Scott Jackson - President
Scott Jackson joined Palmetto Prime in 2023 after moving to Charleston with his husband Dan. Together they discovered how meaningful it was to find a community, make friends, and build a sense of belonging. Scott joined the Board in 2024 and quickly became focused on strengthening the organization, expanding its events and visibility, and listening to what members wanted from their club. Scott brings a career in retail operations and leadership to Palmetto Prime. With a background as a retail COO and senior executive, he has led large-scale operations and helped brands develop, test, and grow across multiple channels nationwide. Today, he runs a boutique consulting firm focused on helping startup retailers refine their concepts, launch successfully, and scale. As President, Scott is proud of Palmetto Prime’s growth and its growing presence in Charleston’s LGBTQ+ community. He believes Palmetto Prime should be a place for gay men of all ages to find their people, build lasting friendships, and have fun. Outside of Palmetto Prime, Scott is a devoted dog dad, gardener, and home renovator.
Rick Cone - Secretary
Rick Cone has been part of Palmetto Prime since 2015 and has played an active role in helping build the community that makes the organization special. As Board Secretary, Rick brings a thoughtful, dependable presence to the leadership team and is passionate about making Palmetto Prime a welcoming place where members can connect, share experiences, and build friendships. He especially enjoys the group’s outdoor activities and opportunities to spend time together outside of traditional social settings. Away from Palmetto Prime, Rick enjoys sailing, cooking, traveling, and spending time with friends. He looks forward to helping create an experience where every member feels included, connected, and encouraged to participate.
Jim McKendrick - Treasurer
Jim McKenrick joined Palmetto Prime in 2025 after getting to know the organization through mutual friends and discovering a community that keeps him socially active and connected. As a professional in the financial industry, Jim was invited to join the Board as Treasurer, where he brings his financial experience and enthusiasm for giving back. Outside of his full-time career, Jim is a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor, helping clients achieve their health and fitness goals. He and his husband enjoy camping, traveling in their RV, and spending time with friends. Jim hopes every Palmetto Prime member finds a strong sense of community, friendship, and support. And for a fun fact: in 1986, Jim was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated—in his underwear.
Ricky Cuevas - President Emeritus
Ricky Cuevas joined Palmetto Prime in 2021 after his partner, Dick, introduced him to the group. After attending several events, Ricky quickly became an active member and soon joined the Board. Ricky and Dick live in Downtown Charleston. Ricky’s passion is Palmetto Prime’s members. He loves welcoming new members, making people feel comfortable, and helping everyone feel connected. When the President role became available in 2024, Ricky stepped up to lead the organization. As President, Ricky introduced a new Facebook Group that helped double membership and brought new talent and leadership to the Board. His favorite events are the water and tubing outings and potlucks, and he enjoys connecting Palmetto Prime with the broader Charleston LGBTQ+ community. Ricky’s goal is to ensure Palmetto Prime remains a safe, welcoming place where men can find their tribe, build friendships, and feel seen, respected, and valued.
Joe Meyers - Member
Events Logistics
Joe Myers joined Palmetto Prime in 2017 because he was looking for a place to socialize with other gay men and be himself. Since then, the group has become an important social outlet and community for Joe. As a Board Member, Event Logistics, Joe brings his hospitality and organizational skills to creating well-planned, welcoming, and enjoyable experiences for members. He believes Palmetto Prime should provide a safe, welcoming place where members can build new friendships, connect with others, and have fun. Outside of the group, Joe enjoys interior, landscape, and floral design, attending Broadway shows and movies, discovering new restaurants, and snorkeling in the Caribbean.
Todd Frech- Member
Community Service
Todd Frech first arrived in the Lowcountry in 1984 while serving in the U.S. Navy. Although work and adventure took him around the world over the following decades, Charleston always felt like home. In 2016, he returned for good to be closer to family, friends, and the community he had never quite left behind. Todd currently works in healthcare and is active in several volunteer efforts. He volunteers with the Amputee Coalition, helping individuals connect with resources and support, and is involved in veteran advocacy, helping veterans living with PTSD find treatment options and the support they deserve. Outside of work and volunteering, Todd enjoys spending time outdoors with his two hound dogs, Ellis and Ethel. Together they camp, hike, explore local parks, and discover new places throughout the Lowcountry. He is also an enthusiastic e-bike rider, describing himself as “recreationally committed” rather than athletic. Todd loves outdoor cooking, especially meals prepared over a grill, smoker, or campfire. He also enjoys music, movies, and live theater and is always up for a great performance or an excuse to buy another concert ticket. After traveling the world, Todd is grateful to once again call the Lowcountry home and to give back to the community that has given him so much.
Chris Thomas- Member
Community and Entertainment Events
Chris Thomas joined Palmetto Prime in 2023 as part of his journey of coming out later in life. He was looking for connection, belonging, and the support of a community where he could feel comfortable being himself, and quickly found a sense of family within Palmetto Prime. Chris joined the Board because he believes in leading by example and wanted to play an active role in the organization’s continued growth. He is especially passionate about creating events and experiences that bring members together, including Boys’ Night Out, pool parties, and Sunday Social Dinners. Outside of Palmetto Prime, Chris enjoys traveling, woodworking, quilting, and being a dad to his English Bulldog. His first two quilts both earned first-place ribbons at the county fair.
Michael Turner- Member
Membership
Michael Turner joined Palmetto Prime in 2024 after being introduced to the group by his friend Rick Cone. He quickly embraced the camaraderie, friendships, and variety of social activities that make Palmetto Prime special. Michael joined the Board to help welcome and onboard new members, bringing his natural positivity and enthusiasm to the role. A West Ashley resident, Michael enjoys photography, especially macro photography, gardening, and home improvement projects, which he affectionately calls “yard therapy.” After losing his husband and partner of 26 years in 2024, Michael has found the friendships and brotherhood of Palmetto Prime especially meaningful. He hopes to offer that same sense of connection and support to others, particularly those navigating the loss of a partner. Michael is also a proud dog dad to three spoiled rescue dogs.
Billy Button- Member
Outdoor Adventures
