publications, Dana takes pride in having his designs viewed by thousands of locals and visitors alike.
COLLEEN KASSNER
Media Consultant
SARAH ROSE
Senior Content Creator
With a degree in journalism from the University of Colorado, a life spent traveling and living all over the world, a background in interior design and a passion for reading old-fashioned books, Sarah Rose approaches her research and freelance writing with curiosity and a well-rounded perspective. Her favorite topics to write about include history, culture, lifestyle, design, travel and global and current affairs. Sarah also enjoys media relations and highlighting local businesses to help them grow and succeed.
MARK STAFF
Photographer
British-born photographer Mark Staff moved to Charleston from Hilton Head in 2018. He has photographed all over the world for fashion and commercial advertising campaigns. He has photographed people like George Bush, Reese Witherspoon, Sarah Ferguson- the Duchess of York, and many others. Focusing in Charleston with corporate lifestyle and portrait work, but still takes assignments overseas and across the country. His other interests include designing custom Land Rovers with his other business Iberian Land Rovers. He gets away by going to remote places around the world where tourists do not go. He has lots of stories of danger and adventure.