the Oasis

Scott Morgan: Founder, Executive Director, Managing Editor

I founded Oasis News in 2025 because South Carolina needed an independent news outlet that focused on everyday living issues for residents.

I’ve been a reporter and editor since 2001, covering just about everything. If you’re impressed by awards, I’ve won a truckload of them, including a Murrow.

My work has appeared regionally and nationally in print and on public radio.

My focus as a public radio reporter in South Carolina for the past several years has been housing, debt, inequity, and food insecurity.

I look for the humanity in every story I do. We’re not just data points. We’re not just cohorts and studies and numbers. We are human beings. I start there. Where it goes often surprises me.

Our Board of Directors

Kerri Smith, Treasurer, is the South Carolina Regional President for Self-Help Credit Union where she oversees retail operations and strategic partners. She has worked with over 50 credit unions in the United States and six countries. She is a proven, national award-winning leadership, marketing and business development professional. She was a sought-after consultant to organizations looking to grow, innovate and expand. Her leadership style is collaborative while meeting the needs of key stakeholders.  Kerri is also a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor, Credit Union Development Educator and an Leadership Greenville Alumni. She has a passion for community economic development and works with nearly 25 non-profits and organizations in Greenville working to improve the lives of citizens.  

Mark Haslett, Secretary, is a Senior Host and Reporter at KUNM, the NPR member station in Albuquerque, N.M., and a longtime, multi-award-winning public radio reporter. He has edited and reported on news and sports in public radio and print media. Mark is also an English instructor, and has taught in Mexico, as well as at East Texas A&M University. An Alabama native, Haslett was raised in Texas and Mississippi and has a deep love for the cultures of the South. 

Dr. Lila Anna Sauls leads Homeless No More as Chief Executive Officer and implements the organization’s numerous initiatives, including community partnerships, programs, shelter
operations, and the design and construction of affordable housing that directly affects the lives of homeless and at-risk families throughout South Carolina. With more than 30 years in non-profit leadership, Lila Anna serves on numerous boards and committees throughout South Carolina and serves informally as an advisor to city, county, state, and congressional leaders on issues. She has also spoken in front of numerous policy subcommittees.

Jim Morton has been practicing law for 40yrs, primarily as a criminal attorney, both as a prosecutor and defense attorney and now is of counsel at the firm of Morton and Gettys in Rock Hill, S.C. He has prosecuted and defended thousand of felony charges including many murder and death penalty cases.

Rachel Chwaszczewski brings more than three decades of real estate expertise to the board, offering a seasoned perspective on housing and community development. Beginning her career as a Licensed Title Officer in New Jersey, she evolved into a successful real estate investor and developer, overseeing multi-home renovations, house flips, and foreclosure defense strategies.  Her deep understanding of property performance, construction management, and equitable housing access informs her leadership as a Real Estate Investor, Property Manager, Co-Founder of a construction firm, and consultant dedicated to sustainable, inclusive housing solutions.