Hatton Gravely has been named director of Women in Philanthropy and Leadership (WIPL) for Coastal Carolina University.

WIPL is an organization that seeks to improve the lives of students at CCU and make a difference in the greater community. WIPL provides scholarships to deserving students and supports programs that create leadership opportunities for students across all academic disciplines.

Gravely's responsibilities include establishing and managing the day-to-day operations of WIPL, expanding the annual membership base, and collaborating with the WIPL executive director, board of directors and committees to plan and execute the annual WIPL Conference and Celebration of Inspiring Women.

"Hatton's background is a perfect fit for Women in Philanthropy and Leadership," said Terri DeCenzo, executive director of WIPL. "Her hands-on experience with fundraising, event planning, advertising, marketing and social media will be a great benefit for our organization. I look forward to partnering with her as we expand the reach and impact of our annual WIPL Conference and Celebration of Inspiring Women."

Prior to joining CCU, Gravely served the last three years as vice president of development and marketing at SPM Resorts Inc. in Myrtle Beach. She also worked for five years as the marketing manager at The Market Common and for two years as the events and promotions manager at The Brandon Agency. Her background also includes serving as senior project coordinator for the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, and staff assistant and systems administrator for Rep. Shelley Moore Capito in Washington, D.C.

Gravely earned a bachelor's degree in political science with a minor in English from Randolph-Macon College in 2001. She and her husband, Will, have two children, Thomas and Mary Chase.