WHY – Growing up hunting and fishing, most of my favorite memories involve time spent outdoors. I want my children and future grandchildren to have the same opportunity to enjoy God’s incredible creation and create similar memories. As development in our state continues grow, so does our footprint. It is incumbent upon our generation to act now to protect our natural resources for the generations that follow us.

BIO – While Ben has called South Carolina home now for over a decade, he is originally from Evans, Georgia—just outside of Augusta. He attended the University of Georgia for his undergraduate studies. Ben obtained his Juris Doctorate from the University of South Carolina School of Law. He currently lives in Columbia and practices law with the business litigation team at Robinson Gray Stepp and Laffitte. Ben and his wife, Jess, have two children: Henry and Libby. When Ben is not practicing law or wrangling his kids, you can find him chasing long beards and spawning bass in the spring and whitetails in the fall.

WHY: I grew up in a home where my father fished and hunted but did not take his children. I married and camped and hiked with my family. I started college in my late 30s and graduated in my late 40s as a wildlife biologist!! I know God guided me down this path. South Carolina is a beautiful state with four habitat types, one can go from the mountains to the coast in four hours. I have been blessed to work with several federal, state and private agencies and entities. I look forward to working with the South Carolina Wildlife Federation.

BIO – Judy earned a degree in Natural Resources Management from the University of Tennessee in Martin, and then her Masters in Forest Resources from Clemson University. As a wildlife biologist for the SC Department of Natural Resources Small Game Project, she worked with landowners statewide and was able to see beautiful properties and unused properties. Judy wrote recommendations to enhance habitat for a number of species and conducted programs for landowners regarding bobwhite quail. She coordinated the establishment of the Indian Creek Project in Newberry County and the restocking of fox squirrels in Botany Bay before her retirement in March 2010. She currently works part time with SanBar Forestry & Wildlife Services and conducts Baseline Document Reports for The Congaree Land Trust.

WHY – I joined the SC Wildlife Federation board because I have always enjoyed the outdoors throughout the state of SC from the coast to the piedmont to the upstate. We have such a wonderful state for wildlife habitat and I want to ensure that we maintain these awesome environments for future generations.

BIO – Mark is a 7th generation lifelong South Carolina native originally from Columbia. Upon graduating from USC in Accounting, he moved to the Upstate of SC. Mark has been a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) for 30 years, but is now managing the food supply chain for a large national restaurant brand. In his spare time, Mark enjoys the outdoors including the mountains, lakes, rivers, and coast of South Carolina. He is also a family tree farmer which is certified by the South Carolina Tree Farm program.

WHY – The biggest theme throughout my life is (and has pretty much always been) a fundamental captivation and magnetism toward the outdoors. My family and I love to educate others on the goodness of being outside, particularly in the wild places of South Carolina. SCWF provides endless opportunities to learn from talented educators about local wildlife and habitats – from identification of species, to how they are important, to how we can help save them – in every geographic region of our state. With a state as varied ecologically as ours, it’s a wonderful accomplishment to have a group willing to accept this challenge of education and protection of our wild places. I am thrilled to be a small part of it.

BIO – Born and raised in Columbia, Montgomery “Gumbo” Spillane grew up hunting, fishing, and hiking around the state. She is a professional geologist for Terracon where she manages environmental assessment and remediation projects throughout the Southeast. After receiving her B.S. in Geology from College of Charleston, Montgomery began creating textiles from microscopic images of rock, which she crafts into accessories and home décor in her spare time. Montgomery and her husband Brian enjoy living near Paris Mountain State Park with their two dogs and escaping every chance they can to various Upstate trails.

WHY – I love the natural spaces found throughout the state and I want to help protect them. SCWF has wonderful programs; however, the audience is often limited. I would like to help SCWF educate more young people, as well as a more diverse adult population, about South Carolina’s wildlife and wild spaces, encouraging others to protect and conserve our incredible natural resources.

BIO – Rosemary Martin-Jones is a lifelong resident of the Columbia, South Carolina area. She holds a BS degree in Microbiology from Clemson University and an AS degree in Medical Laboratory Technology from Midlands Technical College. Rosemary is the Clemson Extension 4-H Agent in Richland County, where she conducts environmental education, STEM, and other 4-H programming for youth in Richland County. She has been in the environmental education field for just a few years, having spent most of her career at the American Red Cross in the clinical sciences field as a lab technician, educator, supervisor and manager. Rosemary is a Midlands Master Naturalist and has completed multiple Master Naturalist Advanced courses and Palmetto Pro Birder classes. Rosemary recently obtained her environmental educator certification through PEEC (Palmetto Environmental Education Certification) and is currently seeking environmental educator certification through the North Carolina Office of Environmental Education. She is also a member of the EEASC (Environmental Education Association of South Carolina) Board of Directors.

WHY – I joined the South Carolina Wildlife Federation Board because it provides a very rewarding opportunity to utilize my educational training, knowledge of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem management and admiration of SC’s critical natural resources. I am lucky in that I work in an industry and for a corporation that places an extremely high value on the environment which results in an alignment of our core values. Serving on the Board of Directors provides a unique partnering opportunity allowing me to work closely with the SCWF to ensure sustainability/protection of SC’s critical ecosystems and natural resources while providing our State with cleaner renewable energy.

BIO – A native of Taylors, South Carolina, Alan obtained a B.S. in Biology from Francis Marion University in 1986. After graduation, he worked in the private environmental and engineering consulting business sectors focused on the hydroelectric industry. In 2013, he joined Duke Energy as a Senior Environmental Resource Manager overseeing environmental conservation and protection programs associated with hydroelectric projects and now serves as FERC Licensing Manager for Duke Energy’s NC/SC Hydro West Projects including the Keowee-Toxaway and Bad Creek Projects in Upstate SC. He serves on number of outside Committees/Groups including the Jocassee Gorges Working Group, Santee River Basin Diadromous Fish Accord Committee, NC/SC American Fisheries Society Chapters and a member of the SC State Drought Response Committee representing the Central Drought Management Area. In his spare time, he is an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting, fishing, golfing and kayaking.

WHY – SCWF brings together many good people with common interests, from hunters and anglers to gardeners and birdwatchers. We focus on habitat, education, and concern for the future.

BIO – Tony earned a BS in Community/Regional Planning at Appalachian State U., and then worked in planning in NC and VA. He then served 25 years as Planner/Planning Manager at SC Parks, Recreation and Tourism. Currently, Tony is part time Test Center Manager for Pearson VUE. He has chaired the SC Wildlife Federation, Saluda River Trout Unlimited, and SE Council of State Outdoor Recreation Planners and served as Assistant Scoutmaster for over 20 years. He hunts, fishes, and shoots sporting clays. Tony and his wife like to camp and fly fish and they enjoy their two grown sons and their families.

WHY – To help protect and preserve the natural places and resources I have had the privilege to enjoy my entire life.

BIO – I have been fortunate to spend most of my life as a resident of the Charleston area except for five years at USC (BS in Government and Public Administration ’75). I was lucky enough to spend my time fishing, skiing, and surfing the waters of the coast and the Santee Cooper lakes and hunting and golfing in the Lowcountry. The Francis Marion National Forest has been like my local playground. Somewhat of a legacy of the SCWF (my father was a past president and on the BOD in the 70’s and 80’s) I have been on the BOD since 1997. I have been involved in the tourism industry for over 35 years and am owner/ operator of Mister Charleston Tourist Services. I have been very active in politics and served as chairman of the Johns Island Council (largest and oldest civic group on the island) for 15 years. I am also a committee member of East Cooper Ducks Unlimited.

WHY: Growing up in a small town, many of my favorite memories include hunting, fishing, or being a part of nature in some capacity. One of my favorite memories is catching my first fish with my granddad. Growing up in the outdoors, I have a deep passion and appreciation for God’s breathtaking creation. As a member of South Carolina Wildlife Federation Board, I advocate for the preservation of the outdoors. Selfishly, I want my children and their future children to create lasting memories that include wildlife. I am passionate about maintaining the simplicity of life that the outdoors provides.

BIO: My name is Martin Caulder and I am 34 years old. I am from Winnsboro, South Carolina, where hunting and fishing are a popular pastime. I now reside in West Columbia with my beautiful wife of seven years and our two children. After graduating from a private high school in Winnsboro, I went on to pursue a degree in HVAC/R from Midlands Technical College. Additionally, I have a B.S. in Business Administration from Liberty University. I currently work at Carolina Chillers Inc. as an Account Manager. My hobbies include bow hunting and duck hunting. I love making memories with my son in the woods or watching him fish.

I look forward to working with a team to further SCWF’s mission to conserve and restore South Carolina’s wildlife through education and advocacy.

WHY – I have lived my entire life in this wonderful state along with many generations of my family. We settled here from the beginning when the Europeans first came over. Over my lifetime, I have enjoyed the benefit of God’s creations in our state. But His creations would not have been left with any resemblance of what He wanted if our forefathers and many in the generations after them had not valued these resources and developed a system by which protection, restoration, conservation and understanding would allow a sustained use by which our citizens who can use our resources for sustenance, recreation and pleasure, while also maintaining these resources for our future generations to do the same. Our SCWF exists to help carry out and cultivate those values and activities. I say cultivate because in our ever-changing world, we have to be flexible enough to modify our actions to move with the flow of nature as it is modified from either natural or man caused changes. I am very motivated and honored to be a part of helping maintain this amazing place from the Mountains-to-the-Sea that I call Home so that our children may experience its pleasure as I have.

BIO – I was born in Greenwood SC in 1963 and, as a child, I did a lot of fishing, small game hunting and other outdoor activities. Joining the Boy Scouts helped me develop a better understanding of the natural world, and a more conservative attitude towards the environment. After high school, a soccer scholarship allowed me to pursue higher education. I became a teacher/coach and have enjoyed a long and rewarding career in education. When I received my master’s degree in science education, I accepted a position as a Natural Resources Environmental Educator with the science center at USCA. My children, Katelyn and Blake, are the light of my life. Watching them grow up to love the Lord, their neighbors, and the God given Natural Resource Heritage that we all enjoy and are blessed to borrow from future generations. When we moved up to Travelers Rest, we began some farming, as well as wholesale and retail produce sells. I love growing food, helping local farmers move their fresh produce to the table, and meeting all the great people along the way. I currently teach Health/PE and I spend a lot of time teaching about healthy living, now I get to show them and others a way to eat healthy locally. The farm-to-table movement fits well with our SCWF culture.

WHY – I’ve always been in awe of and deeply curious about the natural world. I joined to help get a sense of the initiatives available in my home state to advance the protection and enhancement of our natural resources and habitats. SCWF has exposed me to organizations, contacts and programs in SC that share my passion for all things outdoors. It has also provided me with avenues to act on those passions and beliefs.

BIO – A Rock Hill native, Andy graduated from Presbyterian College in 1973 with a degree in History-Political Science. Andy has completed Hurricane Island Outward Bound School, successful ascents of Mt Rainier and Mt Hood, completion of the 77 mile Foothills Trail and numerous equally exciting adventures. After his retirement from banking in 2016, he completed the Winyah Bay Master Naturalist Course, the Master Wildlifer Course, Urban Forestry Certification, SC Adopt-A-Stream Certification for chemical and for macroinvertebrate stream monitoring, Wilderness First Aid and numerous advanced Master Naturalist courses throughout the state. In addition to the SCWF Board, he also serves on the board of Friends of the Reedy River.

WHY – our greatest threat to the planet is climate change and I want to do my part not only on a personal level but also affiliate with groups and organizations that support protective environmental policies and conservation. I am incredibly proud that my grandfather, Harry Hampton, was a co-founder of SCWF with Zan Heyward in 1931. My grandfather’s greatest legacy was helping to preserve Congaree Swamp, which is now the only national park in South Carolina.

BIO – a native of Columbia, I graduated from Heathwood Hall and received a BA from Kenyon College in Ohio. An avid equestrian, I spent most of my young life traveling and competing in horse shows across the country, including showing at Madison Square Garden. In 2018, my most famous horse, Protocol, was inducted into The National Show Hunter Hall of Fame. After college, I returned to Columbia and along with my sister, opened Old Woodlands Farm in Blythewood and then later in Camden. For twenty years I managed our horse breeding and showing operation. In 2008 after an extensive renovation, I moved into my family home, Woodlands, in Columbia. The home was built in 1896 by my great- grandfather and my grandfather was born in the house in 1897 and lived here his entire life. It is truly a treasure to live here, surrounded by his legacy and the sights and sounds of nature on the remaining thirty three acres of the original property. In recent years I have become interested in gardening and continue to educate myself about the importance of native plants. I have started planting a few natives each year on the property in hopes of helping our pollinators. I enjoy yoga and live theatre and served on the board of directors of The S.C. Shakespeare Company and Trustus Theatre. I also served on the board of The Animal Mission of the Midlands and Friends of Congaree Swamp. I continue to listen to the music of Tom Petty, and embrace the title that others have bestowed upon me as being his “Super Fan!”

WHY – I believe SCWF is our state’s most well-rounded environmental non-profit because it supports hunters, anglers, environmentalists, conservationists, and a variety of others who want to see our most valuable resource managed for the benefit of future generations.

BIO – Susan Hamilton is a former journalist, having graduated from the University of Maryland then working as a business reporter in Baltimore. She and her husband Thomas Gross relocated to South Carolina in 1994 and have since embraced the state’s diverse natural areas. The family has visited all 47 state parks, all of its wildlife refuges, a good number of its natural preserves, and many more wild habitats. Susan is a certified state-wide master naturalist, and has taken a variety of SCWF’s education classes. In 2015, Susan teamed up with her daughter Liesel to write “Wild South Carolina,” a book detailing their favorite outdoor destinations in the state.

WHY – Aldo Leopold once said, “there are some who can live without wild things, and some who cannot. I for one, cannot.” I hope by serving on the SCWF Board, I can share Mr. Leopold’s message to as many people as possible, and find ways for the public to realize that they cannot live in a world without wild things as well. I especially want to share my passion for wildlife with youth and connect them to the outdoors at a young age, so that they carry that passion with them for their entire lives.

BIO – Mallory is originally from Pittsburgh, PA, but has been in South Carolina since she graduated from Clemson University in 2012 with her Master’s degree in Agricultural Education and a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology. She enjoys being outdoors, hiking, hunting, and spending time with her 2-year-old golden retriever, Covey and her fiancé. Mallory currently as the 4-H agent for Clemson Extension in Oconee County. She is actively involved in the SC 4-H Jr. Naturalist Program, SC Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP), South Carolina Adopt-a-Stream, and Master Wildlifer. Mallory is also a South Carolina Master Naturalist.

WHY: I joined the SC Wildlife Federation board to encourage more diversity in the outdoors. I am excited to be able to bring my experience with teaching our youth as well as be a guiding voice to bring people of all walks of life to the outdoors. Being an avid outdoorsman, I want to give others the same love and passion that I have for the outdoors!

BIO: I am from Seneca, South Carolina and attended Clemson University for both my bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education and my master’s in wildlife and fisheries biology. I have had a passion for the environment and agriculture from an early age and continue to carry it on through teaching and my love for hunting and fishing. I currently have four German Shorthaired pointers and have become an avid quail hunter. Through my kennel, we compete in field trials and other AKC events. I teach the environmental and natural resources pathway at the SC Governor’s School for Agriculture and serve as one of the 4 FFA advisors as well. I enjoy being able to work with our youth and help them reach their full potential.

WHY – This board is important not only for conservation purposes for the now, but also for the when. As someone who loves spending time outdoors and inspiring others to get outdoors, the importance of conservation, restoration, and education has never been more important. I serve on this board to help better serve our state and everyone who comes in contact with the beautiful landscapes, animals, plants, water, faces, and places we have to offer.

BIO – South Carolina native Anastasia Elizabeth Patterson is 26 years old. Anastasia was raised in a family whose culture was embedded with a passion for all outdoor sports and nature – generations of hunters in their family’s Sportsman’s Club. Before she could even walk, her dad carried her like a croaker sack on every trip to the water and woods. Adventure in the outdoors was not a pastime hobby but a way of life. A life she loves.

Competitiveness was in her blood… Her dad saw the light sparkle in her eyes whenever she set the hook on a fish, and he watched in awe at her heartfelt fire for fishing. By the time she graduated from high school and went off to college in 2014, Anastasia had pretty much written off that fishing would be something she could only do recreationally. There was not a team at college nor was there much interest among other students, and the college deemed it a “non-sport”.

Eventually, though, she became a founding member of the Presbyterian College Bass Fishing Team. While on the college team she served as the team’s Vice President, Communications Director, Treasurer, and Secretary, as well as marketing affairs. With 7 top 10’s in state tournaments, the team also fished the South Carolina Special Olympics, South Carolina Bass Duels, and Presbyterian College Parson Mount Back-to-Back Champion.

Since college, Anastasia has continued tournament fishing — notching a second-place finish on the USA Bass side of the 2022 ICAST Cup — and remains heavily involved in the fishing industry.

She is determined to fuel the desire of her dream, driven, and faithful with each season. She strives to be a mentor and advocate for women and girls to diversify the industry. To passionately fish with purpose where she is one with her faith as she dares to live her dream.

Anastasia’s ultimate goal is to make it into the Elite Series – a feat no woman has accomplished…yet.

She currently also is the Event Manager for Clarendon Club in Summerton.

WHY- The true reason is almost impossible to put into words, but if I had to simplify if it would go something like this: to impart as much knowledge on others in order for them to feel even a fraction of the same passion I do for conservation. I want everyone to, at the very least, understand and appreciate the importance of protecting and revitalizing the wildlife and plants of this beautiful state. Maybe even pick up a couple of supporters along the way.

BIO- Born and raised in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. I spent my childhood and teenage years with my aunt and uncle on a plantation in Sheldon, SC. I’m an avid hunter and fisherman who recently relocated to Chapin for work. I have a lovely wife and two wonderful boys. I’ve been a member of Ducks Unlimited, South Carolina Waterfowl Association, Quality Deer Management Association, and guided hunts for the Ducks Unlimited Waterfowl Warriors. Over the past few years, I have really put my focus on “the big picture”, which has really driven me to spend more time trying to make our planet a little more sustainable. I hope throughout the rest of my life to help educate others about wildlife and raise two boys who have the same appreciation for it as I do.

WHY – I hope to be able to serve as a small cog in the SC conservation wheel by giving my time and talents such as they are, to the organization to facilitate important advocacy for legislation and programs that the SCWF is championing. I also hope to further my own education about the wildlife of this state and the legislative process that works to protect it.

BIO – My love of nature comes to me from generations on my mother’s side of my family who were all avid birders and lovers of the outdoors. From hiking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire to canoeing the rivers and lakes and swimming in the coastal waters of New England, these were every one, advocates for the beauty and thrill of the natural world around them. It therefore was no surprise that these pursuits were in my blood and always on my agenda. I have always loved diving into the biggest surf I could find off the RI -or Florida for that matter – coastal beaches to winter hiking and camping in the mountains of Vermont, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. I have a deep fascination and reverence for wild places, plants and animals of all kinds. This is what excites me about the opportunity to sit on the board of the South Carolina Wildlife Federation.

WHY – Like so many others I was introduced to the outdoors by my maternal Grandfather, he was an avid hunter and fisherman. A cherished childhood memory of mine is the fishing trips we ventured out on during the summer. What boy growing up in a small town wouldn’t love to be out with his Grandfather. Sadly he left us to soon but before his passing he had successfully lit the outdoors fire in me. Scouting provided another route to the outdoors,hiking, camping, exploring the bounty of nature. During the high school years weekends were spent hunting for deer and rabbits, fishing in the ponds lakes, and rivers. I have been hooked on the outdoors now for decades. In the past several years hiking has become a source of great outdoor enjoyment. Along with a valued hiking companion I have hiked the Grand Canyon yearly and have completed more than a dozen rim to rim hikes. Training for these hikes goes on year round and a favorite local training spot is the Harbison State Forest, most weekends I find myself on the trails there making miles and enjoying the weather, the forest, birds, the river, deer, and small game. Spending time outdoors is a time of connection and renewal for me. I am truly blessed that I hear nature’s call and pledge to be a protector and steward of our shared natural resources.

BIO – Grew up in North Carolina in the small railroad community of Hamlet, completed high school in 1970, and Elon College in 1975. Working career stops included furniture manufacturing, advertising sales, decorative overlay products sales for Decotone Technographics, Advanced Printing Technologies, CDM Manufacturing, and US Coating. For the last decade, I have enjoyed real estate land sales with National Land Realty LLC.

Married to Elizabeth for 45 years, we have a daughter and a son. Catherine and Erik, Jack and Laurel have blessed us with Samuel, Blythe Evans, Julian, Augusta, and William. Member and Elder at Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church. Founding member of the Saluda Shoals Foundation, active with Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation, President of Butler Plantation Hunting Club. Hobbies include hiking, especially the Grand Canyon, golf, hunting, and Clemson Tiger athletics.

WHY – I have spent most of my life enjoying the outdoors in South Carolina, and want to ensure that my children and future generations will have the same opportunities – from fly fishing the upstate mountains to saltwater fishing a tidal marsh, and exploring everything in between. I have been involved with Wildlife and Industry Together (W.A.I.T) for many years and believe in the importance of industries recognizing natural resources and am proud to work for a company that supports both wildlife and biodiversity. I look forward to continuing to build and enhance SCWF partnerships to benefit the future of wildlife in South Carolina.

BIO – Travis has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biosystems Engineering from Clemson University, a Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering degree from North Carolina State University, and is a licensed Professional Engineer in South Carolina. He has been an environmental engineer in South Carolina since 2004 and has been the Environmental Manager for BMW Manufacturing in Spartanburg since 2019. Travis was a member of the inaugural class of the Sustain South Carolina Sustainability Leadership Initiative, and through BMW is a member of the corporate advisory board. He enjoys everything in the outdoors – hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, golfing, and running. Most of all he enjoys introducing his two young children to the outdoors, where he can often be found with his kids, his wife Stephanie, and their Vizsla, Scout. Travis has been a resident of South Carolina since 1994 and earned his Eagle Scout award in 1997.

WHY – I enjoy being on the board because of the diversity of groups it brings together for a mission of improving/sustaining the natural heritage of the state. I have found that groups that can cooperate, among various stakeholders, develop very sound, workable, and powerful solutions to sustain the great natural resources of South Carolina.

BIO – Originally from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, I grew up with steel mills, Steeler football and the annual thanksgiving trek north for opening day of deer season. The love of the outdoors began at that deer camp in Potter County Pennsylvania, otherwise known as “God’s Country”. Those mountains and trout streams led to Forestry Degrees from West Virginia University and Virginia Tech (Ph.D., Forestry Operations). I moved to SC in 1990.