05/30/2026
Meet our Board Chair
Marek Calhoun is a dedicated servant leader, advocate, and community champion with more than 30 years of experience in the helping field, including healthcare, behavioral health, social services, community development, criminal justice, and law enforcement collaboration. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to improving the lives of individuals, children, families, and communities through leadership, advocacy, education, and service.
Marek has devoted his life to creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and helping others overcome barriers to success. His passion for service is reflected not only in his professional accomplishments but also in his extensive involvement in community, civic, and professional organizations across South Carolina.
Marek holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Management from Northeastern Technical College, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Criminology from Coker University, a Master of Arts Degree in Community Mental Health Counseling from Webster University, and a Master of Science Degree in Administration of Justice and Security from the University of Phoenix.
A respected leader throughout South Carolina, Marek serves on numerous boards, advisory councils, and committees dedicated to advancing health equity, workforce development, community empowerment, and public service. He is the Immediate Past Chair of the South Carolina Community Health Workers Association and continues to serve on its Credentialing Council. He is also a South Carolina Community Health Worker Ambassador with the Center for Community Health Alignment and serves on the South Carolina Agricultural Worker Health Advisory Council.
His leadership extends across multiple organizations, including service on the Lifting As We Climb Foundation Board of Directors, Community Health Alignment Initiative (CHAI) Program Advisory Committee, Coker University Black Alumni Network (CBAN), Mullins High School Class of 1992 Alumni Board of Directors, and the P*e Dee Coalition New Beginnings Transitional Shelter Advisory Council. He has also previously served on the boards of Chesterfield County First Steps and Darlington County Habitat for Humanity.
Marek is a proud and active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, where he serves as Keeper of Records and Seal for the Chi Iota Chapter in Florence, South Carolina. In recognition of his dedication, leadership, and commitment to service, he was honored as the 2022 Chi Iota Chapter Omega Man of the Year and recipient of the 2025 Superior Service Award.
His impact has been recognized at both the state and national levels. Marek was designated a Master of Advocacy through the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) Grassroots Advocacy Leadership Program and received the prestigious 2021 Award for Excellence from the South Carolina Primary Health Care Association (SCPHCA).
As Board Chair of Heart of Hope Community Care, Marek provides strategic leadership and guidance to support the organization's mission of bringing hope, healing, empowerment, and opportunity to individuals and families. His leadership is grounded in compassion, integrity, service, advocacy, and a steadfast belief that every person deserves the opportunity to thrive.
“I want to make a difference in the lives of people—that’s what drives me every day; knowing that I have touched and made a difference in the lives of those in the community we serve.”
