Leslie Skardon

CEO

Leslie is the CEO of Sustain SC, a nonprofit organization connecting sectors across South Carolina to optimize the use of our natural resources in a way that is sustainable for both our economy and our environment. With a business development background and passion for sustainability, Leslie unites smart growth with conservation to sustain South Carolina’s economic prosperity. 

Prior to joining Sustain SC, Leslie built and executed strategies to drive business growth for Fortune 500 companies, governments, non-profits, and institutions. As a strategic communications and public affairs professional, Leslie specializes in advising purpose-driven clients to uncover strategies to meet business goals while positively impacting their communities.

Leslie is a community leader. She was recently named as South Carolina's Top 50 Women to Admire and was selected to be in the 2023 Lowcountry Class for the Riley Institute Diversity Leaders Initiative. Leslie was appointed to be a Commissioner on the City of Charleston's Commission on Women, founded Charleston Civil Rights and Civics (C3), and serves on the Charleston Chamber of Commerce's Regional Policy Committee. Leslie completed her MBA from Georgetown with a focus in Non-Market Strategy to help businesses be a force for good in the world.

Cynthia Davis

Senior Vice President

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.

Ethel Bunch

Founder

Ethel Bunch is the Founder of Sustain SC , a 501(c)3 bringing together a diverse group of business, economic development, academic, conservation and state agency leaders with the mission to connect the sustainability goals of business in South Carolina with local solutions that benefit the economy, environment and people.

Prior to founding Sustain SC , Ethel co-founded Wittering Advisors, a consulting group working with clients to raise the standard for informed decision making that maximizes South Carolina’s economic growth and strong natural resource based infrastructure. Serving organizations such as the Palmetto Conservation Foundation, Lowcountry Land Trust and Congaree Land Trust she helped match corporate environmental and social commitments with South Carolina’s needs.

She has 20+ years of fundraising and communications experience bridging the nonprofit and private sectors operating in healthcare, environment and education. She has served as Director of Development and Marketing for EdVenture Children’s Museum, Prevent Child Abuse South Carolina and Heathwood Hall Episcopal School.

Born and raised in South Carolina, Ethel earned a B.A. in English and Masters in Mass Communication from the University of South Carolina.

She is married to Bill Bunch and has two daughters, Caroline and Claiborne who keep her motivated and humble.