Joe Bailey is a manufacturing leader with over 23 years of experience in multiple industries. With roles in Engineering, Maintenance and Facility Management, Joe has filled positions in local plants and corporate levels. He has spent significant time managing Process Safety (PSM and RMP) Systems, Energy Management (ISO 50001), Lean Construction Management and industrial site, maintenance, facility, and capital planning.

Joe currently oversees 14 manufacturing facilities plus sales and distribution locations for a Tier 1 automotive and industrial components manufacturing company. He is responsible for the Green Production portion of the corporate Sustainability initiative in addition to Facility Management (construction, energy, and maintenance). Targets for Scope 2 emissions elimination by 2024 and Scope 1 reduction by 2030 are driving activity and innovation.

Previously, Joe has worked in lithium chemical manufacturing in Bessemer City, NC as well as roofing material manufacturing in multiple locations including a stint in Chester, SC.

Joe has been happily married for 16 years to Shannon Bailey. They have 2 incredible children, Chloe (13) and Miller (9) and rescue dogs Gus and Dexter and they are proud residents of Fort Mill, SC. Joe received he BS in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina State University. He was born in Hendersonville, NC and moved up and down the east coast following his father’s 44 year career with DuPont before settling in Cary, NC for high school and college.

Gervais Baker is the Director of Energy Solutions for Lumenant, LLC where he has been working over the last year to implement a program of emergency response, and renewable energy projects for a large fleet of assisted living facilities in North Carolina and South Carolina. Previously he has worked in the Renewable Energy market for 7 years, managing construction for solar projects up the east coast, and developing community solar farms in specific state markets such as Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. He has experience in IOT monitoring and communications technology implementation for energy management solutions. Gervais has a bachelor’s degree in Physics from College of Charleston, with a Concentration in Energy Production, and a minor in Communications. He grew up in Columbia, SC but currently lives in Charleston with his wife Celia, where he is blessed to have a strong community of friends and extended family. Gervais has a lifelong passion for science and a fascination with innovative/developing technology. He could not ask for more in life than to be given the opportunity to connect with people, and learn others, on a daily basis.

Briana Bateman attended Converse College where she majored in Art Therapy. After graduation Briana served as an AmeriCorps member for United Way of Greenville County. She was placed with Partners for Active Living as their bike rental coordinator and then with United Way of the Piedmont assisting with their VITA program. Briana began working for U.S. Senator Tim Scott in 2015. She served as a Constituent Services Representative and helped coordinate the Senator's letter program. She now serves as the Senator Scott’s Regional Director.

Megan Chase-Muller is the State Policy Director for Upstate Forever, a land trust and conservation advocacy organization that serves the northern region of South Carolina. She currently manages their legislative program and works with a broad array of partners, elected officials, and state agencies to advance policies that protect the state’s natural resources and communities.

Before joining Upstate Forever, she worked with South Carolina farmers to address water quality and availability concerns, studied fate and transport pathways of toxic contaminants, and developed filtration mechanisms for greenhouse and nursery runoff. She now enjoys using her technical background to inform the development and analysis of policies that affect our air, water, and the ecosystems that power our state.

She currently serves on the Duke Energy President’s Advisory Council, and acts as co-chair for the SC Conservation Coalition, SC Rivers Forever, and Anderson County Watershed Protection Council, and is a former board member for Friends of the Reedy River.

She earned a BS in Ecology from the University of Georgia and a MS in Environmental Toxicology from Clemson University.

Eddie Cogdill is the Strategic Accounts Manager and EV Coordinator for the SC Department of Commerce. A graduate of the University of South Carolina, he has been with Commerce since January of 2021. Prior to Commerce, he spent 30 years in manufacturing. His manufacturing background includes roles as a quality/continuous improvement manager, value stream manager, and plant manager. He has worked in the engineered fabrics/composites industry, fiber optic cable industry, and has consulted in the automotive assembly industry.

As Strategic Accounts Manager, he cultivates relationships with the top companies in the state, including automotive and aerospace OEMs and their suppliers.

As EV Coordinator, his role is to serve as Commerce’s point of contact for EV related issues. He serves as Commerce’s representative on the Governor’s Interagency EV Working Group implementing the state’s NEVI Plan.

Rick Crawford is the President of Emerger Strategies, which is a sustainable business consultancy whose mission is to measure and improve your company's sustainability performance, all while boosting profits. Crawford is also the creator and host of The Sustainable Angler, which is an award-winning podcast that was created to educate and inspire anglers to the planet, and the founder of the Fly Fishing Climate Alliance, which is an alliance of fly fishing guides, shops, lodges, brands and non-profits committed to net-zero emissions by 2050. Rick lives in Charleston, SC and enjoys spending time on the water with his family and chasing tailing redfish and tarpon with a fly rod.

Dr. Cynthia Davis has been at the forefront of South Carolina's economic growth and development for decades. Since 2017, she led the Existing Industry program at the South Carolina Department of Commerce, a role she undertook following her 10-year tenure in workforce development and 15 years of dedication in the educational sector. While working in the public school system, Cynthia taught middle school science and math and served as an assistant principal at the middle and high school levels. Cynthia has developed collaboration with local economic development organizations and allied partners throughout South Carolina.

Hunter Davis is a Business Development representative at Davis & Floyd. Grandson of the firm’s late cofounder, Emmett I. Davis Jr., and son of the firm’s current Chairman and CEO, Stephen Davis, he has recently rejoined the family business to carry its legacy into a third generation.

Garnering experience outside of Davis & Floyd, Hunter spent his early career in different industries with a common focal point, conservation of outdoor resources. From wildlife and agricultural management practices to heavy civil contracting centered on watershed maintenance, many roads led to the pursuit of uninhibited but creative, natural and sustainable growth in South Carolina.

Outside of his role with Davis & Floyd, Hunter is involved with residential real estate development and forestry management practices, integrating conservation and low impact practices in both. He also serves as the second generation representative of the Davis Family Foundation board.

Dr. Zenobia Edwards, EdD has fulfilled many roles in the education arena. She began her career as a high school science teacher, then moved into school administration. She served as an assistant principal and as Founding Director of a comprehensive full day alternative school. She served as a school partnership manager with the nationally renowned college access program, College Summit, Inc. (now Peer Forward); and was the Founding Dean of Metropolitan College at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina.

In 2004, Dr. Edwards co-founded, I Am B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L., Inc. (IAB), an award-winning educational enrichment nonprofit organization dedicated to building self-esteem and leadership capability in girls and women of all ages. IAB has served thousands of girls and women around the world through mentoring and educational experiential activities.

Dr. Edwards’ credentials include: an Ed.D. in Education Administration from Nova Southeastern University, an MAT and EdS. from Converse College, and a BS from Wofford College. She is a 2018 graduate of the prestigious leadership development program Leadership America and she serves on several boards for community and state organizations.

Dr. Edwards is a Senior Fellow for the Aspen Institute Criminal Justice Reform Initiative. In that capacity, she serves as the Director for the South Carolina Justice Governance Partnership Leadership Team.

Dr. Edwards enjoys music and has composed and performed several original musical compositions. One of her music compositions debuted on a nationally syndicated radio program to promote the release of Move Without the Ball, a compelling book and inspirational guide by New York Times bestselling author Stedman Graham.

Dr. Edwards currently serves as the Executive Director of Old North State Medical Society. She is happily married to Gerard Edwards, EdD, and they are the proud parents of one son, Collin Edwards.

Erin Fisher has led Boeing Global Engagement activities across South Carolina since December 2018. In this role, she manages Boeing philanthropic investments in three critical areas: Our Future (education), Our Heroes (veterans) and Our Homes-Dynamic Communities (ready-to-learn initiatives, environment and social justice). In addition, Fisher guides employee community engagement efforts, including teammate volunteerism. Through the Global Engagement team, Boeing develops the K-12 talent pipeline through investments, advocacy and the DreamLearners education outreach program, which has introduced over 1 million students to the aerospace industry to date.

Prior to joining the Boeing team, Fisher worked in the nonprofit sector focused on human service. Most recently, Erin was the Chief Operating Officer of the Lowcountry Food Bank in Charleston, South Carolina. She oversaw community food programs and operations, including a network of partner agencies, compliance, warehousing and logistics to support distribution of critical food and supplies along the South Carolina coast.

Erin graduated with a Bachelor's degree from University of Colorado-Boulder followed by a Master of Public Administration from College of Charleston in South Carolina. She is the Chair of the Board of Directors at Neighbors Together SC, a new member of the Charleston Regional Development Alliance, and an advisory member of Charleston Social Venture Partners.

Tory Grayson is the General Manager of South Carolina and Georgia for Water & Land Solutions, Inc.; a company with a mission to restore and protect natural resources through cost-effective, sustainable mitigation solutions that foster economic growth throughout the United States. He is responsible for managing and growing the South Carolina/Georgia mitigation banking portfolio and operation. Tory works closely with a talented and experienced team to satisfy complicated natural resource mitigation needs while targeting conservation outcomes. He has a passion for conservation, enjoys challenges and strives to improve upon the technical aspects of wetland and stream restoration. Tory and his wife Stephanie have two boys and a girl. As time allows, they enjoy fishing, crabbing, youth sports and (most of all) Clemson football.

Mandy Green began her marketing career with Colite Technologies and has quickly adapted to the ever-evolving sustainability industry. She leads the company’s marketing strategy with acute knowledge of energy policy and inner workings of the B2B environment to bring sustainable energy solutions to commercial and industrial businesses. Her talent for simplifying complicated topics enables her to reach different audiences at various levels of understanding, helping clients approach sustainability in a way that resonates with their goals. Renewable energy is a lifelong interest, and she is excited to see it become more accessible for everyday applications. Mandy recently made Cayce, SC her home and has been mostly successful at keeping a tomato garden alive in her backyard.

Tyson Grinstead is the South Carolina Policy Director for Duke Energy. Prior to that role, Tyson served as Director of Public Policy for Sunrun, Inc., Political Director for US Senator Lindsey Graham and for Congressman Tom Rice. Tyson also serves on the Board of Trustees for the Palmetto Unified School District, on the Board of Directors for the Otterhound Club of America, and as Chairman of the Richland County Republican Party.

A native of Snow Camp, North Carolina, Tyson resides in Columbia, South Carolina with his Fiancée and two dogs - Glen of Imaal Terrier Grover & GBGV Olive.

As vice president for Auxiliary Enterprises and CCU’s inaugural chief sustainability officer, Steve Harrison leads the largest non-academic division of Coastal Carolina University of more than 700 state and contract employees. Steve’s responsibilities include strategically managing several auxiliary, or self-supporting, units such as housing, dining, transportation, the bookstore, mail services, the student identification card, ATM and vending services, and the University’s early childhood development center. Additionally, Steve organized several complimentary departments into a new, non-auxiliary subdivision known as Campus Environments. This University subdivision includes the campus’s Custodial Services, Grounds, and the TD Campus and Community Sustainability Initiative—widely known as Sustain Coastal.

Connecting our campus community through wellness, equity, and sustainability, Harrison was also critical to the founding and development of the CCU Arboretum, which is managed by Campus Environments and incorporates the entire 322-acre main campus centered on the Native Species Collection located at the threshold of the campus’s academic core. Steve serves on the University’s executive council and leads the President’s Council for Sustainability and Coastal Resilience (PCSCR) in an ex officio capacity. He also coordinates the Friends of the PCSCR, including notable University stakeholders from the business, not-for-profit, and governmental sectors of South Carolina's economy and political community. Steve has also served on multiple iterations of the University’s strategic planning working groups (in 2016 and 2023), and the 2023 master planning core leadership group.

During his tenure as vice president, CCU has increased its on-campus student housing capacity to more than 5,000 through acquisition and major construction projects. The most recent was the two-phase, 1,274-bed Elvington Loop student housing project that opened in 2015 and 2016. Harrison championed and led the implementation of the critically important cost-saving and inclusive First Day® Complete course materials adoption program. Critically, Steve’s work has transitioned more than $5,000,000 of annual expenditures from tuition-funded units to self-sustaining, auxiliary-funded operations. These efforts have contributed to the successful matriculation of three consecutive record freshmen classes (2021, 2022, and 2023), and a record retention rate of 75.7% in Fall 2023.

Also notable in 2023, was the Associate for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education’s recognition of CCU’s efforts by naming the University to its Sustainable Campus Index Top Performers List. This recognition follows Coastal’s completion of its first greenhouse gas inventory and its gold rating on the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS), valid through January 2026. Importantly, AASHE recognized CCU as having reported its data with 97% accuracy, putting it in elite company.

Steve began his service at CCU in September 2010 as the director of housing and residence life and has served as vice president since July 2017. Before joining Teal Nation, Steve worked in housing and residence life for several years at the University of Arizona and Southern Utah University, where he also served as assistant vice president for auxiliary enterprises. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in History from Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina, and his Master of Science in Education from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, near his childhood home of Virginia Beach. Steve is father to twin sons, Caleb and Cody, married to Dr. Emily Gaspar, CCU's Interim Vice President of Community Building, Outreach & Student Media, and Designated 504 Coordinator/ADA Compliance Officer. When not at work, he listens to too many podcasts, watches too much soccer (now that his playing career is over), and rides his motorcycle as often as possible.

Rebecca Haynes has over 20 years of experience working in conservation. During this time, Rebecca spent her early career as a Watershed Manager at South Carolina’s Department of Health and Environmental Control working in the Savannah and Saluda River Basins. She later became the Associate Director of Southeast Conservation for American Rivers working on water supply issues in SC as well as working with State and Federal agencies on hydropower dam proceedings in Alabama and South Carolina.

Rebecca most recently served as Government Relations Director and then Deputy Director for Conservations Voters of South Carolina for ten years. In addition to helping double the size of the organization and tripling its operating budget during her tenure, Rebecca was pivotal in the development and success of the South Carolina Conservation Coalition, a formal dues-paying coalition comprising over 40 environmental organizations from across the state.

Rebecca now serves as the Vice President and Executive Director of National Audubon Society South Carolina, bringing a deep understanding of the conservation, political, and policy landscape in South Carolina to the team.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, a certificate in Environmental Ethics, and a Master of Science degree in Conservation Ecology and Sustainable Development from the University of Georgia. When not at work, you can find Rebecca volunteering and mentoring in her community including serving in leadership roles in her historic downtown neighborhood and as a City of Columbia Commissioner for the Bull St District. She loves spending time with her husband and son and their two dogs and cat at their home in Columbia.

I was born and raised in Port Huron, MI and attended Michigan State University where I received a B.S. in Environmental Geological Sciences. In 2004, I moved to Sumter, SC working for Caterpillar holding various roles in Chemical Operations, and Environmental, Health, and Safety Management. In 2014, I moved to Irmo, SC where I live today. Currently, I am the Sr. Environmental, Health, Safety, and Security Manager at Mark Anthony Brewing in Columbia. My work in sustainability has included collecting and reporting data on key sustainability metrics, implementing recycling programs for plastic waste, partnership with SCWF in the Wildlife And Industry Together program, and I am currently a member of the Sustainability Team for Mark Anthony Brewing. I look forward to the opportunity to be a part of the Sustainability Leadership Initiative, and hope to apply what I learn in through education and networking in this program to making a positive impact at Mark Anthony Brewing.

Elena has served as Director of Sales at Hollingsworth, an owned and certified MBE providing 3rd Party Logistics services. Over the past 7 years, Elena has supported customers ranging from automotive manufacturing, retail fulfillment, technology equipment to Government and Defense. Elena has developed and managed business with multiple Fortune 500 companies resulting in company growth and new facility openings. Additionally, for the last 2 years Elena has been leading the charge of Hollingsworth’s corporate Sustainability initiative at a national level. Elena serves as an active participant and member in the Southern Automotive Women’s Forum, Tennessee Automotive Manufacturers’ Alliance, Georgia Automotive Manufacturers’ Alliance and volunteer at Sustaining Way, a 501(c)3 in Greenville, SC.

In her free time, she enjoys tending to her garden, being outdoors with her husband and stepsons or snuggled up with their 2 dogs and a good book.

My name is Nikki McDill. I am currently an Environmental Engineer for Mercedes-Benz Vans with over 8 years of experience in the environmental sector. I am responsible for the continuous improvement of our management systems, compliance support, waste reduction, air-water-land-natural resource protection, and participation in environmental community outreach programs. I also lead our plants GreenProduction team which focuses on implementing sustainable manufacturing projects to achieve MBV’s sustainability targets.

Prior to joining MBV, I was a consultant for ERM serving the southeast region and an Air Permitting Engineer for South Coast Air Quality Management District in Southern California. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of South Carolina. I’ve served as a chapter advisor for my sorority Alpha Gamma Delta. In my free time, you can find me either reading or trying to get something to grow in my garden.

Nick Murray is Vice President, Public Affairs at First Tuesday Strategies, providing strategic counsel for the firm’s campaign, corporate, and public affairs clients across the Southeast.

Murray joined First Tuesday Strategies in 2022 with nearly a decade of experience in politics, corporate communications, and issues management. He has extensive experience developing, implementing, and managing high profile public affairs campaigns. Previously, Murray worked at Chernoff Newman, one of South Carolina’s leading issues management firms, as counsel to many of South Carolina’s most high-profile organizations on their communications and policy initiatives.

Murray is a South Carolina native and an avid outdoorsman who enjoys spending time on the water, in the woods, and with family and friends. A product of the Palmetto State’s public school system, Murray graduated from the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business with a degree in Business Administration.

Halle Price has spent the majority of her career at BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in Spartanburg, SC. Prior to BMW, she worked at Milliken & Company. Halle has over 21 years of experience in environmental management systems (ISO 14001), managing environmental compliance requirements, and steering sustainability programs. As a senior member of the environmental team at BMW, Halle’s responsibilities include environmental compliance reporting, managing chemical compliance programs, implementing improvements in the Environmental Management System, coordinating environmental requirements for plant expansion projects and equipment installations for new models, developing environmental training programs, supporting sustainability initiatives and mentoring students in the intern program. She is a certified lead environmental auditor and regularly audits internationally at other BMW Group manufacturing plants.

Halle has a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Mercer University and a master’s degree in Environmental Resources Management from the University of South Carolina. She is married and has three children. Her hobbies include photography, hiking, volunteering, traveling and most importantly cheering on her children in their activities.

Kait Sagan serves as the Sustainability Specialist for The GEL Group, Inc. Being good stewards of the environment is fundamental to GEL’s work and core purpose. Accordingly, GEL has decided to build a sustainability program to help better protect the environment, serve co-workers, operate efficiently, manage risk, and assist clients. Kait is dedicated to building a sustainability program at GEL through cross-company collaboration and implementing innovative, systems-level solutions to complex sustainability challenges. She graduated with highest distinction from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a BSPH in Environmental Health Sciences. Her prior experience has provided her with valuable insights into the wastewater sector, permitting and compliance, and the Sustainable Development Goals. In her free time, Kait loves to go hiking with her dog Nani and explore the Lowcountry.

Emily Skaggs is the Global Sustainability Engagement Leader at Milliken & Company, where she drives stakeholder engagement and sustainability communications strategies. She has previously held key leadership roles at Milliken including Global Customer Experience Manager, Marketing Operations Project Manager, and Sustainability Marketing Lead.

Beyond her career, Emily actively supports her community, serving on the board of The Spartanburg Little Theatre and volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, Winter Warmth Mission, and The United Way of the Piedmont. In her free time, she enjoys kayaking, reading, thrift shopping, and spending time with her family.

A Lowcountry land expert and Charleston, SC native, Robert Strange leverages ten years in land management, environmental consulting, and forestry to seamlessly facilitate his clients’ property needs and goals. Greentree Land Management is also aligned with Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty, creating a team that is supported by leading marketing and technology to help clients buy or sell investment properties, timber and recreational tracts, or rural land with confidence.

An outdoorsman at heart, Robert earned his bachelor’s of science in Natural Resources and Environmental Studies from Sewanee: the University of the South. He followed his passion to the Lowcountry’s Open Land Trust, where he developed invaluable negotiating skills overseeing and drafting conservation easements. After gaining further experience in wetland and environmental permitting, timberland management, and geotechnical analytics with Sabine & Waters, Inc., Robert started Greentree Land Management in the Spring of 2020.

When he’s not busy serving his clients, Robert loves spending time with his wife, Caroline, daughter, Simmons, and their black Labrador, Ripley. They enjoy socializing with friends, exploring Charleston’s restaurant scene, and pursuing the Lowcountry’s great outdoor adventures.

John is the President of Conservation Voters of South Carolina. CVSC uses bipartisan and pragmatic political action to protect the air, land, and water of South Carolina.

John oversees the day-to-day operation of the three CVSC organizations (CVSC, CVSC Education Fund, CVSC PAC) to implement the strategic vision for the organizations and further their respective missions. He came to CVSC in early 2016 as Political Director, serving as the chief political strategist for the organization and implementing election activities to support endorsed candidates.

Prior to joining CVSC, John oversaw the customer service, marketing, and government relations sections of Central Arkansas Water. He has also served as the Deputy Director of Upstate Forever and as an elected Commissioner of Public Works for the City of Greenville. John holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Furman University and a Master of Environmental Management from Duke University. He is also a 2010 Enviropreneur Fellow from the Property and Environment Research Center.

John is married to Mary Virginia Tynan. They have two children and two dogs. They keep busy by swimming, hiking, and spending time in the mountains of SC.

Geoff is currently the Director for Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) for AFL, based in Duncan in the upstate. He has 29 years of experience in EHS and has been at AFL for 6 years. When AFL started developing their sustainability program it was a natural fit into the EHS team which Geoff embraced.

Having had multiple moves before arriving in Simpsonville in 2014 Geoff is glad to have settled in a climate warmer than his native town of Burlington, Ontario which is near Toronto. Married to Heather for 30 years they have raised 2 adult children who have remained in the upstate as they start their work careers in Nursing and Mechatronics.

With a passion for being outdoors Geoff enjoys biking, canoeing, skiing (on frozen and liquid water) camping and day hikes. He’s also an active member of Fellowship Greenville and participates with the adult hockey program with the Greenville Recreation department.

Stuart White has served as the Executive Director of the Congaree Land Trust since 2012 overseeing general operations, resource development, and land conservation strategy for the organization. Under his leadership, CLT has become one of the top 5 largest state based land trusts by acres in the Southeast with over 90,000 acres and 200+ properties under its protection. Stuart’s 18 years of non-profit business management experience includes leadership roles with the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce and the South Carolina Waterfowl Association. He currently serves on the board of the SC Land Trust Network and on the Congaree Biosphere Region Advisory Council. Mr. White was raised in Columbia, SC, graduated from The University of South Carolina, and is a member of Shandon Baptist Church.

Daryl is Technical Director, Climate Change & Sustainability for ALL4 LLC, a national environmental and sustainability consulting firm. He has a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Clemson University and a Master of Project Management from Western Carolina University. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in four southeastern states. His experience spans more than 30 years in sustainability and environmental engineering, in pulp & paper manufacturing and the consulting industry.

Daryl provides expertise in greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories including Scope 1, 2 and 3 sources, as well as corporate carbon management strategy, carbon foot-printing for products, and life cycle assessment. He provides expertise in energy efficiency and energy management for GHG reductions and cost savings. He has been supporting clients with sustainability reporting since 2008, including CDP Climate Change reporting, and developing reports according to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) frameworks. His experience also includes risk assessment and scenario development for Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosure (TCFD) reporting and establishing goals and developing climate change transition strategies for both Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) and Net-Zero commitments.

Daryl and his wife, Laura, live in Sumter, and have two grown children who are both married, and are looking forward to meeting their first grandchild in December.