SCIPL names Reese as new executive director

Greenville, S.C – Feb. 8, 2024 — Sustaining Way congratulates Robert Reese on his new role as Executive Director of South Carolina Interfaith Power and Light

Reese holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Morehouse College and an MBA from the University of South Carolina. He has worked diligently to bring awareness of sustainability and environmental issues to communities across South Carolina. 

“Growing up in a small, rural community, church was our main means of communication […] our pathway to education, […], and our sole source of inspiration,” Reese said. “My goal is to elevate South Carolina Interfaith Power and Light to the leading communication network, […] educating congregants around the state, while simultaneously inspiring church communities to advocate for environmental justice and climate change policies affecting their homes, places of worship, and communities.”

Reese is committed to sharing information with community members, and his past experiences have equipped him with many skills that will make him a capable and effective CEO of South Carolina Interfaith Power and Light. He has worked as a grant writer in Eastover, S.C., and with several other organizations in Richland County, including:

  • A Chair on the Richland County Board of Zoning Appeals
  • Communication Director of the Lower Richland (LR) High School Alumni Foundation, and
  • A member of the Congaree Biosphere Advisory Board (since 2018). 

Reese has also worked as Director of Diversity and Inclusion for the University of Minnesota-Rochester; Regional Director of Irly Bird Kids, an organization that introduces elementary students to STEM careers; and CEO of The Blow Foundation, a nonprofit that provides college scholarships to underprivileged Americans.

“Robert is an established figure within South Carolina within the faith and environmental justice communities. He is a true servant leader who brings an unbridled passion, exemplary leadership, and a personal calling to the work ahead,” said Michael Brown, Sustaining Way executive director.

South Carolina Interfaith Power and Light (SCIPL), a sister organization of Sustaining Way, is a division of Interfaith Power and Light (IPL). The mission of all IPL groups is to encourage environmental stewardship of people of faith, especially regarding climate change.

An active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., as well as a proud father to Kayla, 27, and Sierra, 25, Reese is a self-proclaimed puzzle enthusiast and enjoys spending time celebrating nature by white water rafting. 

South Carolina Interfaith Power & Light can be contacted via email at hello@scipl.org or by phone at (864) 626-6437.

About Sustaining Way

Envisioning a world where all neighborhoods, people and nature thrive, Sustaining Way uses education, collaboration and advocacy to create sustainable, caring and equitable communities for current and future generations.

Sustaining Way, a 501(c)3 formed in January 2012, is an interfaith non-profit that uses a unique community-based approach to sustainability through our demonstration site Annie’s House, just off the Swamp Rabbit Trail in the historic Nicholtown community of Greenville, SC.

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