Shi Institute and SustainSC name Sustainability Leadership Institute class

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, chief executive officer 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 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. “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:

• 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 MIE 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