Annie Laurie-Bradley Hendren

Born and raised in Gastonia, NC, Annie Laurie-Bradley Hendren is the daughter of Wes and Julie Bradley and the youngest of four (Jessica’s “little sis”). She attended the University of South Carolina before transferring to Appalachian State University, where she graduated in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management.

Annie began her career with Myers & Chapman, a general contractor in Charlotte, serving as an Assistant Superintendent from 2021–2024. She married her husband, Tristin Hendren—a Marine veteran—in 2023, and they welcomed their son, Jett, in 2024. After becoming a mother, Annie transitioned into part-time work with Draw Enterprises, Inc. in Charlotte, while also pursuing her passion for art through her small business, Hendren Heart Design.

A devoted follower of Jesus Christ, Annie attends Bradley Church in Gastonia. She loves coffee, working out and taking walks, spending time with her family, and jokingly calls herself a “social media influencer wannabe.” One of her greatest joys is being an aunt—especially to her oldest niece, SaraKate, who was best friends with Marlie Dru.

Go Gamecocks, Roll Neers!

Melissa Gladden, a proud Rock Hill native and Winthrop alum, is the founder and president of Carolina Recruitment. Named South Carolina’s Small Business Person of the Year in 2015 and one of Charlotte Business Journal’s Top 25 Women in Business in 2016, she’s been honored to return to her alma mater as both a BMA Lecturer and Convocation Keynote speaker. At CR Staffing, Melissa and her team have built a thriving employment pipeline, placing over 11,000 people.

When she’s not busy connecting talent, Melissa finds joy tending her rose garden and believes there’s always been a dancer inside her, waiting to shine. She loves exercising, even if it’s a challenge to fit it in, and always approaches life with a touch of excellence. Her favorite moments are at home, snuggled under a quilt, watching TV with her husband Brian and their three sons—Briggs, Hayes, and Lincoln—making memories together.

Jesse is a business owner and entrepreneur based in Fort Mill, South Carolina, where he leads two companies and stays actively involved in the community. He and his beautiful wife, Elizabeth, are raising their two children in the area.

Jesse and Stacie have known each other for more than 30 years, with a friendship that began in the 90s and has carried forward through life’s seasons. When she asked him to participate in the Dancing With The Stars competition at this year’s Come Fly With Me Gala, he was honored to be trusted with something so meaningful to her family.

For Jesse, being involved is about honoring lifelong friends and showing up when it matters most. He is grateful for the opportunity to support Stacie and Ben and to help advance the mission of the Marlie Dru Sullivan Foundation as it carries forward Marlie’s legacy through scholarships, the performing arts, and community impact.

Bill Nash is a native of Virginia but moved to Chester, SC with his family in second grade when his father’s company relocated them.

An avid sports fan, Bill could be found on any sports field throughout his youth. He graduated Chester High School where he played football and baseball. Recruited by Spartanburg MethodistCollege, Bill pitched for them during his college career.

Bill went on to work for Duke Energy as a lighting engineer where he retired in 2021 after 34 years of service.

In 2023, he returned to his first love – baseball – as a special assistant to the head coach at Winthrop University where he spent two seasons.

Bill serves on the Chester County United Way Board of Directors and the Winthrop Eagle Club Board of Directors. He is a member of Chester ARP Church and The Assembly of Chester. In his spare time, he enjoys sports, particularly attending USC football games, and yard work.

He and his wife, Nicki reside in Edgemoor, SC and between them have 2 sons and 2 daughters.

Derrick Lindsay is a Rock Hill native, who has displayed tremendous dedication and commitment to improving the communities of Rock Hill for over 20 years. He has been fortunate to elevate his passion for helping others by being elected to the Rock Hill City Council, representing Ward 1 and is currently the Mayor Pro Tem.

After graduating from Rock Hill High School, Derrick begun his career with Showmars Restaurant. Having a career spanning 29 years, Derrick has worked hard to become the Operator for both Showmars Restaurants in Rock Hill. Throughout the years Derrick has had the opportunity to participate in numerous non-profit and community organizations such as the Kiwanis’s Club of Rock Hill for 15 years, Operation Help One Another for 14 years, the Weed and Seed program, the JAG program (RHHS) 7 years, and The Boys and Girls Club.

Derrick has been recognized in the community for his leadership and acts of kindness. He is the recipient of the NAACP W.R. Laney Award, the recipient of the Rock Hill School District Outstanding Business Partnership Award, and the Outstanding Volunteer Award. Freedom Temple Ministries also awarded Derrick the Freedom Award for fostering economic development.

Derrick has a true love and passion for serving, investing in, and improving the community and the city of Rock Hill. Derrick operates with the belief that: “To whom much is given, much is required.”

Derrick is married to Michelle Lindsay and has a daughter Shadrecka Lindsay.