Diana Mezzanotte
Statement of Focus
Kiawah Island has been a part
of my family’s life for 35 years,
since the first time my husband
and I visited the island in 1980.
Although we explored other
coastal communities, none of
them combined the natural
beauty and unique character of Kiawah. In 1989, my husband
and I purchased a lot on Bufflehead Drive and built our home
in 2000. Last year we purchased what we hope will be our final
island home in Rhett’s Bluff.
Over the years our island has grown gracefully, retaining its
beautiful maritime forests and salt marshes, amid careful
development. As we near build out, our community must be
vigilant to ensure that this island remains a special place for its
human and animal residents, as well as outside visitors.
Kiawah Island Priorities:
1. More than ever, we need to focus on the natural
environment that originally drew us to Kiawah to ensure
the proper balance between development and nature.
2. Our most frequented community amenity, the Sandcastle,
has not been updated for nearly 10 years. This update needs
to happen within budget/reserve limitations to enhance
the Sandcastle’s attractiveness and functionality, enabling
the facility to meet future needs.
3. The town and KICA must continue to work together in a
way that benefits Kiawah residents. The proposed town move
to a new municipal building opens the possibility of KICA
expanding office and meeting space into the current town
hall, relieving some of the pressure on the Sandcastle. Also,
the unsafe/unreliable travel to and from Kiawah must be
addressed by a unified town and KICA working closely with,
and respecting the needs of, our surrounding communities.
4. The recent floods highlighted the need for KICA to continue,
and perhaps expand/accelerate, its infrastructure repair and
improvement schedule, especially in areas hardest hit.
5. KICA’s positive working relationship with the resort
has benefited property owners and should be continued
whenever opportunities can be identified. The West
Beach Revitalization Project and the success of the PGA
Championship are examples of this productive alliance. The
resort is an incredible asset to our community and should
be commended for their assistance during the recent floods.
6. Our communication venues include the KICA Digest,
Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and a recently
expanded website. Adding a more personal approach, such
as quarterly subject presentations and/or neighborhood
meetings, would enhance community understanding of the
board’s proposed projects and long-term strategic plans.
Candidate Bio
• Family: Husband and Two Children
• History of Kiawah Property Ownership: Full-Time Resident
Career Highlights
• Public Accounting, Arthur Anderson
• Internal Auditing, Accounting, Site Support, Training and
Plant Operations, DuPont - Several Locations
• Manufacturing Manager, DuPont - Chattanooga, TN
• Town Committee Representative, DuPont - Kinston, NC
• Certified Mediator, State of Virginia
Education/Certifications/Military
• Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting
Concentration, St. Mary’s College
• Certified Public Accountant, 1980
Other Experience/Volunteerism
• Better Business Bureau, Mediation
• Boca Helping Hands, Job Mentor and Fundraiser Co-chair
• Johns Island Goodwill Job Center, Resume Preparation
• Johns Island Public Library, Resume Preparation
• KICA Job Fairs and Focus Groups
• Kiawah Conservancy, Bluebird Monitoring Program
• Kiawah Cares, Sea Islands Habitat Program
• Numerous School PTAs
• Oxfam (International Anti-Poverty Organization)
• Respite Care Charleston
Additional Comments
My 35-year Kiawah connection, education, professional career
and volunteerism have given me the background needed to be
an effective board member, as well as bring a fresh perspective
to the KICA board.
My accounting career developed my financial, leadership and
team building skills. Transferring to manufacturing proved that
I was capable of moving beyond my academic financial training
to be effective in a totally different environment.
Mediation enabled me to assist others in finding win-win solutions,
even when it appeared there was no positive path forward.
Over three decades ago, I fell in love with Kiawah Island. Now,
I wish to preserve and improve it for future generations.