Sustain SC and The Shi Institute at Furman University Welcome the Fourth Class of SLI Fellows
COLUMBIA, S.C. (September 30, 2024) – Sustain SC and The Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities at Furman University are thrilled to introduce the 2025 class of Sustainability Leadership Initiative (SLI) fellows. Now entering its fourth year, SLI is a collaborative effort between Furman University’s Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities and Sustain SC.
The new class of 25 participants will meet for the first time next month, kicking off a six-month program running from January to June with six sessions.
“We’re incredibly proud to see the SLI program grow and evolve each year with new fellows eager to champion sustainability throughout the state,” said Leslie Skardon, CEO of Sustain SC. “This year’s class brings a wealth of diverse backgrounds and perspectives, and we’re confident they will be instrumental in advancing the mission of Sustain SC to benefit South Carolina.”
The SLI program is designed to cultivate the skills and insight needed for leaders to navigate the ever-changing environment of South Carolina as it continues to experience significant economic growth. Each year, the selective program unites a diverse network of statewide leaders committed to working together to identify and implement positive change in their organizations and communities.
“Furman University is pleased to continue its partnership with Sustain SC through the Sustainability Leadership Initiative,” said Beth Pontari, Furman University Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. “Furman is committed to helping South Carolina continue in its efforts to prioritize sustainability by leveraging the expertise of the Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities and our partnerships throughout the state.”
“The enthusiasm and interest from so many outstanding candidates has been exciting to witness with this year’s class,” said Andrew Predmore, Executive Director of The Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities at Furman University. “Developing sustainability leaders, at the undergraduate level and through professional education, is core to our mission at the Shi Institute. We look forward to guiding this cohort through an immersive experience that will deepen their understanding of sustainability and equip them to create impactful solutions.”
Graduates of the SLI program will be certified as Sustainability Leadership Fellows and will be able to engage with a strong alumni group that represents a cross-sector network of business and conservation leaders in South Carolina.
The 2025 class includes the following:
Erica Call, Siemens
Jennifer Druce, SC Department of Commerce
Christiane Farrell, Town of Mt. Pleasant
Marilyn Hemingway, Gullah Geechee Chamber of Commerce
Hanes Hilliard, TD Synnex
Kirsten Lacktstrom, SC Office of Resilience
Yuse Lajiminmuhip, AGRU America, Inc.
Cassandra LaValley, Sustain Coastal at Coastal Carolina University
Samantha Maich, Milliken & Co.
Katie McKain, City of Charleston
Cindy McMahan, Heritage Landcare
Brandon Money, AFL Global
Samuel Monn, Halton MEI USA, Inc.
Benjamin Moore, Bubble Paper
Frank Murray, Columbia Metropolitan Airport
Benjamen Newhouse, Bon Secours Mercy Health
Justin Park, Open Space Institute
Aaron Polkey, Palmetto Project
Joseph Razum, Trane Technologies
Alexis Scipio, The Thrive Point
Jessica Siron, Scout Motors
Tracy Smoak, BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC
Travis Spainhour, Milliken Advisors
Leigh Tondini, Duke Energy
Tameria Warren, Samsung Electronics Home Appliances America
About Sustain SC
Sustain SC is an economic development-driven organization that connects the sustainability goals of business in South Carolina with local solutions for the benefit of our economy, environment, and people.
About The Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities
The Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities works at the intersection of socio-economic and ecological systems to tackle our most pressing sustainability challenges. The Institute places students and faculty at the heart of the work, making positive impacts through applied research, hands-on learning, and sustainability leadership training. The Institute builds on over a decade of proven success and national renown of the David E. Shi Center for Sustainability to envision a world that meets the needs of all people within the means of the living planet.
