Ginny Deerin

Ginny Deerin is the the founder of WINGS for kids, an educational program that "teaches kids how to behave well, make good decisions and build healthy relationships." She is also a political campaign manager and consultant, educator, and author. Deerin currently lives in Charleston, South Carolina and has two children.
Development of WINGS
In 1996, Ginny Deerin founded WINGS for kids in Charleston, SC. The first WINGS summer camp quickly led to the creation of an after-school program in Charleston, followed shortly by the founding of the WINGS Learning Laboratory at Memminger Elementary School.
WINGS develops field-tested strategies, practices, and materials that help afterschool programs become more effective by incorporating social and emotional learning.
Deerin took a step back from WINGS in December 2010, saying: "WINGS is ready to fly on its own without me, and that gives me a great sense of peace and joy."
WINGS currently operates at four locations:
* Memminger Elementary School
* Chicora School of Communications
* North Charleston Elementary School
* James Simons Elementary School
Early career
Before WINGS, Deerin’s professional life was divided into 10 years of working in marketing and 10 years in fundraising. Deerin worked for Rawle-Murdy Associates, a full service marketing company in Charleston. By the time she left she was Vice President of the firm. During her tenure there, she worked on a variety of political campaigns in management and fundraising. In the late 80s, Deerin's career turned to professional fundraising. She worked at the College of William and Mary in Virginia, the Medical University of South Carolina and The Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina.
Work in political campaigns
From January to November of 2011, Ginny Deerin served as campaign manager for Mayor Joe Riley of Charleston, SC. The Mayor, a Democrat, won by 68% of the vote in a 5-person race.
Deerin’s involvement in political campaigns began in 1974 when she was on the staff of the Ravenel for Governor campaign. This campaign was significant for South Carolina. Pug Ravenel, a Democrat who had never run for office came out of nowhere to beat the field of establishment candidates. He won the nomination but was disqualified on a residency requirement.
After the Ravenel campaign, Deerin worked in a variety of jobs including U.S. congressional and senate races, gubernatorial races, and local Charleston races.
Awards
* The Order of the Palmetto
** to recognize lifetime achievement and service, is considered to be the highest civilian honor in the state of South Carolina.
* Jefferson Award
* Non-profit Leader Award
*
** recognized Ginny Deerin as one of Charleston’s top 10 women
* Golden Apple Award from WCSC-TV
** for her advocacy for children

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