Harbor Store Team

Stephen Groves is the founder of Harbor Store, a nonprofit focused on building a more thoughtful and dignified approach to meeting everyday needs in the Charleston community.

His work is rooted in a simple belief that how support is delivered matters just as much as what is delivered. Harbor Store reflects that belief by creating a space where families can access groceries and essential goods in a way that feels normal, respectful, and community-centered.

Stephen’s background spans operations, strategic planning, and large-scale coordination across government, campaigns, and the private sector. Throughout his career, he has focused on bringing people together, solving complex challenges, and building systems that work in real-world environments.

The idea for Harbor Store came after time spent in Nashville, where he was introduced to a similar model created by Brad and Kim Paisley. Seeing firsthand how a community-centered, dignity-focused approach could change the experience for families made it clear that Charleston needed something like it.

Today, Stephen is focused on turning that idea into a lasting institution. Harbor Store is being built to serve the community in a meaningful way while creating a model that can grow and reach more people over time.

Krista Hinson is a founding board member of Harbor Store, bringing deep experience in public affairs, advocacy, and community leadership.

With a background representing the retail industry before the state legislature and regulatory agencies, Krista has a strong understanding of policy, partnership, and the systems that shape how meaningful change happens. Her work has consistently focused on building alignment between business, government, and community to create practical, lasting outcomes.

Krista is actively engaged across a range of professional and civic organizations and is a graduate of Leadership South Carolina. She serves on several boards and councils, including the Public Affairs Council, the American College of Healthcare Executives, and the Healthcare Financial Management Association, reflecting a broad commitment to leadership across industries.

Her dedication to community impact is equally evident through her volunteer work. She serves as Health Division Chair for the United Way of the Midlands Capital Campaign Committee, contributes to the Junior League of Columbia through its Community Partner Development Committee, and is a member of the Contemporaries of the Columbia Museum of Art.

At Harbor Store, Krista brings a strong voice for advocacy, partnership development, and community connection. Her perspective helps ensure the organization is built with both strategic alignment and long-term impact in mind, strengthening its ability to serve individuals and families across Charleston in a meaningful and sustainable way.

Taylor Mason is a founding board member of Harbor Store, bringing deep experience in public policy, strategic advocacy, and coalition building across local, state, and federal levels.

A Charleston native, Taylor has built a career working at the intersection of government, business, and community engagement. He has led public policy initiatives and advocacy efforts in complex, highly regulated industries, working closely with policymakers, federal agencies, and community leaders to advance meaningful outcomes. His experience includes work with Congress, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Department of Transportation, and the House Transportation Committee.

Taylor’s work is defined by his ability to navigate complex systems and bring stakeholders together to move ideas forward. He has successfully built and led multi-state advocacy efforts and coalitions, including the Rare Disease Company Coalition, where he coordinated collaboration across industry leaders, policymakers, and grassroots organizations to address critical issues.

In addition to his policy work, Taylor has experience in communications and technology, helping organizations connect with communities and strengthen their impact through strategic messaging and partnerships.

At Harbor Store, Taylor provides strategic guidance as the organization moves from concept to execution. His understanding of policy, partnerships, and community engagement plays a key role in helping build a model that is both effective and sustainable, ensuring Harbor Store can grow into a lasting resource for Charleston.

Morgan Whittemore is a real estate developer and investor with experience across residential and commercial projects, with a focus on thoughtful design, strategic growth, and long-term value.

As Founder of Home Realty Group and Principal of Tideland Industrial, she leads projects that are both financially sound and intentionally designed around how people live and experience a space.

In addition to her professional work, Morgan is committed to community impact and has been actively involved in mentorship, advocacy, and volunteer work. Her experience includes supporting women in building financial independence, volunteering with Alzheimer’s patients, and working with organizations like the Kay Phillips Child Advocacy Center to support children and families.

At Harbor Store, Morgan brings a practical and design-centered perspective to building a space that feels welcoming, intentional, and grounded in dignity. Her approach helps ensure the environment reflects the mission, creating a place where individuals and families feel respected and supported while accessing what they need.

JA Moore is a founding honorary board member of Harbor Store, bringing a lifelong commitment to public service, community advocacy, and leadership rooted in the Lowcountry.

A Charleston native, JA was raised in a family deeply connected to service and community impact. His parents were active in the civil rights movement and instilled in him the importance of supporting others while working to strengthen the community around him. That foundation continues to shape his work today.

As a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, JA has focused on issues that directly affect the lives of families across the state, including education, economic stability, public health, and veterans’ services. His work has consistently centered on creating practical solutions that improve access and opportunity for the communities he represents.

In addition to his work in public office, JA is a professional chef, bringing a unique perspective on food, access, and the role it plays in building stronger communities. His experience allows him to approach issues like food insecurity with both policy insight and real-world understanding.

At Harbor Store, JA provides guidance on community engagement, policy alignment, and long-term impact. His voice helps ensure the organization remains grounded in the needs of the community while building a model that can grow and serve more people over time.