About Us

Before joining McAlister-Smith in 2009, Janie was an office manager for a construction company. To Janie, her role as the Director of Finance at McAlister-Smith is a ministry, not just a job. Janie is passionate about helping others begin their healing process with care and compassion. 

Outside of work, Janie enjoys reading, cooking, and is an active member of her Church. 

Originally from Pennsylvania, Don began his career in the funeral industry in 2005 while attending the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, and in November of 2017 joined the McAlister-Smith team. Don holds both an Associates and Specialized Business degree. As the General Manager, Funeral Director & Embalmer, and Advance Funeral Planner, Don is passionate about helping the families he serves and educating them on the options for honoring their loved one. He ensures that each family knows that he is focused solely on them during one of the most difficult days of their lives. 

Outside of work, Don enjoys woodworking, learning about the local history, and is an active member of the Northwood Baptist Church.

Since the age of 12, Gene has wanted to pursue a career in the funeral industry as a Funeral Director and Embalmer. After graduating from Gupton - Jones College of Mortuary Science, he was able to do just that. Gene began his career in 1984, but left the industry in 1996 to join his family owned heating and air company. After many years working at the heating and air company, he decided that it was time to come back to the funeral industry. Gene joined McAlister-Smith in 2022 and has made an immense impact on the families he has served since then. Gene believes one of the most important things he can do while serving a family is take the time to listen to them, whether they are telling stories about their loved one or simply discussing the services they would like.

Gene has been an active member of The Rotary Club of West Ashley for the last 31 years, and attends the Holy Spirit Lutheran Church. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, hosting family get-togethers with his wife, Cheryl, and cooking on his Weber grill. 

Parker grew up in the funeral industry alongside his family, and joined the McAlister-Smith team in 2022. As the Executive Vice President and a Funeral Director & Embalmer Apprentice, Parker is dedicated to providing respectful and personalized care to each family he serves. He believes in the importance of honoring the life of every individual, and ensuring that their loved ones feel supported and comforted throughout every aspect during such a difficult time in their lives. 

Parker graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor's degree in Business & Hospitality Management, before obtaining his Associate degree in Funeral Service from Gupton Jones. Prior to his career in funeral service, he worked in hospitality management at Marriott Voyage’s Manager program. 

Outside of work, Parker is an active member of the Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach. He enjoys boating and being by the water.

Gia has been an avid animal lover her entire life. Joining the McAlister-Smith family in 2022, her empathetic approach and extensive love for animals allows her to help families navigate their grief journeys with comfort and understanding. To further expertise in Pet Loss, she is a board member of the Pet Loss Professionals Alliance. 

Gia holds an Associate in Science degree from St. Petersburg College, earning her license as a Veterinary Technician. For 5 years, Gia worked in both Large & Small Animal Veterinary Medicine.

Outside of work, Gia enjoys spending time with her own two dogs, Kahlua & Dixon, as well as her horse, Baby.

Zachary began his career in the funeral industry in 2012 as a Funeral Director Intern/Apprentice in Pennsylvania. He then spent 4 years at a level 1 trauma center hospital, where he assisted with patient deaths, anatomic donations, and private autopsies. Bringing with him an A.S.S in Mortuary Sciences and years of death care industry experience, Zachary has been a great addition to our team. Since starting at McAlister-Smith in 2024 as the Director of Patient Care, he takes pride in ensuring each family leaves our facility with peace of mind knowing that their loved one is going to be treated with the utmost care and respect. Zachary believes the most fulfilling thing about his role is being able to serve each family in a different capacity, whether it's being a friendly ear to talk to, or it's giving families options to celebrate their loved one that they may not have known about previously.

Outside of work, Zachary enjoys spending time with his wife and two dogs, as well as traveling, watching live music, and completing DIY projects.

Originally born in Illinois but raised in South Carolina, Chase began his career in the funeral industry in 2020, joining the McAlister-Smith team in May of that year. Chase holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and is currently attending Mortuary School at Piedmont Technical College. As both the Director of Patient Care and Apprentice Funeral Director and Embalmer, Chase is dedicated to ensuring each served family’s loved one is treated with dignity and respect.

Outside of work, Chase enjoys spending time with his son, wife and two dogs, named Cooper and Zoey. He also works towards strengthening his mental and physical skills by playing the Kendama.

Born and raised in Illinois, Serenity began her career in funeral service in 2017. Serenity holds a Funeral Directors Certificate and is currently enrolled in the Associates Program for Funeral Services at Piedmont Technical College. Serenity joined the McAlister-Smith team in September of 2024 as an Apprentice Funeral Director and Embalmer, and ensures each family has a safe space to grieve after the loss of a loved one. For Serenity, funeral services blend her love for both the arts and sciences. In high school, her community was struck with a tragic loss of a teacher, and left everyone in mourning. Serenity wanted to help provide direction to her grieving community, which peaked her interest into this career path. 

Outside of work, Serenity is active in the NICU and Autism Communities within the Charleston area. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Adam, her two boys, Levi and Emmett, and also enjoys weight lifting, rollerblading, photography, polymer clay art, and reading. 

Born and raised in South Carolina, Cheryl began her career in the funeral industry and at McAlister-Smith in 2013. As the Lead Administrator, Cheryl is dedicated to helping families celebrate their loved ones lives, and providing them with a shoulder to lean on when needed. Her passion for helping others during their time of need shines through with every family she serves.

Outside of work, Cheryl enjoys planning and hosting family gatherings and spending time with her grandchildren.

Born and raised in South Carolina, Tommye pursued a career in the Human Resources field, where she spent her time advising and coaching employees to be the best they could be, or assisting them through sensitive and emotional times in their lives. Tommye brings with her a BS in Sociology and over 40 years of experience in administrative, customer service, and human resource to McAlister-Smith. Since she started at McAlister-Smith in 2023 as the Marketing Administrator, she has created and maintained many connections throughout the communities. Tommy assists in educating the public in regards to Funeral Pre-Planning by developing relationships and bringing peace of mind to the senior communities. 

Outside of work, Tommye enjoys reading, gardening, spending time with her dog and going to the beach. When she is not taking up one of her hobbies, she volunteers at Neighbors Together and Bullies 2 the Rescue animal rescue. Tommye is also a member of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer.

Matt is originally from the Golden State of California, but moved to South Carolina in 2006. In October of 2022, Matt began his career in the funeral industry as well as at McAlister-Smith. As the Pet Loss Services Administrator, Matt is dedicated to helping families honor and remember their pets in a way that fits their needs. Compassion and understanding are one of his most valuable assets to both McAlister-Smith as well as his personal life.

Outside of work, Matt enjoys reading, writing and spending time with his cat, Sefrya.