Celebrating New Board Members in 2022

Charleston, S.C. – February 23, 2022 – Wings for Kids, an education nonprofit dedicated to social-emotional learning, is thrilled to announce the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors: Kerri Chisolm, Rahul Dembla, and Michael Toscano.

“Collectively and individually, Kerri, Rahul and Michael bring a new energy to our organization,” said Bridget Laird, chief executive officer of Wings for Kids. “Their strengths, experiences, and expertise will support WINGS’ presence in our Charleston community and will help drive our next strategic planning process.”

Kerri Chisolm is a graduate of The Citadel, with a bachelor’s of science in accounting. Kerri is the senior vice president commercial banking relationship manager for Ameris Bank where he expands commercial banking relationships throughout the southeast. Kerri is an expert in evaluating and underwriting business banking, commercial banking, middle market and corporate clients across a variety of industries. Kerri actively participates in the North Charleston Rotary Club, is a board member of Lowcountry Local First and Charleston LDC. He also volunteers as a youth soccer coach and gives talks at The Military Magnet Academy. 

Rahul Dembla is a graduate of the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee and NYU Stern School of Business with an MBA in finance. Rahul is the senior director of financial & resource planning at Santee Cooper where he is a senior leader for strategic planning, financial forecasting, and transformational resource planning for South Carolina’s largest power producer. Rahul previously worked for Barclays Investment Bank and Lehman Brothers. Fun fact: Rahul was recognized by India’s central board of education for being among top .01% in Mathematics nationwide in 1990 and 1992!

Michael Toscano is a graduate of the American Culinary Federations’ Apprenticeship hosted through North Carolina’s famed Pinehurst Resort. In New York City, Michael worked at Thomas Keller’s, Bouchon Bakery, and Mario Batali’s Babbo by the age of 21. In 2012, as chef/owner, Michael opened Perla in Greenwich Village to the accolades of Esquire’s Best New Restaurants in America, New York Times Two Stars, and Time Out New York Best Italian Restaurant. Michael was named a “New York Rising Star” by StarChefs.com, Zagat 30 Under 30, James Beard “Rising Star Chef'' semifinalist and was selected to be part of Willams Sonoma’s Chefs’ Collective. Michael owns and operates Le Farfalle in Charleston, S.C. and da Toscano in New York City, N.Y.

“On behalf of the WINGS Board, we extend a warm welcome to Kerri, Rahul, and Michael,” said David L. Morley, chair of the Wings for Kids Board of Directors. “As we celebrate our 25th Anniversary and look forward to the next 25, we are confident that our newest members will bring valuable perspectives to our board and help WINGS deliver impact in our local communities and across the country.”

Chisholm, Dembla, and Toscano join 12 fellow members of the Wings for Kids’ Board of Directors.