WHY – Like so many others I was introduced to the outdoors by my maternal Grandfather, he was an avid hunter and fisherman. A cherished childhood memory of mine is the fishing trips we ventured out on during the summer. What boy growing up in a small town wouldn’t love to be out with his Grandfather. Sadly he left us to soon but before his passing he had successfully lit the outdoors fire in me. Scouting provided another route to the outdoors, hiking, camping, exploring the bounty of nature. During the high school years weekends were spent hunting for deer and rabbits, fishing in the ponds lakes, and rivers. I have been hooked on the outdoors now for decades. In the past several years hiking has become a source of great outdoor enjoyment. Along with a valued hiking companion I have hiked the Grand Canyon yearly and have completed more than a dozen rim to rim hikes. Training for these hikes goes on year round and a favorite local training spot is the Harbison State Forest, most weekends I find myself on the trails there making miles and enjoying the weather, the forest, birds, the river, deer, and small game. Spending time outdoors is a time of connection and renewal for me. I am truly blessed that I hear nature’s call and pledge to be a protector and steward of our shared natural resources.

BIO – Grew up in North Carolina in the small railroad community of Hamlet, completed high school in 1970, and Elon College in 1975. Working career stops included furniture manufacturing, advertising sales, decorative overlay products sales for Decotone Technographics, Advanced Printing Technologies, CDM Manufacturing, and US Coating. For the last decade, I have enjoyed real estate land sales with National Land Realty LLC.

Married to Elizabeth for 45 years, we have a daughter and a son. Catherine and Erik, Jack and Laurel have blessed us with Samuel, Blythe Evans, Julian, Augusta, and William. Member and Elder at Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church. Founding member of the Saluda Shoals Foundation, active with Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation, President of Butler Plantation Hunting Club. Hobbies include hiking, especially the Grand Canyon, golf, hunting, and Clemson Tiger athletics.

WHY: I grew up in a home where my father fished and hunted but did not take his children. I married and camped and hiked with my family. I started college in my late 30s and graduated in my late 40s as a wildlife biologist!! I know God guided me down this path. South Carolina is a beautiful state with four habitat types, one can go from the mountains to the coast in four hours. I have been blessed to work with several federal, state and private agencies and entities. I look forward to working with the South Carolina Wildlife Federation.

BIO – Judy earned a degree in Natural Resources Management from the University of Tennessee in Martin, and then her Masters in Forest Resources from Clemson University. As a wildlife biologist for the SC Department of Natural Resources Small Game Project, she worked with landowners statewide and was able to see beautiful properties and unused properties. Judy wrote recommendations to enhance habitat for a number of species and conducted programs for landowners regarding bobwhite quail. She coordinated the establishment of the Indian Creek Project in Newberry County and the restocking of fox squirrels in Botany Bay before her retirement in March 2010. She currently works part time with SanBar Forestry & Wildlife Services and conducts Baseline Document Reports for The Congaree Land Trust.

WHY – I joined the SC Wildlife Federation board because I have always enjoyed the outdoors throughout the state of SC from the coast to the piedmont to the upstate. We have such a wonderful state for wildlife habitat and I want to ensure that we maintain these awesome environments for future generations.

BIO – Mark is a 7th generation lifelong South Carolina native originally from Columbia. Upon graduating from USC in Accounting, he moved to the Upstate of SC. Mark has been a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) for 30 years, but is now managing the food supply chain for a large national restaurant brand. In his spare time, Mark enjoys the outdoors including the mountains, lakes, rivers, and coast of South Carolina. He is also a family tree farmer which is certified by the South Carolina Tree Farm program.

WHY – I love the natural spaces found throughout the state and I want to help protect them. SCWF has wonderful programs; however, the audience is often limited. I would like to help SCWF educate more young people, as well as a more diverse adult population, about South Carolina’s wildlife and wild spaces, encouraging others to protect and conserve our incredible natural resources.

BIO – Rosemary Martin-Jones is a lifelong resident of the Columbia, South Carolina area. She holds a BS degree in Microbiology from Clemson University and an AS degree in Medical Laboratory Technology from Midlands Technical College. Rosemary is the Clemson Extension 4-H Agent in Richland County, where she conducts environmental education, STEM, and other 4-H programming for youth in Richland County. She has been in the environmental education field for just a few years, having spent most of her career at the American Red Cross in the clinical sciences field as a lab technician, educator, supervisor and manager. Rosemary is a Midlands Master Naturalist and has completed multiple Master Naturalist Advanced courses and Palmetto Pro Birder classes. Rosemary recently obtained her environmental educator certification through PEEC (Palmetto Environmental Education Certification) and is currently seeking environmental educator certification through the North Carolina Office of Environmental Education. She is also a member of the EEASC (Environmental Education Association of South Carolina) Board of Directors.

WHY – Growing up hunting and fishing, most of my favorite memories involve time spent outdoors. I want my children and future grandchildren to have the same opportunity to enjoy God’s incredible creation and create similar memories. As development in our state continues grow, so does our footprint. It is incumbent upon our generation to act now to protect our natural resources for the generations that follow us.

BIO – While Ben has called South Carolina home now for over a decade, he is originally from Evans, Georgia—just outside of Augusta. He attended the University of Georgia for his undergraduate studies. Ben obtained his Juris Doctorate from the University of South Carolina School of Law. He currently lives in Columbia and practices law with the business litigation team at Robinson Gray Stepp and Laffitte. Ben and his wife, Jess, have two children: Henry and Libby. When Ben is not practicing law or wrangling his kids, you can find him chasing long beards and spawning bass in the spring and whitetails in the fall.

WHY – SCWF brings together many good people with common interests, from hunters and anglers to gardeners and birdwatchers. We focus on habitat, education, and concern for the future.

BIO – Tony earned a BS in Community/Regional Planning at Appalachian State U., and then worked in planning in NC and VA. He then served 25 years as Planner/Planning Manager at SC Parks, Recreation and Tourism. Currently, Tony is part time Test Center Manager for Pearson VUE. He has chaired the SC Wildlife Federation, Saluda River Trout Unlimited, and SE Council of State Outdoor Recreation Planners and served as Assistant Scoutmaster for over 20 years. He hunts, fishes, and shoots sporting clays. Tony and his wife like to camp and fly fish and they enjoy their two grown sons and their families.

WHY – To help protect and preserve the natural places and resources I have had the privilege to enjoy my entire life.

BIO – I have been fortunate to spend most of my life as a resident of the Charleston area except for five years at USC (BS in Government and Public Administration ’75). I was lucky enough to spend my time fishing, skiing, and surfing the waters of the coast and the Santee Cooper lakes and hunting and golfing in the Lowcountry. The Francis Marion National Forest has been like my local playground. Somewhat of a legacy of the SCWF (my father was a past president and on the BOD in the 70’s and 80’s) I have been on the BOD since 1997. I have been involved in the tourism industry for over 35 years and am owner/ operator of Mister Charleston Tourist Services. I have been very active in politics and served as chairman of the Johns Island Council (largest and oldest civic group on the island) for 15 years. I am also a committee member of East Cooper Ducks Unlimited.

WHY – I have lived my entire life in this wonderful state along with many generations of my family. We settled here from the beginning when the Europeans first came over. Over my lifetime, I have enjoyed the benefit of God’s creations in our state. But His creations would not have been left with any resemblance of what He wanted if our forefathers and many in the generations after them had not valued these resources and developed a system by which protection, restoration, conservation and understanding would allow a sustained use by which our citizens who can use our resources for sustenance, recreation and pleasure, while also maintaining these resources for our future generations to do the same. Our SCWF exists to help carry out and cultivate those values and activities. I say cultivate because in our ever-changing world, we have to be flexible enough to modify our actions to move with the flow of nature as it is modified from either natural or man caused changes. I am very motivated and honored to be a part of helping maintain this amazing place from the Mountains-to-the-Sea that I call Home so that our children may experience its pleasure as I have.

BIO – I was born in Greenwood SC in 1963 and, as a child, I did a lot of fishing, small game hunting and other outdoor activities. Joining the Boy Scouts helped me develop a better understanding of the natural world, and a more conservative attitude towards the environment. After high school, a soccer scholarship allowed me to pursue higher education. I became a teacher/coach and have enjoyed a long and rewarding career in education. When I received my master’s degree in science education, I accepted a position as a Natural Resources Environmental Educator with the science center at USCA. My children, Katelyn and Blake, are the light of my life. Watching them grow up to love the Lord, their neighbors, and the God given Natural Resource Heritage that we all enjoy and are blessed to borrow from future generations. When we moved up to Travelers Rest, we began some farming, as well as wholesale and retail produce sells. I love growing food, helping local farmers move their fresh produce to the table, and meeting all the great people along the way. I currently teach Health/PE and I spend a lot of time teaching about healthy living, now I get to show them and others a way to eat healthy locally. The farm-to-table movement fits well with our SCWF culture.

WHY – As a lifelong outdoorsman and conservation advocate, I’m honored to serve on the South Carolina Wildlife Federation Board of Directors. I care deeply about protecting the natural beauty, wildlife, and ecosystems that make our state unique—both for today and for future generations. As a hunter, fisherman, landowner, and father, I’m committed to passing on a respect for the land and the value of stewardship through experience and example. I strongly believe in SCWF’s mission of conservation, advocacy, restoration, and education, and I’m eager to support its continued success. My professional experience in relationship building, communication, and strategic leadership will help strengthen SCWF’s community and corporate partnerships. I view environmental care as both a moral and civic responsibility—and I’m proud to contribute my time, expertise, and resources to help ensure that South Carolina’s wildlife and wild places are preserved for generations to come.

BIO – Brandon Dodson is a Charleston-based healthcare executive and strategic leader with more than 20 years of experience in business development, stakeholder engagement, and operational growth. A passionate outdoorsman and conservation advocate, he brings a deep appreciation for South Carolina’s natural heritage and a strong commitment to its preservation. Currently serving as a Regional Account Manager, Brandon manages healthcare partnerships across the Southeast, focusing on access, collaboration, and outcomes improvement. His background in building consensus and driving strategic initiatives aligns with the leadership approach required in conservation. Brandon previously held senior roles in Accountable Care Organizations and national pharmaceutical companies, leading value-based care and regional growth initiatives. He has a B.S. in Biology from the University of Georgia and an MBA from the University of the People. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership at Liberty University. Brandon’s blend of professional expertise, community involvement, and lifelong love of the outdoors aligns closely with SCWF’s mission to protect South Carolina’s wildlife and wild places.

WHY – South Carolina wildlife holds a special place in my heart. Its diverse ecosystems and unique species captivate me. Whether I am walking through a forest, fishing or kayaking along a tranquil river, being in the presence of wildlife always brings me a sense of calm and awe. It reminds me of the importance of preserving and protecting these natural spaces for future generations to enjoy. Furthermore, South Carolina wildlife plays a significant role in the state’s economy and culture. The tourism industry, which is a major driver of the state’s economy, relies heavily on the natural beauty and wildlife of South Carolina to attract visitors from near and far. From birdwatching tours to eco-friendly accommodations, the wildlife of South Carolina provides numerous opportunities for people to connect with nature and support local businesses. I enjoy traveling and learning about ecosystems in other areas, but I always find myself ready to get back to South Carolina, my home.

WHY – I’ve always been in awe of and deeply curious about the natural world. I joined to help get a sense of the initiatives available in my home state to advance the protection and enhancement of our natural resources and habitats. SCWF has exposed me to organizations, contacts and programs in SC that share my passion for all things outdoors. It has also provided me with avenues to act on those passions and beliefs.

BIO – A Rock Hill native, Andy graduated from Presbyterian College in 1973 with a degree in History-Political Science. Andy has completed Hurricane Island Outward Bound School, successful ascents of Mt Rainier and Mt Hood, completion of the 77 mile Foothills Trail and numerous equally exciting adventures. After his retirement from banking in 2016, he completed the Winyah Bay Master Naturalist Course, the Master Wildlifer Course, Urban Forestry Certification, SC Adopt-A-Stream Certification for chemical and for macroinvertebrate stream monitoring, Wilderness First Aid and numerous advanced Master Naturalist courses throughout the state. In addition to the SCWF Board, he also serves on the board of Friends of the Reedy River.

WHY – our greatest threat to the planet is climate change and I want to do my part not only on a personal level but also affiliate with groups and organizations that support protective environmental policies and conservation. I am incredibly proud that my grandfather, Harry Hampton, was a co-founder of SCWF with Zan Heyward in 1931. My grandfather’s greatest legacy was helping to preserve Congaree Swamp, which is now the only national park in South Carolina.

BIO – a native of Columbia, I graduated from Heathwood Hall and received a BA from Kenyon College in Ohio. An avid equestrian, I spent most of my young life traveling and competing in horse shows across the country, including showing at Madison Square Garden. In 2018, my most famous horse, Protocol, was inducted into The National Show Hunter Hall of Fame. After college, I returned to Columbia and along with my sister, opened Old Woodlands Farm in Blythewood and then later in Camden. For twenty years I managed our horse breeding and showing operation. In 2008 after an extensive renovation, I moved into my family home, Woodlands, in Columbia. The home was built in 1896 by my great- grandfather and my grandfather was born in the house in 1897 and lived here his entire life. It is truly a treasure to live here, surrounded by his legacy and the sights and sounds of nature on the remaining thirty three acres of the original property. In recent years I have become interested in gardening and continue to educate myself about the importance of native plants. I have started planting a few natives each year on the property in hopes of helping our pollinators. I enjoy yoga and live theatre and served on the board of directors of The S.C. Shakespeare Company and Trustus Theatre. I also served on the board of The Animal Mission of the Midlands and Friends of Congaree Swamp. I continue to listen to the music of Tom Petty, and embrace the title that others have bestowed upon me as being his “Super Fan!”

WHY – I have always had a passion for the outdoors and would like to share this passion with others who may have not had the opportunity to experience all of the amazing things that South Carolina has to offer. Being able to protect our wildlife and wild spaces is something that we all must consider as our society expands across our great state. Through education and outreach, I hope to help all South Carolinians and visitors learn more about our landscape and all of the wildlife that resides here. 

BIO – Chris Heintze is a long-time resident of South Carolina, and he grew up around Clemson in the upstate. He has both a BS degree in Agricultural Mechanization and Business and a Masters in Business Administration from Clemson University. He currently is a District Extension Director for the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service and oversees the Piedmont District staff and 9 county offices. Some of Chris’s previous job positions include working as a fisheries technician for the SCDNR. While with SCDNR, he worked on upstate lakes conducting creel surveys and was part of the southern Appalachian brook trout restoration project. He also served as the plantation manager for Generostee Creek plantation in Starr, SC, where they ran duck, quail, deer, hog, and turkey hunts on 600 acres. Chris is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys hunting and fishing all over the country.

WHY – I want to serve on the South Carolina Wildlife Federation Board of Directors because I am deeply committed to conservation, science education, and connecting people with the natural world. With a background in biological research, over a decade of teaching experience, and certifications in diving and maritime navigation, I bring both professional expertise and personal passion to advancing the Federation’s mission of protecting South Carolina’s wildlife and natural resources for future generations.

BIO – Gingham is a Biology and Environmental Science teacher with over a decade of experience. Holding an M.S. in Biological Sciences from Clemson University, she combines research expertise with innovative teaching. Certified as a USCG Master Captain and PADI Diver, she brings curiosity, exploration, and passion to education. She lives in Summerville, SC with her husband Tim. They enjoy traveling, hiking, and boating.

WHY – Aldo Leopold once said, “there are some who can live without wild things, and some who cannot. I for one, cannot.” I hope by serving on the SCWF Board, I can share Mr. Leopold’s message to as many people as possible, and find ways for the public to realize that they cannot live in a world without wild things as well. I especially want to share my passion for wildlife with youth and connect them to the outdoors at a young age, so that they carry that passion with them for their entire lives.

BIO – Mallory is originally from Pittsburgh, PA, but has been in South Carolina since she graduated from Clemson University in 2012 with her Master’s degree in Agricultural Education and a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology. She enjoys being outdoors, hiking, hunting, and spending time with her 2-year-old golden retriever, Covey and her fiancé. Mallory currently as the 4-H agent for Clemson Extension in Oconee County. She is actively involved in the SC 4-H Jr. Naturalist Program, SC Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP), South Carolina Adopt-a-Stream, and Master Wildlifer. Mallory is also a South Carolina Master Naturalist.

WHY – I am fortunate to have parents who instilled in me a wonder and curiosity for our natural resources.  SCWF’s mission and programs provide opportunities to further my own exploration.  It is an organization comprised of similarly minded individuals who work together as a cohesive group to protect our natural resources and to educate others of the importance for doing so.

BIO – Matt is a native of Tampa, FL and grew up enjoying as many of southwest Florida’s oceans, mangroves, swamps, lakes, rivers and pastures as possible.  He spent summers in the mountains of NC fishing and exploring every mound of dirt and creek near the family home.  He earned a degree in psychology from Davidson College and then pursued a law degree from the University of South Carolina.  He currently practices law in the area of commercial real estate and finance in the Columbia, SC office of Adams and Reese LLP.   Matt spends his time away from the office on the baseball or soccer fields watching his three sons compete, but on the weekends where there are fewer sporting events, you can find Matt and his wife, Amy, and the boys on the boat exploring the SC coast or one of the State’s wonderful lakes or rivers.

BIO – Jim Lee recently retired from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources after 42 years of service, most recently as the Education and Outreach Coordinator at the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center in Georgetown.  Jim developed and conducted more than 150 individualized educational field trips on the Heritage Preserve each year for the past decade.

Named the SCDNR Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries employee of the year in 2021, Jim’s broad experience in coastal South Carolina wetlands and wildlife has allowed him to share with others his deep passion and understanding of complex ecological systems.

After studying Fish and Wildlife Management, and later, Forestry Management at North Carolina’s Haywood Community College, Jim first arrived in Georgetown in 1982 and was quickly immersed in wetland management for waterfowl and other wetland dependent species at the Samworth Wildlife Management Area.  Adapting quickly to a demanding workload and endless days and many nights spent on the waters of the Pee Dee/ Waccamaw Delta.  The waterfowl projects of the upper coastal region were consolidated in 2004 and he continued to expand his realm of understanding of both fresh and saltwater wetland management on the Santee Coastal Reserve and Santee Delta, while offering thousands of waterfowl enthusiasts some of the finest public hunts in all of South Carolina.  

Credentialed as a Deputy Wildlife Officer, Jim kept careful watch of the prospective properties he managed and helped keep poachers at bay.  Jim is licensed as a Captain by the United States Coast Guard and has logged thousands of “Days at Sea” through his duties on the waters of our coast.  

Jim began a transition to the realm of education in 2011, when asked to become the SCDNR liaison to the Wildlife Forestry program at Horry-Georgetown Technical College.  Offering students an inside look at programs and career paths within the wildlife world, while also serving on their Advisory board to help assess educational offerings to the industry’s needs.

After assisting with existing field trips on the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center, Jim was offered a position as the first Education and Outreach Coordinator in the project’s history.  Jim immediately immersed himself in a sweeping study of the history of the men and women who shaped the coastal region of our state and beyond and coupled this with the rich natural history of vast wild areas with which he was intimately familiar.  His unbridled enthusiasm helped propel these educational filed trips into a “Top Ten things to do” activity in Georgetown County.

Retiring in May 2024, Jim spends time studying both natural and cultural history, and still shares presentations with groups across the area, and conducts field trips to help people appreciate our rich heritage.  Jim is continually active in Georgetown Presbyterian Church, teaching adults and children, serving as an elder, chairs the current Pastor search committee, and has even preached when invited to do so.

Jim and his wife, Nicole, live near the Black River near Georgetown and spend time with their new grandsons in Summerville whenever possible.

WHY – I joined the SC Wildlife Federation board to encourage more diversity in the outdoors. I am excited to be able to bring my experience with teaching our youth as well as be a guiding voice to bring people of all walks of life to the outdoors. Being an avid outdoorsman, I want to give others the same love and passion that I have for the outdoors!

BIO – I am from Seneca, South Carolina and attended Clemson University for both my bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education and my master’s in wildlife and fisheries biology. I have had a passion for the environment and agriculture from an early age and continue to carry it on through teaching and my love for hunting and fishing. I currently have four German Shorthaired pointers and have become an avid quail hunter. Through my kennel, we compete in field trials and other AKC events. I teach the environmental and natural resources pathway at the SC Governor’s School for Agriculture and serve as one of the 4 FFA advisors as well. I enjoy being able to work with our youth and help them reach their full potential.

WHY – This board is important not only for conservation purposes for the now, but also for the when. As someone who loves spending time outdoors and inspiring others to get outdoors, the importance of conservation, restoration, and education has never been more important. I serve on this board to help better serve our state and everyone who comes in contact with the beautiful landscapes, animals, plants, water, faces, and places we have to offer.

BIO – South Carolina native Anastasia Elizabeth Patterson is 26 years old. Anastasia was raised in a family whose culture was embedded with a passion for all outdoor sports and nature – generations of hunters in their family’s Sportsman’s Club. Before she could even walk, her dad carried her like a croaker sack on every trip to the water and woods. Adventure in the outdoors was not a pastime hobby but a way of life. A life she loves.

Competitiveness was in her blood… Her dad saw the light sparkle in her eyes whenever she set the hook on a fish, and he watched in awe at her heartfelt fire for fishing. By the time she graduated from high school and went off to college in 2014, Anastasia had pretty much written off that fishing would be something she could only do recreationally. There was not a team at college nor was there much interest among other students, and the college deemed it a “non-sport”.

Eventually, though, she became a founding member of the Presbyterian College Bass Fishing Team. While on the college team she served as the team’s Vice President, Communications Director, Treasurer, and Secretary, as well as marketing affairs. With 7 top 10’s in state tournaments, the team also fished the South Carolina Special Olympics, South Carolina Bass Duels, and Presbyterian College Parson Mount Back-to-Back Champion.

Since college, Anastasia has continued tournament fishing — notching a second-place finish on the USA Bass side of the 2022 ICAST Cup — and remains heavily involved in the fishing industry.

She is determined to fuel the desire of her dream, driven, and faithful with each season. She strives to be a mentor and advocate for women and girls to diversify the industry. To passionately fish with purpose where she is one with her faith as she dares to live her dream.

Anastasia’s ultimate goal is to make it into the Elite Series – a feat no woman has accomplished…yet.

She currently also is the Event Manager for Clarendon Club in Summerton.

WHY – I hope to be able to serve as a small cog in the SC conservation wheel by giving my time and talents such as they are, to the organization to facilitate important advocacy for legislation and programs that the SCWF is championing. I also hope to further my own education about the wildlife of this state and the legislative process that works to protect it.

BIO – My love of nature comes to me from generations on my mother’s side of my family who were all avid birders and lovers of the outdoors. From hiking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire to canoeing the rivers and lakes and swimming in the coastal waters of New England, these were every one, advocates for the beauty and thrill of the natural world around them. It therefore was no surprise that these pursuits were in my blood and always on my agenda. I have always loved diving into the biggest surf I could find off the RI -or Florida for that matter – coastal beaches to winter hiking and camping in the mountains of Vermont, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. I have a deep fascination and reverence for wild places, plants and animals of all kinds. This is what excites me about the opportunity to sit on the board of the South Carolina Wildlife Federation.

WHY – I joined the South Carolina Wildlife Federation Board because it provides a very rewarding opportunity to utilize my educational training, knowledge of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem management and admiration of SC’s critical natural resources. I am lucky in that I work in an industry and for a corporation that places an extremely high value on the environment which results in an alignment of our core values. Serving on the Board of Directors provides a unique partnering opportunity allowing me to work closely with the SCWF to ensure sustainability/protection of SC’s critical ecosystems and natural resources while providing our State with cleaner renewable energy.

BIO – A native of Taylors, South Carolina, Alan obtained a B.S. in Biology from Francis Marion University in 1986. After graduation, he worked in the private environmental and engineering consulting business sectors focused on the hydroelectric industry. In 2013, he joined Duke Energy as a Senior Environmental Resource Manager overseeing environmental conservation and protection programs associated with hydroelectric projects and now serves as FERC Licensing Manager for Duke Energy’s NC/SC Hydro West Projects including the Keowee-Toxaway and Bad Creek Projects in Upstate SC. He serves on number of outside Committees/Groups including the Jocassee Gorges Working Group, Santee River Basin Diadromous Fish Accord Committee, NC/SC American Fisheries Society Chapters and a member of the SC State Drought Response Committee representing the Central Drought Management Area. In his spare time, he is an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting, fishing, golfing and kayaking.

WHY – I have spent most of my life enjoying the outdoors in South Carolina, and want to ensure that my children and future generations will have the same opportunities – from fly fishing the upstate mountains to saltwater fishing a tidal marsh, and exploring everything in between. I have been involved with Wildlife and Industry Together (W.A.I.T) for many years and believe in the importance of industries recognizing natural resources and am proud to work for a company that supports both wildlife and biodiversity. I look forward to continuing to build and enhance SCWF partnerships to benefit the future of wildlife in South Carolina.

BIO – Travis has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biosystems Engineering from Clemson University, a Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering degree from North Carolina State University, and is a licensed Professional Engineer in South Carolina. He has been an environmental engineer in South Carolina since 2004 and has been the Environmental Manager for BMW Manufacturing in Spartanburg since 2019. Travis was a member of the inaugural class of the Sustain South Carolina Sustainability Leadership Initiative, and through BMW is a member of the corporate advisory board. He enjoys everything in the outdoors – hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, golfing, and running. Most of all he enjoys introducing his two young children to the outdoors, where he can often be found with his kids, his wife Stephanie, and their Vizsla, Scout. Travis has been a resident of South Carolina since 1994 and earned his Eagle Scout award in 1997.

WHY – I enjoy being on the board because of the diversity of groups it brings together for a mission of improving/sustaining the natural heritage of the state. I have found that groups that can cooperate, among various stakeholders, develop very sound, workable, and powerful solutions to sustain the great natural resources of South Carolina.

BIO – Originally from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, I grew up with steel mills, Steeler football and the annual thanksgiving trek north for opening day of deer season. The love of the outdoors began at that deer camp in Potter County Pennsylvania, otherwise known as “God’s Country”. Those mountains and trout streams led to Forestry Degrees from West Virginia University and Virginia Tech (Ph.D., Forestry Operations). I moved to SC in 1990.