To achieve our commitment to excellence and community reinvestment, The SIM Group employs leaders. It's how we’ve built our company since 1993 -- employing the industry's top professionals, creating a structure and strategy for the organization, and providing autonomy to make the best decisions in the field.

JeffRey B. Coggin, President and Chief Executive Officer
As trustee for the U.S. McDonald Trusts and President/CEO of the parent company since 1988, Jeff has the responsibility of managing all US holdings and operations under the auspices of The SIM Group. With an extensive background in the fields of accounting and finance, he has more than 30 years experience in resort, golf and real estate industries and has positioned The SIM Group as a renowned regional developer, home builder and leader in the golf industry with a presence in a number of Southeastern markets.

A graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Business, Jeff served as Controller and Chief Financial Officer for more than 10 years with companies such as Snowshoe Ski Resort, Phillips Management Group, Canal Wood Corporation and Waccamaw Group. He also worked for Leonard Call, Taylor & Associates in project sales and management associated with residential and resort projects in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Jeff has been directly involved in the real estate industry for more than 30 years.

In addition to his corporate duties, Jeff served as Trustee of the US and European McDonald Family trusts. He also served as Director and Trustee for several charitable and civic organizations to include the McLeod Foundation, The McLeod Children’s Hospital Advisory Board, Francis Marion University Foundation, The Byrnes Schools Board of Trustees, Florence Economic Progress and Development Partnership, the Florence City/County Civic Center Commission, and the South Carolina Aquarium Board.
Kurt A. Sandness, Executive Vice President
Kurt serves as Executive Vice President for The SIM Group, Sintra Development Corporation, SDC Management and The Links & Land Group. He oversees all aspects of acquisition, entitlement and the development process for The SIM Group including the due-diligence, planning, zoning, permitting and construction phases of projects developed by the company as well as those of its clients. He has been involved in the business of land development, domestically and internationally since 1990 following his graduation from Florida Southern College. The scope of these projects has ranged over the years from neighborhood subdivisions to award-winning master planned communities and resort destinations.

In his role with The Links & Land Group, Kurt provides clients with consulting services related to design, construction management and operations involving all aspects of the golf business.
G. Patrick Smith III, Chief Financial Officer
A native of Mullins, South Carolina and a graduate of Wofford College, Patrick is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in both North and South Carolina. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the North and South Carolina Associations of Certified Public Accountants.

In his current role, Patrick oversees all tax, finance and accounting functions for The SIM Group and its subsidiary companies and related trusts. Prior to joining The SIM Group, Patrick served as Partner and Principle with S. Preston Douglas & Associates, LLP where he was involved in the oversight of audits and firm management. Previously he was a Senior Manager in the Florence office of Webster Rogers, LLP.

Active in the community, Patrick currently serves on the Finance Committee for Central United Methodist Church and as Treasurer and Executive Board Member for The Byrnes Schools in Florence, South Carolina. He is also a member of the Florence Kiwanis Club.
Deborah M. Hvizdos, Vice President of Administration
As Vice President of Administration for The SIM Group, Debbie oversees corporate administration, human resources and benefits management, risk management, legal, contract management, and corporate records. Debbie also serves as a Corporate Officer and Board Member for all subsidiaries under The SIM Group.

Debbie is a graduate of Dyke College (Cleveland, OH) and joined The SIM Group of Companies in 1997. She brought with her a strong background of administrative management skills, having held positions as Administration Manager, Finance Manager, Government/Export Sales Manager and Paralegal. Her career has primarily focused on corporate, sales and finance administration, human resources and the legal field. Debbie is also a graduate of the Dale Carnegie Leadership Training for Managers Program and AMA Certification in Management Program.

Debbie is an active community member participating in numerous community and charitable events and formerly served as Co-Tournament Director for the Buy.Com South Carolina Classic.
Jonathan H. Burnett, Vice President of Golf Operations
A native of Florence, South Carolina and a graduate of Francis Marion University, Jonathan is responsible for the management of club and golf operations for both The Country Club of South Carolina and The Golf Club of South Carolina at Crickentree. Jonathan joined The SIM Group in 2003 after spending more than seven years with Francis Marion University where he managed the golf program and lead the team to a 2003 National Championship. Previously he was with the Florence Country Club.

Jonathan proudly serves the Florence Community as a member of the McLeod Children's Hospital Golf Classic Tournament Committee and the BB&T Corporate Challenge, both of which benefit local charities and education. He also serves on the Florence School District I Foundation Tournament Committee and the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Pee Dee.
Donna Parrish, Director of Sales & Marketing
Donna began her career in corporate real estate administration for Wachovia Corporation in Charlotte, North Carolina. She soon transitioned into full-time real estate sales with WEICHERT REALTORS, assisting homebuyers and sellers for more than four years. After moving to the Charleston, South Carolina area, Donna shifted her focus to new home sales and construction, working as a sales agent for SINTRA Homes' newest community, Daniel's Orchard. Donna recently joined The SIM Group corporate team as Director of Sales & Marketing. She holds a B.A. in Communications and Business Management from North Carolina State University.

Active in the community, Donna is a member of the Charitable Society of Charleston and currently serves on the planning committee for the 5K Reindeer Run, a fundraiser benefiting MUSC Children's Hospital.

Carolina Focus


From the coast to the mountains, The SIM Group is developing and building more than 14 of the region’s finest neighborhoods and communities.