Sustain SC, in partnership with the Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities at Furman University, is proud to announce the graduation of the fourth class of Sustainability Leadership Initiative (SLI) Fellows. This year’s cohort represents a dynamic mix of leaders from the business, government, forestry and conservation sectors across South Carolina. Since January, the group has engaged in a six-month experiential learning program designed to enhance skills and equip fellows to enact positive change in their organizations and communities.
Throughout the program, the cohort engaged in immersive experiences across the state, exploring the intersection of business, policy and natural resources while building a diverse network of cross-sector leaders committed to sustainability. “It has been a joy working with this group of Fellows,” said Dr. Andrew Predmore, Executive Director of the Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities at Furman University. “Their passion for collaboration and systems thinking reflects exactly why SLI was created—to empower leaders who are ready to tackle South Carolina’s sustainability challenges with both insight and integrity.”
Samm Monn, Class 4 Fellow and President of Halton, added, “One of the most valuable aspects of this program has been the opportunity to network with like-minded leaders in the sustainability space. I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking to drive sustainable improvements in their organization.”
The curriculum offers an intensive and interdisciplinary look at South Carolina’s sustainability landscape. “The combination of classroom learning and fieldwork was energizing,” said Samantha Maich, Class 4 Fellow and Senior Sustainability Analyst at Milliken & Company. “It broadened my perspective of how interconnected topics like circularity, land management and emissions really are.”
Over the course of the program, Fellows visited a diverse array of locations, from industrial facilities and conservation sites to community-led initiatives. “My favorite part has been getting my hands dirty—literally,” said Joe Razum, Class 4 Fellow and Sustainability Engineer and Pricing Expert at Trane Technologies. “This program shows you what you’re working to protect.”
The Class of 2025 marked their graduation on June 5 in Columbia, beginning with final presentations in the morning and culminating with a celebration at Stone River. The event included remarks from Sustain SC CEO Leslie Skardon, who shared insights on the newly launched SLI Alumni program, and invited graduates to continue their leadership journey by participating in the Alumni program after graduation. There was also a special address from Andrew Predmore of the Shi Institute, who curated the program curriculum, reflecting on the cohort’s journey across the state and highlighting standout moments from the program.
Alumni from the past three SLI cohorts joined the celebration, reflecting the growing momentum of SLI and the expanding community of professionals dedicated to building a more sustainable future for South Carolina.
This year’s graduates are:
· Aaron Polkey, Palmetto Project
· Alexis Scipio, The Thrive Point
· Ben Moore, Bubble Paper
· Brandon Money, AFL
· Cassie LaValley, Coastal Carolina University
· Christianne Farrell, Town of Mount Pleasant
· Cindy McMahan, Heritage Landcare
· Frank Murray, Columbia Metropolitan Airport
· Hanes Hilliard, TD SYNNEX
· Jennifer Druce, SC Department of Commerce
· Jessica Siron, Scout Motors
· Joe Razum, Trane Technologies
· Justin Park, Open Space Institute
· Kirsten Lackstrom, SC Office of Resilience
· Kristen Austin Gunter, Sustain SC
· Leigh Tondini, Duke Energy
· Marilyn Hemingway, Gullah Geechee Chamber of Commerce
· Sam Monn, Halton
· Samantha Maich, Milliken & Company
· Tameria Warren, Samsung Electronics
· Tracy Smoak, BMW Manufacturing
· Travis Spainhour, Milliken Advisors
· Yuse Lajiminmuhip, ARGU America
“We are incredibly proud of this year’s fellows,” said Leslie Skardon, CEO of Sustain SC. “Their commitment, curiosity and collaboration are what drive progress in our state. With each class of SLI graduates, we’re not just growing a network, we’re shaping the future of sustainability in South Carolina.”
Now entering its fifth cohort, the SLI program continues to foster a growing network of sustainability-minded professionals committed to creating a more resilient and prosperous South Carolina. Applications for the 2025-2026 class open on July 9, 2025. You can learn more about the SLI program here.