Board of Directors

Marty Wells serves as chairman of the First Fruits Community Park and Garden Board of Directors and is an elder at Blythewood Presbyterian Church, where he teaches 4th–5th grade Sunday School. He and his wife, Gert, have three adult children—Rosalie, Jeremiah, and Noah—three grandchildren, and a fourth expected in May 2026. A retired U.S. Army Soldier, Marty is grateful for the privilege of having served our nation for 26 years and seven months.

Daniel is an educator and musician with over 25 years of experience in schools across South Carolina and Tennessee. He serves as Assistant Principal at North Central High School in Kershaw County and as Deacon Board Chair at Blythewood Presbyterian Church. Passionate about education, music, and community, he is excited to help create spaces that reflect God’s creativity and bring people together through the Park and Garden vision.

Teresa is a retired substitute teacher, Clemson grad, and mother of three adult children. A founding member of Blythewood Presbyterian Church with her husband of 40 years, she has enjoyed gardening for about 50 years and has a large vegetable garden of her own. For the past two years, she has managed the First Fruits Community Garden, delighted to provide space for others to learn to grow their own vegetables and to come alongside more experienced gardeners.

Coming soon!

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Emma brings 15+ years of business leadership and 8 years of fundraising & charity experience. She has served in multiple community roles, including on PTO Boards at Round Top Elem. and Blythewood Middle. A Blythewood resident who loves being outdoors with her family and dog, Emma believes every child and family should have access to safe, welcoming outdoor spaces—and looks forward to seeing a community playground and garden in Blythewood, inspired in part by her own multigenerational family’s memories at a similar park in Harrisonburg, VA.

Connie Cunningham is a lifelong Blythewood resident and a devoted follower of Christ. A member of Round Top Baptist Church, she chairs both the Food Pantry and Clothing Ministries—roles that reflect her heart for serving neighbors in need. Connie was married to the late Governor Cunningham, Jr., and is the mother of two children and grandmother of two. She also serves on the Board of First Fruits Community Park and Garden and volunteers with the Wanna Buddy Ministry at Blythewood Presbyterian Church, joyfully investing her time and energy in the local community.

Heather is a founding member of Blythewood Presbyterian Church and instructor at the University of South Carolina. She is excited to serve as the Project Manager for First Fruits. From the early days of our church plant, the collaboration between BPC and the community has always been something that has been passionate about and involved in. She can’t wait to see the continuation of this vision through an accessible playground, community garden and recreational space!