Sustain SC Welcomes New CEO Leslie Skardon
COLUMBIA, S.C. (February 15, 2024) – The Board of Directors of Sustain SC, a nonprofit organization connecting the sustainability goals of business in South Carolina with local solutions, is excited to announce the appointment of Leslie Skardon as Chief Executive Officer.
With a wealth of experience in business development and a passion for sustainability, Leslie will lead Sustain SC as it works to build on its mission to connect businesses and local stakeholders to support both economic growth and conservation priorities. She has worked with Fortune 500 companies, governments, and nonprofits to advance growth, implement strategic initiatives, and coordinate corporate responsibility programs.
“I’m thrilled to join Sustain SC and serve an organization that is committed to driving South Carolina forward,” says Leslie Skardon, Sustain SC CEO. “It is an exciting time for economic growth in South Carolina and I am honored to help build longevity for both commerce and sustainability in our state.”
Leslie will play a crucial role in navigating the diverse landscape of sustainable economic development while accommodating the specific needs of every type of industry, existing and future, in South Carolina. As a strategic consultant, Leslie created plans for multiple federal agencies to increase climate resilience and developed community outreach strategies for Fortune 500 companies.
“Since 2021, Sustain SC has set the table for unlikely stakeholders to gather at the intersection of commerce and conservation to move our state forward. We’re proud of the statewide collaboration we’ve fostered and look forward to Leslie’s leadership driving sustainable solutions that will bolster economic growth across the state,” says Hope Lanier Freeman of bp and Sustain SC Board Chair.
Leslie is a community leader in the Lowcountry and was recently named one of South Carolina's Top 50 Women to Admire. She was also appointed to be a Commissioner on the City of Charleston’s Commission on Women and serves on the Charleston Chamber of Commerce Regional Policy Committee.
“Leslie embodies the mission of Sustain SC with deep roots in commerce and conservation, and I am confident she will continue to propel the organization forward in the direction we set out on three years ago,” says Ethel Bunch, Sustain SC Founder. “As the organization takes steps to implement The Roadmap to Sustain SC, we eagerly anticipate the new opportunities Leslie will bring to Sustain SC and its members.”
Leveraging her strong relationships in business, government relations, and strategic communications, Leslie is poised to unite all types of South Carolina businesses in a way that elevates existing industries, attracts new sectors, conserves our resources, and improves the quality of life for all residents.
Additional Quotes for Attribution:
Dale Threatt-Taylor, The Nature Conservancy, Sustain SC Vice-Chair
“Our board is thrilled to welcome Leslie. After rolling out the Roadmap to Sustain SC last fall, we believe she is well-equipped to bring those initiatives to fruition ensuring the balance of commerce and conservation continues in South Carolina.”
Danny Kassis, Dominion, Sustain SC Treasurer
“As Sustain SC celebrates its third anniversary in March, we are excited to welcome a new leader to our organization who will continue to support our mission to strengthen our economy, preserve our environment and enhance the quality of life for all South Carolinians.”
Trip Chavis, Milliken Advisors, Sustain SC Secretary
“Leslie will play a key role in driving South Carolina’s economic diversity by identifying new growth opportunities to attract to the state, particularly in the sustainability and clean energy verticals. We are excited about the new opportunities she will bring to the table.”
Tom Hutto, GEL Engineering, Sustain SC Immediate Past Chair
“We believe Leslie will identify innovative avenues to capitalize on the sustainable revolution making South Carolina a powerhouse in sustainable economic development while working equally hard to preserve SC’s irreplaceable natural resources.”
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.
