Ambassadors

Sara Rendelman is the co-publisher of Chapin Neighbors magazine. She’s an active member of the local community and was named the Chapin Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year in 2022. Sara is a graduate of the University of South Carolina, the mother of 9 children and is married to the most wonderful man in the  universe. 

Ruby Ballesteros has been a Greater Chapin Chamber of Commerce member for over one year. She also serves as Vice President of the Optimist Club of St. Andrews-Irmo board. She is a Pet Sitters International Organization member, an Irmo Chamber Diplomat, and a U.S. Army Veteran serving during the OIF/OEF campaign.

Ruby is an entrepreneur owning RubyRed’s Pet Care, LLC, and Foxy Raven Creative Studio, LLC, a proud veteran and woman-owned small business in the Midlands while holding a BSBA from the University of Phoenix.

As an entrepreneur, she has been nominated for various awards, including the Greater Chapin Chamber of Commerce Young Professional of the Year Award, Greater Irmo Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award, and Launch Award.

My name is Christina Chappell and I am the Retail Banking Manager of the Ballentine branch of Security Federal Bank.  I grew up in Southwest Florida, where I was raised by my maternal grandparents.  Growing up, my Aunt, Uncle and cousins lived in Forrester Acres, so we visited Columbia and the surrounding areas frequently.  I moved to New Jersey in 1998 and spent three very long winters in the Northeast, where my daughter was born in July of 2001.  I quickly realized that I prefer sunshine to snow, so in 2002 I joined my grandparents, who retired in 2001 relocating from the Florida Gulf Coast, to the shores of Lake Murray in Chapin. 

My husband (Cody) and I live just outside of Chapin proper, with our three human children – Mikayla, Clay and Porter, four fur babies Bailey & Rylee (the pups) and Waylon & Willie (the goats) and our daughter’s fur baby Beau, the sweetest most adorable can do no wrong grand-dog that ever existed.  

I have been the Retail Banking Manager for almost five years now, but was the Executive Director of this very Chamber for several years prior to starting at Security Federal Bank.  I continue to be impressed with the growth the Chamber and our community have realized in the last few years, and am very excited to serve the Chamber Partners alongside Paul and his awesome team!  I have definitely found my niche in banking, and I love what I do, and the community bank where I am blessed to be able to do it, but the Chapin Chamber will always feel a little bit like coming home.

Marcia Pierce is an accomplished professional with a passion for fostering positive relationships and
driving community engagement in the financial services industry. With over 25 years of experience,
Marcia has a proven track record of developing and executing successful community outreach programs
that enhance brand reputation, promote financial literacy, and address the specific needs of diverse
populations.
Marcia’s expertise lies in creating mutually beneficial partnerships with local organizations, nonprofits,
and educational institutions to deliver impactful initiatives. By actively collaborating with community
leaders, she has successfully implemented financial education workshops, scholarship programs, and
charitable initiatives that have made a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families.
Marcia is known for her exceptional communication skills and ability to connect with people from all
backgrounds. She excels at articulating complex financial concepts in a relatable manner, enabling
individuals to make informed decisions about their financial well-being.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Marcia is an active volunteer in her local community.
She serves on the board of organizations dedicated to promoting financial literacy among underserved
populations, further exemplifying her commitment to making a positive impact beyond her professional
responsibilities.
Marcia holds a Bachelor degree in Education and is a long time resident of Chapin.

An original Chapinite! My family name is a road, an island and a neighborhood.  I love BBQ and cook outs, but it must be mustard based sauce!  I have a Paralegal Degree and have worked in all fields of law.  I obtained the highest certification as a PCAM (Professional Community Association Manager), owned an Association Management firm with 22 Associations for over 6 years in Murrells Inlet, SC.  Once I decided to move back to my hometown of Chapin, I changed gears once again to concentrate back on bookkeeping for small businesses and contractors.  I own To the Moon & Back, a back-office accounting firm and currently serve 8 small businesses.  I am also the majority owner of R. Bettis Construction, a commercial construction and post frame building/shop/home builder.  Last year I was appointed to the Town of Chapin Planning Commission and was also awarded Ambassador of the year.  One thing to know about me, I love Chapin and want to see it and its people taken care of.  The Chapin Chamber helps with that, which is why I am proud to serve as an Ambassador.  

Vanessa Stephenson is a happily married mom of two who, after moving around a lot growing up, has chosen to call Chapin home. Her husband Jesse is a real estate broker and together they own and operate Stephenson Property Group, LLC. As a dedicated property manager, she is focused on growing her business and laying down roots in the community. Since joining the Chapin Chamber in 2020 and the Chapin Junior Woman’s Club (CJWC) in 2023, she has become an active part of the town, along with her involvement at Gateway Baptist Church.