The Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce is honored to announce that John C.L. Darby, CEO and Chairman of the Board of The Beach Company, has been named the recipient of the esteemed Joseph P. Riley Leadership Award. This prestigious accolade will be presented at The Honors on March 20 at the historic Dock Street Theatre. Limited seating is available and tickets are now on sale for this highly anticipated event.
The Joseph P. Riley Leadership Award, established in 1992, is named after one of the region’s most notable leaders, who was instrumental in many areas of growth across the region. The award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to making the Charleston community a better place to live, work and do business. Honorees are distinguished by a lifetime of leadership and dedication to strengthening the region’s economic and social fabric.
John Darby embodies the spirit of this award through his remarkable contributions to Charleston and beyond. As CEO and Chairman of The Beach Company, a premier real estate firm headquartered in Charleston, John has played a pivotal role in shaping the Southeastern real estate landscape. Under his leadership, The Beach Company has expanded its impact across multiple sectors, including commercial, residential and resort development. With a team of more than 700 employees operating in over 27 cities across the Southeast, The Beach Company continues to be a force for economic growth and innovation.
Although John’s career has seen significant business accomplishments, his leadership extends far beyond. A staunch advocate for corporate philanthropy, he has embedded a culture of giving back into The Beach Company’s mission. John and his family are known for their generosity and have been instrumental in supporting organizations such as MUSC Children’s Hospital, United Way, Emmanuel Nine Memorial, ECCO, Dee Norton Lowcountry Children’s Foundation and the Children’s Museum. In recognition of their philanthropic efforts, John and his family received the Outstanding Philanthropist Award from the Lowcountry Association of Fundraising Professionals in 2014.
John’s extensive leadership experience includes serving on the boards of numerous organizations, including The Citadel Foundation, where he played a key role in establishing the Citadel Real Estate Foundation. He has also served on the boards of the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, South Carolina Tourism Council, East Cooper Land Trust Advisory Council, Charleston Stage and Ashley Hall School. His involvement in the Palmetto Business Forum, Trident CEO Council and the Mother Emanuel Memorial Foundation reflects his deep commitment to strengthening the Charleston community.
A proud graduate of The Citadel, John has dedicated his career to not only advancing business opportunities but also fostering a sense of responsibility and leadership in those around him. His dedication to the Charleston region has left a lasting impact, making him a worthy recipient of the Joseph P. Riley Leadership Award.
On March 20, Charleston’s business community will gather at Dock Street Theatre to celebrate John and the leaders and organizations leaving a lasting impact on the Charleston Region. As The Honors approaches, we invite you to be part of this special evening recognizing excellence in leadership.
Congratulations to John C.L. Darby on this well-deserved recognition. His leadership, philanthropy and vision have made a profound impact on the Charleston community and we are honored to celebrate his contributions at The Honors.
