Shawn Parks

Chance Roe

Chance Roe recently joined the Coastal Conservation League’s Finance Team as an Accountant. He is excited to make a difference in protecting our natural ecosystems and will ensure our accounts within the Conservation League and GrowFood Carolina are accurate and in compliance with our board. So far, Chance’s favorite thing about working here is everyone’s commitment to the organization’s mission, and he looks forward to learning how best to contribute beyond…

Becky Ryon

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 were constantly threatened by unrestrained development. Her childhood in Florida, young adulthood in North Carolina, and previous environmental advocacy work in Richmond with the Virginia League of Conservation Voters have instilled a limitless appreciation for the wild wonders of the Southeast and a desire to preserve them…

Torrey Sanders

Torrey joined the Conservation League after attending law school here in Charleston, where she became involved in local environmental and land use advocacy. She moved here from Washington DC, to engage in more purpose-based work, after five years in the music industry. Her major duties as Communities and Transportation Project Manager include zoning, and urban issues such as bicycle and pedestrian access and other multimodal transit. She is most excited about pushing for common…

Jill Sonka

Joel Sandstrom

The Coastal Conservation League welcomed Joel Sandstrom to the team as Chief Financial Officer in May of 2024. A graduate of Appalachian State University, Joel brings 20 years of for-profit and nonprofit accounting expertise. In his most recent position, Joel served six years as CFO at Call Experts, where he used financial processes to enhance profit margins, institute incentive programs, managed facilities, and streamlined accounts receivables processes, as well as other…

Kat Sherwood

Kat Sherwood is an experienced event coordinator with a passion for meaningful engagement and brings a background in nonprofit, private, and corporate event planning. From managing high-impact programs for Fortune 100 partners to leading large-scale community conservation initiatives, she understands how well-executed events can inspire support and strengthen donor relationships. In her role as Events Coordinator, Kat is excited to create unforgettable experiences that not only connect people to the cause—but also contribute directly…

Rebekah Spaid

Rebekah is a recent transplant from the mountains of West Virginia to the lowcountry of Charleston. In her role as Farm Outreach Coordinator, she brings a wealth of agricultural expertise and a passion for fostering sustainable practices in farming communities. Her roots in agriculture were sown on her grandfather’s farm, cultivating a lifelong commitment to the industry. Driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact, Rebekah developed her skills through…

Yarley Steedly

Yarley joined the Coastal Conservation League at the end of 2024. Prior to joining the Conservation League, she worked for the public and nonprofit sectors, where she sharpened her government relations and lobbying skills advocating for issues in the fields of public health, public education, and higher education. She double majored in political science and environmental geography while at the University of South Carolina and obtained her graduate degree from the University of Georgia’s…

Deirdre Tanner

Deirdre is originally from Lexington, South Carolina and has lived in the Charleston area since the mid-1990s. She grew up working with local farmers through her family’s grocery business in Pelion and is happy to be able to continue to support local farmers and businesses through GrowFood Carolina.