Staff
Chief Conservation Officer & Interim Executive Director
Lori Cary-Kothera brings more than two decades of leadership in national climate and coastal policy through her tenure at the EPA, NOAA, and the White House Council on Environmental Quality……
Director of Finance
Synovia Deas brings more than 30 years of experience across finance and accounting roles in the aerospace, healthcare, automotive, nonprofit, and education sectors……
Director of Human Resources
Elizabeth Gibson brings over two decades of HR and operations leadership from diverse sectors including healthcare and hospitality including for profit and nonprofit…….
Director of Government Relations
Prior to joining the Conservation League, Yarley worked for the public and nonprofit sectors, where she sharpened her government relations and lobbying skills……
Director of GrowFood Carolina
Benton Montgomery has been with GrowFood Carolina since its inception in 2011 over 15 years ago, now serving as the program’s director……
Director of Communications
Sandee Jackson is our Director of Communications, leading strategy across media, public relations, and digital platforms to amplify the organization’s voice and impact….
Senior Sales & Marketing Director
Anna WAre is a Charleston native who joined GrowFood Carolina in 2021, and recently took on the role of Sales and Marketing Director……
GrowFood Carolina Project Coordinator
Austin Lucas is originally from Hagerstown, Maryland, and attended Johnson & Wales College of Culinary Arts in Charlotte…….
Assistant Director of Growfood Carolina
Having returned to work on her family farm in Monetta, SC after graduating from Clemson University, Becca Watson is the Assistant Director of GrowFood Carolina……
North Coast Office Director
Becky grew up on the Gulf Coast of Florida and was fortunate to be surrounded by natural beauty. Unfortunately, like South Carolina, the diverse wildlife and habitats……
South Coast Office Project Manager
Bob Crimian serves as South Coast Office Project Manager for the Coastal Conservation League, bringing more than a decade of experience in coastal policy, ocean conservation, and environmental compliance……
Driver & Warehouse Associate
Brett Hayes supports the mission of GrowFood Carolina by ensuring that fresh, local produce reaches partners throughout the region……
Driver & Warehouse Associate
When called in, Danielle Silvers strengthens the mission of GrowFood Carolina by assisting with the movement of fresh, farm-to-table produce across our Charlotte-to-Savannah delivery range……
Procurement & Food Safety Coordinator
David Carter is the Procurement & Food Safety Coordinator for GrowFood Carolina, bringing more than 30 years of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industries……
Financial Operations Coordinator
Originally from Lexington, SC, GrowFood Carolina’s Finance Operations Coordinator, Deirdre Tanner ,has lived in the Charleston area since the mid-1990s……
Energy & Climate Project Manager
Dylan made his move to Charleston in 2023 to pursue his master’s in both environmental and sustainable sciences and public administration….
Grants Manager
Raised in Greenville, SC, Emily brings her passion for nature, community, and wellness to her position as Grants Manager. She was drawn to the Conservation League……
South Coast Office Director
Grant McClure is from Charleston, South Carolina. He holds an undergraduate degree from Wofford College in English & Environmental Studies……
Driver & Warehouse Associate
As needed, Driven & Warehouse Associate Jajuan Mitchell contributes to GrowFood Carolina’s mission by helping deliver fresh, local produce throughout the region…..
Annual Giving Officer
Jane Horetsky serves as the Annual Giving Officer, bringing a deep passion for preserving the coast, wildlife, and natural places….
Sales & Marketing Account Manager
Jenna Malcolm, GrowFood Carolina’s Sales & Marketing Account Manager, moved to Charleston in 2023, but she’s originally from the foothills of North Georgia……
Accounting Specialist
A native of Asheville, North Carolina, Jill Sonka moved to the Lowcountry in 2001 and spent 18 years working at a nonprofit in wetland restoration and land conservation…….
Advancement Coordinator
Lee Ayres serves the League as Advancement Coordinator, a role that combines Lee’s passion for the natural environment, donor relations, and long-term organization……
Advancement Associate
Mary Lovett Pye joins the Coastal Conservation League with a deep-rooted appreciation for the natural world and a lifelong belief that it is our greatest teacher….
Driver & Warehouse Associate
GrowFood Carolina Driver & Warehouse Associate helps us fulfill our mission by delivering fresh, farm-to-table produce from Charlotte, NC to Savannah, GA……
Sales & Marketing Account Manager
Born and raised right here in the Lowcountry, MJ Campbell comes to GrowFood Carolina in hopes to help bridge the gap between restaurants and growers……
Conservation Project Coordinator
After growing up in Durham, North Carolina, Noelle graduated from Appalachian State University in 2024 with degrees in Sustainable Development and Political Science….
Sales & Marketing Account Manager
Paige Sylvestre, Sales & Marketing Account Manager at GrowFood Carolina is committed to strengthening the local food system by serving businesses that value fresh……
Warehouse Operations Manager
Paul Haire is originally from upstate South Carolina but has called Charleston home since 2001. His deep passion for connecting people and food led him to work in the food……
Senior Executive Assistant & Board Liaison
Renee serves as the Senior Executive Assistant and Board Liaison, where she supports the Executive Director and Board of Directors while helping to manage a range……
Senior Advisor for Conservation Policy, Advocacy, and Leadership
Robert H. Boyles, Jr., ensures that the Coastal Conservation League’s efforts are rooted in the best available science and policy to address the most pressing environmental threats….
Communications Manager
Sam Shores serves as the Communications Manager for the Coastal Conservation League, bringing a deep appreciation for the coastal plain and a commitment……
Driver & Warehouse Associate
Shawn Parks, a proud resident of Charleston, is deeply rooted in the maritime industry, contributing to both the port and GrowFood Carolina. …
Office Administrator
Suzann Lilienthal brings years of experience in human resources, administration, and accounting to her role at the Coastal Conservation League……
State Energy & Climate Program Director
Taylor Allred recently is our State Energy & Climate Program Director, starting on Earth Day 2024, and looks forward to serving as an advocate for state and local policies……
Conservation Programs Manager
Torrey brings grassroots experience, passion and a legal education to the Conservation League. She holds a bachelor’s degree in American Studies with a concentration in……