The Hilton Head Town Council has appointed an independent citizens advisory committee to assist with the study of the 278 corridor/bridge project, the largest, most expensive, and most impactful project in the history of Beaufort County.

This will be the first truly independent study of this multi-million dollar project; a project that will have far-reaching ramifications for tourists and residents alike.  It will serve as the gateway to our paradise we call home.

We are pleased to announce that the 10,000+ signers of our petition will have a voice and representation on the committee; a “seat at the table.”

Diederik Advocaat of the Technical Working Group, the organizers of the petition drive, has been selected as one of two community members on the five person advisory committee. 

Diederik has an impressive resume which includes over 30 years of experience as an Executive Manager.  He is a dynamic team builder who has led large groups of professionals on a diverse range of engagements.  His assignments have included positions with:

• KPMG-BearingPoint (US)
• KPMG Consulting (UK)
• IFC/WORLD BANK GROUP
• CENTRAL EUROPE TRUST (UK)
• NY STATE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
• UNITED NATIONS

He served as a Facilitator with the World Bank on an airport refinancing project in the Caribbean as well as work with the Urban Development Corporation in New York State. In short, Diederik has dealt with complex projects with multiple entities and bringing these projects to a successful conclusion.

He is also involved with the Town, County and State on putting a symposium together on Resilience and Climate change and the implications for barrier islands with Hilton Head Island as the focus.

The other members of the five person advisory committee include Mayor Alan Perry, Ed Warner (community member) Charles Walczak (professional engineer), William Young (Stony representative), and Herbert Ford (Stony alternate).

The immediate tasks of this committee will be to draft a Statement of Work to examine all options and to conduct a national search for a consulting firm to do the study. 

The advisory committee will work in coordination with Town staff to guide work of the selected consultant, consistent with the Statement of Work to complete the independent review.

As soon as a schedule of meetings of the advisory committee are decided, we will inform you of the dates and place.  These advisory committee meetings will be open to the public. 

All of us look forward to getting this project on the right track rapidly.

The Technical Working Group (TWG)

Diederik Advocaat
Steven Baer
Richard Bisi
Joe Kernan
Gray Smith
Dick Wallace
Stephen Woodall