# Leadership and Governance

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**Page description:** Meet The Poston Foundation’s three-member board and executive leadership, and review governance, stewardship, internal controls, and public accountability.

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The Poston Foundation

# Leadership and Governance

A small board. Clear responsibility.

The Poston Foundation is governed by a three-member Board of Directors and led day to day by its Founder & Executive Director. The structure is small, which makes clear roles, documented decisions, conflict-of-interest standards, and internal controls especially important.

[Board of directors](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/leadership-and-governance/#board-title)[Governance](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/leadership-and-governance/#accountability-title)[Responsibilities](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/leadership-and-governance/#leadership-responsibilities-title)[Stewardship](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/leadership-and-governance/#governance-records-title)

At a Glance

## Who is responsible for what.

This page identifies the people currently responsible for oversight and the practices the Foundation is using to strengthen governance as the organization grows.

Founded
:   2020

Headquarters
:   Columbia, South Carolina

Organization
:   South Carolina nonprofit corporation

Federal Status
:   IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charity

Service Area
:   South Carolina

Current Initiatives
:   Carolina Cares, Poston Preserve & GERT

Public Verification

## Governance information should connect to records a reviewer can check.

[Public Profile**Candid Platinum 2026 ↗**](https://app.candid.org/profile/9897244/the-poston-foundation-85-0559047/)[Foundation Records**Transparency Center →**](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/transparency/)[Federal Registration**SAM.gov UEI Y3THS74NACW6 ↗**](https://sam.gov/entity/Y3THS74NACW6/coreData)[Due Diligence**Request Information →**](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/contact/)

Governance Overview

## Board oversight should stay close to mission and money.

The Foundation is governed by a three-member Board of Directors. Board leadership supports organizational oversight, responsible stewardship, policy administration, and the continued development of charitable operations.

### Mission Oversight

Maintaining attention to the Foundation's charitable purpose and public-service priorities in South Carolina.

### Responsible Stewardship

Supporting careful administration, financial oversight, documentation, and responsible use of charitable resources.

### Policy and Accountability

Working through bylaws, internal policies, conflict-of-interest standards, and core organizational controls.

Board of Directors

## Current Board of Directors

The three-member board provides governance and organizational oversight. The roster below is reflected in the Foundation’s Candid profile as of September 24, 2026.

Founder and Executive Director

Executive Leadership and Director

### Eric Chalmers Poston

Founder & Executive Director · President · Treasurer · Secretary · Director

Eric Chalmers Poston founded The Poston Foundation in 2020 and serves as Founder & Executive Director and a member of the Board of Directors. His work spans nonprofit management, digital strategy, business operations, communications, program development, and organizational administration.

He leads fundraising, public communications, grant readiness, program development, governance coordination, Carolina Cares, The Poston Preserve Initiative, and the GERT Coastal Education & Conservation Initiative.

The public Candid roster identifies Eric Chalmers Poston as Board Chair for 2026–2027. Questions about Foundation programs, funding plans, or organizational records may be directed to [eposton@thepostonfoundation.org](mailto:eposton@thepostonfoundation.org) or [803-365-3054](tel:+18033653054).

Director

### Harold Chalmers Poston

Harold Chalmers Poston serves on the Board of Directors and supports governance, stewardship, and organizational oversight in furtherance of the Foundation's charitable mission.

Director

### Maxine Moody Poston

Maxine Moody Poston serves on the Board of Directors and supports governance, stewardship, and organizational oversight in furtherance of the Foundation's charitable mission.

Governance and Accountability

## Governance practices that matter more as the Foundation grows.

Governance at the Foundation is supported by organizational documents and internal practices designed to strengthen accountability, stewardship, and consistent decision-making.

01

### Bylaws and Board Oversight

Board responsibilities and organizational decision-making are guided by the Foundation's governing documents and charitable purpose.

02

### Conflict-of-Interest Standards

Conflict-of-interest standards support impartial decision-making and attention to the Foundation's charitable interests.

03

### Internal Controls

Core internal controls and documentation practices support stewardship, operational consistency, and responsible administration.

04

### Charitable Compliance

Operations are organized with attention to nonprofit obligations, accurate public communication, and appropriate use of charitable resources.

Leadership in Service

## Governance should make the work stronger—not just add paperwork.

Leadership supports three current initiatives: Carolina Cares, focused on practical direct aid; Poston Preserve, focused on public history and place-based community development; and GERT Makes Waves, focused on children’s literacy, sponsored book outreach, coastal education, and responsible conservation purposes. Each requires a clear scope, responsible use of funds, documented activity, and public communication suited to the work being carried out.

[Explore Carolina Cares](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/carolina-cares/)
[Contact the Foundation](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/contact/)

Oversight and Implementation

## Clear responsibilities help a small organization work carefully.

### Board-level oversight

The Board of Directors provides organizational oversight and attention to charitable purpose, policies, and stewardship. Its role is especially important as the Foundation develops a more consistent fundraising and program structure.

The public Candid profile’s board roster, dated September 24, 2026, identifies Eric Chalmers Poston, Harold Chalmers Poston, and Maxine Moody Poston. The Foundation’s family roots are part of its identity; documented decisions and attention to conflicts remain important to responsible governance.

### Day-to-day coordination

Eric Chalmers Poston serves as Founder & Executive Director and is listed as President, Treasurer, and Secretary. He coordinates program development, fundraising systems, public communications, and organizational administration.

Executive responsibilities are supported by board oversight, internal controls, documented approvals, and clear program records.

Stewardship in the Program Plan

## The records should explain how support becomes charitable work.

The Carolina Cares stewardship plan identifies the following documentation priorities. They describe the operating framework being built around the program.

### Contributions and donor intent

Track the source, amount, date, restriction, and acknowledgment status of funds received. Record appropriate in-kind support separately so donated goods can be understood alongside cash contributions.

### Purchases and supplies

Keep receipts, invoices, vendor records, and budget categories for purchases. Use kit counts and practical supply or inventory records to connect procurement to preparation.

### Distribution and public reporting

Document distribution dates, locations or partners, and kit counts without unnecessary recipient identification. Prepare concise narrative and financial summaries for leadership, donors, sponsors, and funders.

### Budget review and project scope

Compare planned costs with actual spending and explain changes. Poston Preserve’s proposed budget also calls for pricing, required site permissions, and approval before a commitment, with activities paced to available funds.

Information for Funders and Partners

## Review the structure and the program behind a proposed commitment.

### Published governance information

The Foundation’s Candid profile includes board-practice disclosures covering orientation, executive oversight, conflict-of-interest review, board recruitment, and board assessment.

The current program overview describes adopted governance policies, internal controls, and recordkeeping procedures intended to support responsible stewardship. Specific records may be requested when appropriate for a funding or partnership review.

[Review the Candid profile ↗](https://app.candid.org/profile/9897244/the-poston-foundation-85-0559047/)

### A useful due-diligence request

Tell us which program or proposed project you are reviewing, the documents needed, the intended funding period, and any submission deadline. That helps the Foundation respond with the most relevant public materials and explain the status of any additional record.

Start with the strategic plan, program briefs, and proposed budgets in the document library. For program design, sponsorship, or governance questions, contact Eric Chalmers Poston through the Foundation’s public contact channels.

[Open the public document library ›](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/transparency/)

Learn More

## A serious nonprofit structure for practical service.

Learn more about The Poston Foundation’s mission, review the public program materials, or support the initiative that best matches your charitable interests.

[About the Foundation](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/about/)
[Donate to Carolina Cares](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/carolina-cares/#donate)