Introducing our Speakers

The SC Resilience Conference will bring together world-renowned keynote speakers and dynamic breakout sessions designed to educate, energize, and inspire. From global thought leaders in conservation and wellness to innovators shaping resilient communities, attendees will gain fresh insights and actionable strategies to foster a more balanced and thriving SC.

2026 keynote speakers


  • Founder of Free2Play Academy

    Dr. Gary Gray, PT, FAFS is a globally recognized leader in human movement and rehabilitation, often referred to as the “Father of Function” for creating Applied Functional Science®—a groundbreaking approach that blends movement, biomechanics, and functional training. With over 45 years of experience, he has transformed the fields of physical therapy, performance, and injury prevention.

    As Founder and CEO of Gray Institute®, Dr. Gray developed widely used systems including 3DMAPS®, the Chain Reaction® Seminar Series, and the GIFT Fellowship Program, which have educated thousands of professionals worldwide.

    He also founded Free2Play® Academy, a nonprofit focused on empowering children through Movement Literacy® and Generosity Literacy, helping them grow through physical activity and values-based education.

    A recipient of the John H.P. Maley Award from the APTA and a Doctor of Humane Letters from Siena Heights University, Dr. Gray’s mission continues to be educating, empowering, and inspiring others through a deeper understanding of the human body and its potential.

  • Director of South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR)

    A globally recognized environmental attorney, scholar, and former military leader, Dr. Mullikin has practiced environmental and energy law on all seven continents, working with multinational organizations and the United Nations.

    A retired Major General of the South Carolina State Guard, he has received numerous military and civilian honors, including the Order of the Palmetto. He is also an acclaimed explorer, having summited mountains on every continent and completed SCUBA dives in every ocean.

    Dr. Mullikin has served as a university professor, founding chair of the S.C. Floodwater Commission, chairman of Global Eco Adventures, and Expedition Leader for the SC7 Expedition. His work blends law, conservation, education, and public service—all driven by a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship and community resilience.

  • This keynote speaker will headline the Resilience, Recovery, & Mitigation Track, proudly sponsored by SCOR, featuring David Beasley, Former Governor of South Carolina. Beasley served as the executive director of the United Nations World Food Programme from 2017 to 2023, which was recognized with a Nobel Peace Prize in 2020. In an era defined by rapid environmental shifts and increasing global change, Governor Beasley will draw on his experience to talk about global resilience and resilience here at home.

our 2026 session SPEAKERS

aaron bowman, AIA

Project Manager, Moseley Inc., AIA South Carolina Resilience Committee

A passionate advocate for the power of design to build resilient communities, Aaron’s extensive professional experience is focused on place-based public architecture in communities across the south. Aaron views each project as an opportunity to engage stakeholders as collaborators in the process to create more socially, economically, and environmentally resilient places. Aaron was recognized as part of the AIA’s 2020 Young Architect Award program for his service to the profession and community. He has also been recognized by AIA South Carolina and the Clemson University Young Alumni Association for his volunteerism and leadership. Prior to joining Moseley, he was the lead architect for the Buckeye Community Hope Foundation’s southeast office, responsible for the architectural design and management of multifamily affordable housing projects across the southeast, including both new construction and rehabilitation. He currently lives in Charleston with his wife and son.

Alex Butler

Resilience Director, South Carolina Office of Resilience

Alex Butler is the Resilience Planning Director for the South Carolina Office of Resilience where he oversaw the development of the state’s first Statewide Risk Reduction and Resilience Plan.  Alex has a B.S. in Geology from Clemson University and a M.S. Geography from University of South Carolina where his studies focused on the interaction of people, land use, and climate on the hydrological cycle of South Carolina.   Prior to his current role, Alex managed the Water Quantity Permitting Section at the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and worked as a Hydrologist for both DHEC and the Department of Natural Resources. In his spare time Alex connects people to watersheds as a whitewater kayak instructor

amber kuehn

Executive Director, Sea Turtle Patrol

Amber grew up in Bluffton SC and graduated with a biology degree from University of Georgia. She’s a professional boat captain who started working with the Sea Turtle Patrol on HHI and later became the executive director, after graduating with a master’s degree in marine biology in 2005. She is the SCDNR permit holder for Marine Turtle nest monitoring on HHI and received an award for her dedication to sea turtle stranding response. She owns Spartina Marine Education Charters, operating a USCG certified 20 passenger vessels, educating tourist and locals on the unique ecosystem in the Lowcountry marshland.

DR. Andrew Predmore

Executive Director, The Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities

Dr. Andrew Predmore brings extensive expertise in sustainability and resilience to Furman, with experience spanning private industry and higher education. He most recently served as sustainability manager at Milliken & Company, advancing ESG reporting, life cycle assessment integration, and greenhouse gas reduction strategy. Previously, he was University Director of Sustainability at Indiana University, overseeing sustainability initiatives across seven campuses and leading efforts in waste reduction, emissions accounting, and climate-focused internships supportingcommunities statewide. Earlier in his career, Andrew was a tenure-track professor of environmental studies at the University of Illinois-Springfield. A Spartanburg native, he is committed to advancing practical, research-based climate solutions.

Austin Downey

Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of South Carolina

Austin Downey is an Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of South Carolina. His research focuses on structural health monitoring, smart sensing systems, and artificial intelligence for infrastructure assessment. He develops sensor networks and machine learning approaches to detect damage and evaluate the performance of bridges, buildings, and other infrastructure. 

bradley craig, CFM

Resilience Planning Manager, South Carolina Office of Resilience

I am currently the Resilience Planning Manager at the South Carolina Office of Resilience (SCOR), where I lead efforts to advance sustainable and resilient communities across the state. With a background in coastal and marine geology and extensive experience in environmental policy and data coordination, My goal is to bridge the gap between scientific research and actionable policy. With the Resilience Planning Team at SCOR, I played a key role in authoring South Carolina’s first Strategic Statewide Resilience and Risk Reduction Plan and continues to oversee its implementation through collaborative efforts with federal, state, and local partners. My work focuses on addressing environmental challenges while fostering economic sustainability, ensuring that communities are prepared for future hazards by integrating high-quality data, sustainable practices, and equitable policies into resilience planning. My passion for resilience stems from a commitment to connecting science with stakeholder engagement, creating practical solutions that benefit both people and the environment.

bryan rabon

Data Coordination Manager, South Carolina Office of Resilience

David Thedinga, MBA

Founder and CEO, Tikvah Health & Wellness

David Thedinga is the Founder and CEO of Tikvah Health & Wellness, a company transforming healthcare access by connecting individuals and employers to root-cause and functional medicine solutions and helping facilitate reimbursement for these services through employer-sponsored benefits and insurance partnerships. benefits and insurance partnerships. benefits and insurance partnerships. Before founding Tikvah, Thedinga spent nearly two decades with American Family Insurance, where he led high-performing teams generating $60–80 million in annual revenue across multiple states. A seasoned sales and marketing leader, he is known for building innovative programs that engage CEOs, business owners, and sales leaders. Inspired by his own health journey, Thedinga founded Tikvah to expand access to non-conventional care that addresses the root causes of chronic disease. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from UNLV and an MBA from Colorado State University.

ashley mcleod

President, Heritage Landcare

Ashley McLeod is the President and second-generation owner of Heritage Landcare, a leading commercial landscape services company based in South Carolina. With more than 30 years of industry experience, Ashley has played a central role in growing the family business into a multi-service operation serving clients across the state. A Clemson University graduate, Ashley combines deep operational knowledge with a strategic, growth-oriented mindset. Under his leadership, Heritage Landcare has expanded its service offerings delivering integrated solutions for commercial properties. Ashley is committed to advancing sustainable practices within the green industry and serves on the Board of Sustain SC and SC National Heritage Corridor. He is passionate about building a resilient, forward-thinking organization that benefits employees, clients, and the communities Heritage Landcare serves.

brian thill

Senior Vice President of Education, SC Aquarium

Brian is the Chief Experience Officer/ Senior Vice President, Education at the South Carolina Aquarium. Brian has been connecting people to water, wildlife and wild places for the last 25 years. In his tenure at the South Carolina Aquarium, he worked with the late Dr. Wallace J. Nichols to implement “Blue Mind” into the guest experience, staff culture, and strategic plans at the South Carolina Aquarium. Brian has worked with local practitioners, universities, and healthcare facilities to facilitate “Blue Mind” experiences and awareness.

hunter freeman, PE, LEED, AP

Senior Advisor; Green Stormwater Infastructure, McAdams

Hunter is dedicated to making the places we spend our time better by leveraging the power of nature to add value and remove pollutants. You may see landscaping, or a garden; you might hear birds, you might relax in the shade; but Hunter designed the space to treat the rainwater, reduce flooding, improve the air, and reduce heat island effect. All of these qualities come together to improve our collective quality of life.

Jason Bakos

Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of South Carolina.

Jason Bakos is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of South Carolina. His research focuses on high-performance computing, reconfigurable hardware, and edge computing architectures for data-intensive systems. His work enables real-time processing of sensor data streams used in infrastructure monitoring, environmental sensing, and distributed analytics. 

Jessica trotman, MS, MPH

Town Manager, Town of Columbus, NC

Jessica Trotman, MS, MPH is a local government executive and resilience practitioner with more than a decade of experience at the intersection of planning, public health, 
resilience and disaster recovery. She currently serves as Town Manager for the Town of Columbus, North Carolina, and previously led recovery and resilience efforts for the Town of Black Mountain following Hurricane Helene. Jessica’s work focuses on building local government capacity, integrating resilience into everyday operations, and translating complex policy and funding programs into actionable local solutions, particularly for small and rural communities. She is a member of Blueprint Advisory Group and the Resilience Subcommittee of the Governor's Advisory Committee on Western North Carolina Recovery. She holds graduate degrees in public health and environmental health and is pursuing a Ed.D focused on leadership in disaster preparedness and emergency management. 

John quinn

Professor of Biology, Furman University

John Quinn PhD is a conservation biologist and researcher with over 20 years of experience in biodiversity monitoring and landscape ecology. In collaboration with a diversity of partners, his work centers on the intersection of human-managed landscapes and data analytics. Dr. Quinn currently leads research on regenerative agriculture, forest restoration, and urban greenspace conservation, focusing on how biodiversity data can inform long-term land-use planning and bolster community resilience across South Carolina and the US.

ken roper

County Administrator, Pickens County

Pickens native and Liberty High graduate, holds degrees from Furman University and the University of South Carolina School of Law. He previously served as Pickens County Attorney, municipal attorney, municipal judge, and a prosecutor handling major felony cases. Roper has been active in the South Carolina Bar, lecturing on legal professionalism and serving on multiple committees. He has also served on numerous local boards and is a past president of the Pickens Rotary Club. In 2021, he was named an Appalachian Leadership Institute Fellow and continues to serve on several state and national advisory boards related to public administration and resilience.

Liz Fly, Ph.D., CFM

Director of Resilience & Ocean Conservation, The Nature Conservancy SC

Dr. Liz Fly is the Director of Resilience and Ocean Conservation with The Nature Conservancy South Carolina. Since 2017, Liz has worked to expand TNC’s work on coastal and ocean opportunities for ecosystems and communities. She has helped elevate TNC’s status as a leader in nature-based resilience work across the state, as well as growing TNC’s presence in offshore fisheries and other ocean-related work. She is a member of the Liberty Fellowship class of 2025, a leadership initiative founded to create a network of dynamic and diverse leaders committed to making South Carolina a better place, and an adjunct professor at Clemson University.

DR. Kathie Dello

Assistant Secretary for Resilience, North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality

Dr. Kathie Dello serves as the Assistant Secretary for Resilience at DEQ, where she leads the department’s efforts to strengthen North Carolina’s resilience to withstand increasingly severe weather. She leads the efforts of the Division of Coastal Management, State Energy Office, Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Program (APNEP), Flood Resiliency Blueprint and the State Resilience Office. Prior to joining the department in 2025, she served as State Climatologist of North Carolina and Director of the State Climate Office at NC State University. Kathie's work has been recognized nationally for advancing climate resilience, stakeholder engagement, and science communication in New York, Oregon and North Carolina. She is author of the 5th National Climate Assessment and the 2020 North Carolina Climate Science Report. She is a 2024 graduate of Leadership North Carolina. In 2025, Governor Josh Stein awarded her the North Carolina Award in Science, the state’s highest civilian honor. Dr. Dello holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences from Oregon State University, a Master’s in Geography and a Bachelor’s in Atmospheric Sciences from the State University of New York at Albany. She resides in Raleigh.

Matt Klein

Advisor to the Delta Bravo Artificial Intelligence, Inc

Dr. Klein is an Advisor to Delta Bravo Artificial Intelligence, Inc. (Delta Bravo), the creator of both Aquaspec AI and PermitPro. Previously, Dr. Klein served as President of North Carolina and Tennessee for a private equity-backed drinking water and wastewater utility. Dr. Klein led the successful turnaround and eventual sale of Indianapolis Water, one of the largest public drinking water systems in the United States. Earlier in his career, Dr. Klein served as both a senior environmental regulator and a senior utilities regulator. Dr. Klein earned his Doctor of Strategic Leadership from the School of Business & Leadership at Regent University. Also, he possesses a Juris Doctorate from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, a Master of Science degree from Ball State University, and a Bachelor of Science degree from Taylor University. Dr. Klein is a Senior Fellow with the Sagamore Institute and the host of the Water Foresight Podcast. Also, he is the recipient of the 2018 Exceptional Service Award from the Management & Leadership Division of the American Water Works Association. Finally, Dr. Klein is a member of the American Water Works Association, the Water Environment Federation, the Association of Professional Futurists, and the American Bar Association. 

Mike Winiski

Director of Applied Sustainability Research, The Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities

Mike Winiski leads the Shi Institute’s Applied Sustainability Research team, bringing a passion for bridging science, community, and environmental action. Under his leadership, the institute supports interdisciplinary research on sustainability, collaborating with campus, local, and regional partners to advance resilience, climate adaptation, and regenerative solutions. Before joining the Shi Institute, Mike built a strong foundation as the Executive Director of Community-Engaged Learning at Furman University, honing skills in project development, stakeholder engagement, and systems-based sustainability education. A dedicated educator and facilitator, he works to empower students and communities in co-creating equitable, evidence-based paths toward a healthier planet.

Pam kendrick

Infrastructure Program Manager, SC Office of Resilience

Pam Kendrick serves as the Environmental & Infrastructure Program Manager at the South Carolina Office of Resilience (SCOR). In this role, she oversees various initiatives aimed at mitigating environmental risks and enhancing the state's infrastructure resilience. Pam manages significant projects, including the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Stormwater Infrastructure Program, which has allocated $65 million to reduce flooding impacts across South Carolina. She is also responsible for the remediation efforts of the USS Yorktown, focusing on the removal of hazardous pollutants to protect the environment. Pam's leadership and dedication contribute to SCOR's mission of strengthening South Carolina's resilience against environmental challenges.

Tony Mcewen

Carolinas Director, American Flood Coalition

Tony is the Carolinas Director at the American Flood Coalition. In this role, he seeks to advance policy solutions and strengthen AFC’s presence at the state and local levels in North and South Carolina. Tony has nearly two decades of politics and advocacy experience at the local, state, and federal level in North Carolina. He previously served as Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs Director for the City of Wilmington (NC), leading the city’s state and federal advocacy efforts. Following Hurricane Florence, Tony initiated a large bipartisan coalition of leaders across Eastern North Carolina, which then partnered with AFC to advance flood resilience at the state and federal level. Prior to joining the City of Wilmington, he served in senior positions for multiple members of Congress. Tony has a bachelor’s degree in communications and political science from UNC-Wilmington. He has served on several political and nonprofit boards, including the NC League of Municipalities and the United Way of the Cape Fear Area

Dr. Susan johnson

Founder, Nature at Work

Susan L. Johnson, Ph.D., is Founder & CEO of Nature at Work and the South Carolina Healthy Business Coalition. A nationally recognized leader in workplace health promotion and nature-based wellbeing, she has over 25 years of experience bridging public health, business, and environmental sectors. Susan serves on the Board of the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor and leads statewide collaborations focused on integrating health, sustainability, and resilience. Her work unites partners across sectors to advance a healthier, more resilient South Carolina where human wellbeing and environmental stewardship are deeply connected.

adelaide bates

Climate Resilience Manager, The Shi Institute of Sustainable Communities at Furman University

Climate Resilience Manager at Furman University's Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities. In this role, she works alongside communities in South Carolina's Lowcountry region to build resilience to worsening natural hazards and changing conditions. Bates leads the institute's involvement in the Climate Ready America Southeast Navigator Network, focusing on under-resourced areas designated as Community Disaster Resilience Zones by FEMA.

allison Hunt

Executive Director, Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum

beth lewis, CEPSCI, CSPR

Water Quality Program Manager, Town of Bluffton

Water Quality Program Manager for the Town of Bluffton, where she leads initiatives to protect local watersheds and implement the town’s Comprehensive Plan, Strategic Plans, and May River Watershed Action Plan. With a BS in Marine Biology from the College of Charleston and nearly twenty years of public-sector experience, Beth has worked across aquaculture, solid waste and recycling, and stormwater management. She brings deep expertise and commitment to safeguarding Bluffton’s natural resources and advancing community resilience.

brett Butz

Utility & Regulatory AI Strategist, South Carolina Department of Environmental Services

Brett Butz leads the implementation of a statewide AI strategy for the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services, developing an agency-wide framework for AI use case review, approval, and deployment. In partnership with executive leadership, he is modernizing how government delivers environmental services, centering efficiency, accountability, and innovation. His work integrates frontline utility experience, legal and regulatory expertise, and next-generation AI to solve complex infrastructure and staffing challenges, especially in small systems facing compliance pressure, aging assets, and talent shortage 

Capt. Chris Crolley

Owner & CEO, Coastal Expeditions

You can spot Capt. Chris Crolley by his yellow hat—its leather band always adorned with feathers found by his daughters and a pewter sea turtle pin front and center. It’s a subtle emblem of what drives him: a deep commitment to conservation and the wild places of the Lowcountry of South Carolina. As owner and CEO of Coastal Expeditions, Chris has spent more than 30 years guiding others into the natural world. He’s a licensed captain, accomplished naturalist, and a passionate advocate for environmental education. From blackwater rivers to barrier islands, he’s led trips up and down the Eastern Seaboard—but always returns to the salt marshes and creeks of South Carolina. In 2018, Chris launched the Coastal Expeditions Foundation to take action for the places he loves. Since then, the foundation has helped rebuild Crab Bank Seabird Sanctuary, funds the Sea Turtle Nest Protection Program in Cape Romain, and leads resilience-based outdoor programs for veterans. Under his leadership, thousands of students each year explore coastal ecosystems through STEM-based field trips. With five outposts from Awendaw to Beaufort and partnerships with state and federal agencies, Coastal Expeditions continues to grow under Chris’s direction—earning praise from Garden & Gun, who named him a “Champion of Conservation” in 2022.

Dr. Dylan Blaskey

Assistant Professor of Integrated Systems Hydrology, University of South Carolina

Dylan Blaskey is an Assistant Professor in the School of the Earth, Ocean & Environment at the University of South Carolina. He leads an interdisciplinary research team that integrates mechanistic and machine learning models with field observations and community knowledge to address complex water resource challenges. With a background in green infrastructure and coastal resilience, his work centers on hydrologic and water quality modeling, river dynamics, and co-produced research that advances sustainable water management and climate resilience.

Celeste schmidt

Teacher, Greenville County School System

Celeste Schmidt is an English teacher at Traveler’s Rest High School. She is pursuing her MA in English at The University of West Georgia specializing in American Western Studies, Cultural Myth Studies and Trauma and Addiction Narratives.

Erin johnson

Vice President, Central Carolina Community Foundation - One SC Fund

Hassain Ismail, PHD, PE

Water Resources Manager, McCormick Taylor, INC.

Dr. Ismail has over fourteen years of engineering experience and holds a Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate degrees in Civil Engineering from the University of South Carolina. He is a licensed professional engineer leading McCormick Taylor’s South Carolina Water Resources team of engineers, designers, and scientists. Dr. Ismail’s expertise spans across all aspects of natural and built drainage systems including stormwater management, H&H, drainage studies, nature-based designs, and stream mechanics.

jana davis, MS, RDN

Functional Registered Dietitian Nutritionist & owner of Carolina GreenLiving, LLC & Bone Health Soutions

Jana Davis is a functional registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) and owner of Carolina Green Living, a private practice in Charleston, South Carolina. She holds a Master’s degree in Foods and Nutrition from Florida State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Food Science from Clemson University. With over 30 years of healthcare experience, Jana specializes in functional nutrition and nutrigenomics, using personalized nutrition and advanced testing to address root causes and support optimal health.

Jennifer Welte

Associate Chief of the Watershed Protection Branch at Georgia DNR Environmental Protection Division

Jennifer Welte is the Assistant Branch Chief for EPD’s Watershed Protection Branch. She oversees the Regional Water Planning process, the development of regulations for the Branch, and the Safe Dams, Floodplain, Nonpoint Source, and wastewater compliance programs. Jennifer received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Georgia Tech, a law degree from Georgia State University, and has previously practiced as an environmental attorney. Jennifer has worked in the Watershed Protection Branch of EPD for over 22 years in a variety of roles, including water quality modeler, wetlands program manager (responsible for the issuance of 401 water quality certifications and EPD’s participation in Georgia’s compensatory mitigation program), and Regulatory Support Program manager.

John M. McCain, P.E.

Program Manager for the South Carolina Dam Safety Program, South Carolina Department of Environmental Services

John McCain serves as Program Manager for the South Carolina Dam Safety Program within the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services. He oversees statewide dam safety inspections, regulatory compliance, and risk management. His work focuses on reducing hazards associated with aging dams and coordinating emergency planning related to extreme rainfall and flooding.

Juliana zadik

Environmental Long-Range Planner, Beaufort County Planning Department

Environmental Long Range Planner for Beaufort County, has been engaged in resilience planning since 2019 and is an experienced project manager with expertise in community engagement, policy, program, and plan development, and collaborative coordination. Beaufort County has worked with numerous partners to make significant strides in assessin hazards and vulnerabilities, land conservation, long-term strategic regional planning, and coordination.

kristy Carter, AICP

Senior Project Manager, McAdams

Kristy brings over 26 years of expertise in community and transportation planning. As a senior project manager on McAdams’ Active Transportation team, Kristy plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of active transportation initiatives. She has a proven track record of designing and executing impactful transportation and community projects that foster mobility and improve infrastructure across a wide range of communities. In her role, Kristy leads complex projects, conducts in-depth land use and transportation analysis, and spearheads public engagement efforts to ensure meaningful participation from all stakeholders throughout the planning process. Her dedication to enhancing mobility choices and building sustainable, connected communities drives her continued success in the field.

Mark davis, AICP

Green Space Program Manager, Beaufort County Planning Department

Mark has worked in planning and environmental development for over 20 years in both the public and private sector. Mr. Davis attended the University of Maryland where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography and has focused his career on land use planning, environmental development, and government policy and administration. Mr. Davis currently serves as the Beaufort County Green Space Program Manager where he has dedicated the last 3 years developing and implementing South Carolina’s first Green Space Program.

Michael Etheridge, PLA

Landscape Architect, Davis & Floyd, Inc.

Michael is a creative thinker with over twenty-five years of experience in planning and design. His passion lies in connecting communities to the surrounding natural systems. With much experience working in public-private partnerships, Michael’s areas of expertise include master planning, feasibility studies, entitlements, and natural systems design. Throughout his career working in an array of professional landscape architecture environments, Michael has shepherded the implementation of master plans, streetscape designs, playground designs, and much more.

Molly caggiano, AICP

Resilience Officer, Charleston County Resilience and Sustainability

Resilience Officer for Charleston County Government, where she leads initiatives to enhance community resilience through strategic planning and collaboration. With a background in urban planning and disaster management, Molly focuses on integrating nature-based solutions and equitable community engagement into resilience strategies. Her work emphasizes the connection between environmental health and community wellbeing. Molly’s approach fosters sustainable, inclusive solutions to complex challenges, drawing from her experiences in both municipal and county-level governance.

Susan Lunt

Carolina Clear Coordinator,
Water Resources Extension Associate, Clemson University Cooperative Extension

Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service. Susan received her ME in Civil Engineering from The University of Virginia and her BA in Geology from Case Western Reserve University. Susan has worked as an educator and an Environmental Engineer. Since 2020, Susan has been a member of the Water Resources Team with Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service, currently serving as the Carolina Clear Coordinator.

University of South Carolina

Student Presenters:

  • Ajwad Anwar

  • Asif Khan

  • Ege Kurter

  • Joud Satme

  • Mohsen Gol Zarian

  • Shivakumar Balachandar

  • Sydney Morris,

  • Usman Khan

DR. alan todd

Executive Director, Conway Salvage

Dr Alan Todd earned his PhD from Duke University and is professor at Coastal Carolina University. Witnessing the unnecessary demolition of so many structures due to the region’s rapid development, Dr Todd established the Conway Architectural Salvage and Heritage Project, a nonprofit specializing in deconstruction and material reuse. As an archaeologist and historian, his life’s work comes together in this project, saving old-growth lumber from the landfills, archiving the histories of family homes, and reviving traditional

Andrew Cheatham, PLA, ASLA

Landscape Architect & Owner, KBS Landscape Architecture

Mr. Cheatham, owner and project manager at Kenneth B. Simmons Associates, LLC, is a professional landscape architect with a 2010 Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Clemson University. With over fifteen years of experience, he has worked on diverse projects including parks, recreation facilities, commercial/residential planning, streetscapes, greenways, and urban design. He specializes in securing site-related permits like SCDES stormwater and SCDOT encroachment permits. He has contributed to the field through service on the City of Columbia Tree and Appearance Commission, as Vice President of the SC Chapter of ASLA, and was the national ASLA's 2018 Advocacy Star. In 2022, Governor Henry McMaster appointed him to the South Carolina Landscape Architecture Examiners Board.

Andrea moreno, CFM, CEPSCI, CSPR

MS4 Program Manager, Town of Bluffton, SC

Andrea L. Moreno is a dedicated environmental professional overseeing the MS4 Program in Bluffton, ensuring compliance with state and federal stormwater regulations. She leads operational initiatives, collaborates with regulatory agencies, and drives sustainable solutions across municipal systems. Passionate about water quality and community resilience, Andrea combines technical expertise with a commitment to public service.

andrew white

Geospatial Coordinator, SC Office of Resilience

benjamin ward, AIA

Project Manager, Radium Architecture, AIA South Carolina Resilience Committee

20 years of experience, with 13 years being healthcare specific. He graduated from Clemson University with a BS in Design and NC State with a Masters of Architecture. His healthcare experience ranges from medical office spaces to larger scale surgical pavilions. His recent focus has been Free-Standing Emergency Departments and Mental Health facilities. Ben advocates for resilience in the built environment to ensure both clients and the broader community cannot only withstand but thrive in a changing climate. Ben served as AIA South Carolina President in 2022 and is a recipient of the national AIA Young Architects Award in 2019. He currently serves as the South Carolina Representative to the AIA Strategic Council on the Climate Adaptation and Leadership Taskforce.

Jessica siron, CSP

Senior EHS Director, Scout Motors

Jessica Siron is an accomplished Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) executive at Scout Motors, Inc. Her extensive background includes strategy and operational excellence across the manufacturing, chemical, automotive, and clean energy sectors. She is dedicated to fostering holistic employee wellness, evidenced by her advocacy for progressive mental and occupational health programs. Furthermore, she is committed to sustainable manufacturing and delivering long-term community value through a human-centered approach. In her current role at Scout, Jessica is building a comprehensive EHS organizational framework for both short- and long-term operations. This involves rapid team scaling, expanding technical capabilities, selecting digital platforms, and managing regulatory permitting. Previously, at Tesla, she successfully transformed the departmental culture by shifting the focus from mere compliance to strategic business partnership.

Josh suggs

Director of Surf Operations, Warrior Surf Foundation

Army Airborne Infantry Veteran, surfer for over 20 years, and part of the Warrior Surf Foundation family since 2020. Starting as a volunteer surf instructor, has served as a wellness coach, yoga instructor, Chief Surf Instructor, and now Director of Surf Operations. Above all, he’s dad to the coolest girl in the world.

Martin Hamiliton, PHD

Executive Director, SC Botanical Gardens

Martin is a native of Kentucky and has worked and studied at institutions in the USA and abroad, including Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and Oak Spring Garden Foundation. Martin is an Honorary Research Associate at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and a Fellow of The Linnean Society of London. He is particularly interested in the conservation and management of threatened species, habitat restoration, and the development and management of plant collections. Martin is actively involved in projects researching the conservation and management of native and threatened species, including the development of ex-situ plant collections and horticultural protocols. Martin started as the Executive Director of the South Carolina Botanical Garden at Clemson University in August 2023.

Meg Thompson

Special Projects Manager, City of North Charleston

Special Projects Manager at the City of North Charleston, where she helps shape the future of North Charleston by leading projects that range from small capital improvements to large-scale facilities, all designed to meet community needs while maximizing public benefit. She coordinates and secures sources and organizes community outreach an tactical urbanism efforts that enhance residents’ quality of life. Meg has built cross-sector collaborations, developed programs that strengthen local capacity, and advanced initiatives linking equity, sustainability, and wellbeing.

Melissa Patton

Executive Director, Carolina Land & Lakes RC&D

Melissa Patton serves as Executive Director of Carolina Land and Lakes RC&D, a regional nonprofit that facilitates locally initiated natural resource conservation and community development projects in North Carolina. She brings deep expertise in wildfire mitigation, stream restoration, and dam remediation and removal, along with broad experience in regional collaboration, conservation and sustainable community development. In 2026, she was appointed to the North Carolina Governor's Advisory Committee on Western North Carolina Recovery, where she will apply this technical and community-based knowledge to support long-term resilience across the region.

mike haubert

Managing Partner, Mosaic Color & Additives, LLC

Mike Haubert has 35 years in color systems and polymer developments.  Sustainable/Resilient technology has been a passion for most of his career. Mike has been an entrepreneur for 29 years and has a long history of innovation in the plastics and coatings industry.  Mike has a passion for youth education, boating and gardening with his wife, Colleen, of 25 years and there 3 children. Mike lives In Seneca SC and Kayaks and fishes when not engaged in product development!

ML resch

Disaster Recovery VOAD Coordinator, SC Office of Resilience

Rachel wilson

Energy Market Development, Google

Rachel Wilson is responsible for the development of cutting-edge partnerships, market reform, and policy frameworks designed to accelerate the decarbonization of electricity systems to support Google's community investment and operations in the Southeast United States. Her work has helped make Google’s data centers the cleanest and most efficient industrial fleet in the world and develop the company’s initiatives to lower barriers to an equitable clean energy transition. Rachel has a Bachelor of Arts in Environment, Economics, Politics (EEP) from Claremont McKenna College and a Master of Environmental Management (MEM) from Yale University.

Ran Reinhard

Director of Operations, SC Office of Resilience

Ran Reinhard serves as the Director of Operations at the South Carolina Office of Resilience (SCOR), where he oversees the agency's operational functions, including reporting, fleet and facilities management, administrative coordination, and information technology. Before his current role, Reinhard was the Mitigation Director at SCOR, managing programs aimed at reducing disaster

Patricia Whitener, Ph.d

4-H Natural Resources Program Leader, Clemson University Cooperative Extension

With an extensive background spanning Environmental and Natural Resources, she brings both expertise and passion to her role. She believes nature is not only vital to individual well-being but also essential to cultivating healthier, more resilient organizational cultures that thrive on balance, creativity, and shared stewardship.

Rebecca Stubbs, PE

Stream Restoration Practice Lead, McAdams

Rebecca serves as the Stream Restoration Practice leader in the Water Resources department. She has intentionally focused her career on nature-inspired solutions to address and improve the quality of the surface waters we all depend upon. With a background in land development stormwater, she has a deep understanding of the impacts urban runoff has on streams and wetlands. She manages stream and wetland projects across the Carolinas from existing conditions assessment to concept design through construction. She serves a variety of municipal clients, mitigation bankers, private entities and non-profit organizations to develop restoration designs that will provide mitigation credits, uplift degraded ecological communities and protect infrastructure investments while enhancing natural features of the project sites.

Ryne Philips

Director of Water Resources at Seamon, Whiteside & Associates

Ryne Phillips is Director of Water Resources at Seamon, Whiteside & Associates. His experience spans stormwater management, floodplain analysis, GIS modeling, water distribution systems, and wastewater infrastructure. He works with municipalities and developers to design practical engineering solutions addressing drainage,  
flooding, and water resource challenges in both natural and built systems. 

Sara donohoe, RLA

Practice Lead, Landscape Architecture, McAdams

Sara is a registered landscape architect with over 16 years of experience designing innovative, environmentally focused landscapes across the East Coast. She specializes in native planting design, ecological systems, green stormwater infrastructure, and placemaking that strengthens connections between people and nature. Leading projects from early visioning through construction, she collaborates closely with clients and interdisciplinary teams to ensure each design meets its long‑term goals. Known for her design leadership, clarity, and attention to detail, Sara creates resilient, high-performing landscapes that support both people and the environment.

Till J.J. Hanebuth, D.Sc.

Professor, Coastal Geosystems Research Lab, Department of Marine Science, Coastal Carolina University

Dr. Hanebuth, Professor of Coastal and Marine Geology and head of the Coastal Geosystem Research Lab at Coastal Carolina University, focuses on physical processes in the coastal lowlands and the coastal ocean regarding rising sea level, land subsidence, and anthropogenic material distribution mechanisms during normal and flooding conditions. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Kiel, Germany, in 2000.

Yolanda McCray

Winyah Bay COAD and Black River United Way 

will haynie

Mayor, Town of Mount Pleasant

Will Haynie was elected Mayor of Mount Pleasant in November 2017 and re-elected in 2021 and 2025. Born in Greenville, South Carolina, Mayor Haynie moved with his family to Mount Pleasant in 1966. Mayor Haynie graduated from The Citadel in 1983 with a degree in Business Administration. He rose to the highest cadet rank, regimental commander, was elected by his classmates as Commander of the Summerall Guards and received the Palmetto Medal Award. In his professional life, Mayor Haynie has been CEO of several non-profits, including the Lowcountry Open Land Trust and the South Carolina Maritime Foundation. He has strong media experience including his first book being published in 2001. Mayor Haynie currently owns his own media/marketing/PR advisory firm located in Mount Pleasant. He is married to Suzette Byrd Haynie, a teacher at Jennie Moore Elementary School in Mount Pleasant, they have four children.

Esther Wagner

Awareness Coodinator, PalmettoPride

Esther Wagner is Palmetto Pride’s education/awareness coordinator and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Trainer. She also gives voice to Curby the Trash-Talking Robot. Esther has picked up litter in every South Carolina county and seven states. She enjoys reading, writing, hiking, thrifting and being the fun aunt.

Jack Krolikowski

Technical Director, American FLood Coalition

Jack Krolikowski is the Technical Director for the American Flood Coalition, where he advances AFC’s long term strategy for promoting risk-informed infrastructure planning at all levels of government. Prior to joining AFC, Jack was the Deputy State Hazard Mitigation Officer in Georgia, where he coordinated natural hazard mitigation planning and risk reduction projects with other state agencies and across Georgia’s 159 counties. In that role, he was also the Co-State Lead of the Georgia Silver Jackets Team with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and served on the FEMA External Stakeholders Working Group. He previously worked in the Georgia State National Flood Insurance Program Office and for a community development non-profit in Nicaragua. Jack holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Jasim Irman

Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of South Carolina

Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of South Carolina. His research examines extreme flooding, dam and levee breach processes, and uncertainty in flood hazard assessment. He leads federally funded projects on developing data-driven fragility frameworks and predictive models to improve flood monitoring, forecasting, and the resilience of critical infrastructure.

Lauren Fox

Director of Community Engagement, President, Upstate Education and Opportunity Foundation

Lauren Fox serves as the Director of Community Engagement for the School District of Pickens County, South Carolina. She is also the President of the Upstate Education and Opportunity Foundation, the district’s philanthropic arm, mobilizing resources to expand opportunities for students and families. Previously, Lauren served as the district’s Executive Director for Innovation and Community Engagement, where she helped advance transformational initiatives focused on experiential learning and student-centered education. Prior to her work in K–12 education, Lauren spent over a decade at the University of Notre Dame, advancing initiatives aligned with the University’s mission to “be a force for good in the world.” She later contributed to Clemson University’s Office of Institutional Excellence, supporting strategic priorities under the Clemson Elevate plan. Lauren holds a degree from Indiana University and also studied at Franciscan University of Steubenville, Gaming, Austria, and the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. She and her husband Joel, high school sweethearts, are raising their four children in Upstate South Carolina. Their family life is rooted in faith, outdoor adventure, and a shared commitment to serving their community.

Mary Roderick

Planning Director, Land of Sky Regional Council 

Mary Roderick is the Planning Director for Land of Sky Regional Council, a council of governments based in Asheville, NC, that serves four counties and 16 municipalities. Her current work focuses on Hurricane Helene recovery, directly supporting multiple jurisdictions with FEMA Public Assistance and coordinating across several other federal and state programs to address recovery needs. She is the project manager for the Land of Sky Regional Resilience Program, which focuses on multi-scalar hazard vulnerability and risk assessment as well as developing strategies and priority projects to mitigate hazards and increase adaptive capacity. She also works on watershed restoration and stormwater management; water and sewer infrastructure system development; and housing development and rehabilitation.  She completed her Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Urban Design & Planning at the University of Washington with research focused on geodesign-based, multi-scalar and multi-functional green infrastructure planning. Roderick also has an M.A. in community planning with an environmental specialization from the University of Cincinnati.

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2025 Speakers

2025 Speakers