Staff

Michael Brown Sustaining Way Headshot

Michael Brown

Executive Director

Michael Brown is the Executive Director of Sustaining Way with its flagship demonstration site, Annie’s House, located in historic Nicholtown. A native of Spartanburg, Michael holds a B.A. in Political Science from Alabama A&M University, an MPA from The Ohio State University, and a J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law. Michael served 12 years as the District One Representative for Spartanburg County Council, was the first African American Vice-Chair and chaired the Public Safety and Judiciary Committee and was a long serving member of the Economic Development Committee having worked directly to establish 20k jobs and delivering more than $8 billion of development. Among many community service roles, he has served on the South Carolina Bar Board of Governors, serves as President of the Spartanburg NAACP, is an alumnus of the Liberty Fellowship and is an Aspen Global Leadership Fellow. A trained apiarist certified in Sustainable Agriculture and Permaculture, Michael serves on the Boards of Directors for the South Carolina Food Policy Council and the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association, respectively. He works daily to combat the reality of food deserts in communities throughout the state. As a recognized environmental justice advocate, Michael champions sustainable approaches in community resiliency through energy policy reforms, implementation of efficient energy alternatives in low income communities, affordable housing innovation and transformative healthy lifestyle practices. Michael’s passion about helping to “heal the land” propelled him to start in 2019 a regenerative urban farm, Roots of Life. Contact Michael via email at michael.brown@sustainingway.com

Rick Joye Sustaining Way Headshot

Rick Joye

Founder/ Interim Operations Director

Rick is the Founder and Interim Operations Director of Sustaining Way. Rick received his B.S. in Chemical Engineering and later an MBA from Clemson University.

Fernanda Sustaining Way Headshot

Fernanda Rabago

Operations Coordinator

Fernanda Rabago is the Operations Coordinator at Sustaining Way. Originally from Mexico, Fernanda holds a degree in Industrial Engineering. She is a passionate advocate for healthy lifestyles and caring for the environment which led her to seek a position with Sustaining Way. Her favorite things to do in the Upstate are hike Rainbow Falls at Jones Gap State Park and kayak on Lake Jocassee.

Preston Sustaining Way Headshot

Preston Johnson

Energy Specialist

Preston Johnson is the Sustainable Energy Specialist here at Sustaining Way, holding the NABCEP PV Associate Certification, Solar Tech Basics Certification, and a Solar PV Design & Install Certification, and is the owner of Earthwave Renewables. He performs the Energy Home Visits and helps community members make their homes more efficient. His favorite things to do in the Upstate are frequent local restaurants like Naked Vegan, swim, and garden with his family.

Julia Sustaining Way Headshot

Julia Sellers

VISTA Leader

Julia Sellers is serving her second year with AmeriCorps as a VISTA Leader. Graduating from the University of South Carolina and holding her Masters from the University of North Carolina, Julia is responsible for marketing and social media for Sustaining Way. Her favorite things to do in the Upstate are to volunteer at the Peace Center, attend the Travelers Rest Farmers Market, and shop at Amend Market, a refill store in Greenville.

Jenna Sustaining Way Headshot

Jenna Seigworth

Community Health & Engagement VISTA

Jenna Seigworth is the Community Health and Engagement AmeriCorps VISTA at Sustaining Way. She attended Penn State University’s Behrend College and graduated with a B.A. in English, spending much of her time in the school's community garden. She is ecstatic to work with Sustaining Way, as many of her values align. In her free time, Jenna loves to read, write, bike, and be outside as much as humanly possible.

Oscar Sustaining Way Headshot

Oscar Moreno

People Development VISTA

Oscar Moreno is the People Development VISTA here at Sustaining Way. After graduating from Greer HS and the University of South Carolina, he is integral in supporting Sustaining Way’s educational initiatives. In his spare time, Oscar loves to spend time in Downtown Greenville, and shop consciously to support sustainably responsible consumption and companies.

Belu Sustaining Way Headshot

Belu Kees Rau

Impact, Growth, and Governance VISTA

Belu is the Impact, Growth and Governance VISTA here at Sustaining Way. Holding a degree in Structural Engineering, her goal is to help Sustaining Way expand their reach, maximize their impact, and maintain strong governance practices. Her favorite things to do are to pend time with her family at local parks and cook for her friends and family.

Kennedy Sustaining Way Headshot

Kennedy Davis

Marketing & Development VISTA

Kennedy Davis is the Marketing & Development VISTA for Sustaining Way, and leads our marketing and fundraising teams. Kennedy graduated from Clemson University with a B.S. in Graphic Communications. Kennedy is passionate about spending time outside, and getting involved with their local government and community. Their favorite Upstate activity is to go camping at Devil’s Fork State Park.

Yarelis Sustaining Way Headshot

Yarelis Cardona

Energy VISTA

Yarelis Cardona serves as the Energy Vista at Sustaining Way, where she passionately engages with the community to promote sustainability and environmentalism. She holds a B.A. in Musical Arts from Converse University in Spartanburg, SC. Yarelis is excited to be part of Sustaining Way due to its impactful community programs and is dedicated to connecting and assisting community members directly. She aspires to be remembered as a passionate and driven advocate for her community.

Camille Sustaining Way Headshot

Camille Hoover

Demonstration Site & Agriculture VISTA

Camille is the Demonstration Site & Agriculture VISTA. She maintains the garden site at Annie's House and works with the Agriculture team to take care of everything we grow. She is excited to work with Sustaining Way in addressing environmental justice. “I am passionate about caring for the earth, which also means caring for those that are disproportionately affected by climate change and environmental degradation! This looks like many different things - education, advocacy, and collaboration with the community we serve.” During her freetime, she enjoys powerlifting, reading, and trying restaurants around Greenville.

Sustainable Agriculture Intern headshot

Abbi Burgess

Sustainable Education VISTA

Abbi Burgess is the Sustainable Education VISTA here at Sustaining Way. She recently graduated from Clemson University, with her degree in Environmental Science and Natural Resources with a concentration in Conservation Biology and a minor in Sustainability. She is excited to be able to teach people how to live more sustainably and how to nurture the environment. Abbi’s family ignited a love for nature in her at a young age, so she is extremely passionate about the environment and has a desire to get involved in social justice matters, in order “to do something that will make the world a better place.” At Sustaining Way, she feels like she’s been able to contribute to both passions.” In her spare time, Abbi loves all things music, spending time with her family, and going to Isaqueena Falls and Stump House Tunnel in Walhalla.

Erin Sustaining Way Headshot

Erin Nuttall

Community Engagement and Expansion VISTA

Erin Nuttall is the Community Engagement and Expansion VISTA. Her focus is to create, maintain, and foster new relationships with community members in Nicholtown and the areas that Sustaining Way is starting to work with. Along with graduating from Georgia State University with a Bachelors of Science in Social Entrepreneurship, Erin is an interfaith minister and an active member of her robust family. She is so excited to work with an organization that combines sustainability, community, and interfaith relationships in such a genuine and meaningful way. When not working, Erin enjoys spending time with family and friends and growing her farm in Georgia.

Sustainable Agriculture intern Headshot

Walker Reid

Community Engagement VISTA

Walker Reid is the Community Engagement VISTA here at Sustaining Way. He went to high school in Anderson and Pickens counties and completed his undergraduate and graduate degrees at Clemson University in Plant and Environmental Sciences, focusing on Agronomy and Agriculture Education. He will work to connect the communities we serve with partners to help improve their lives in meaningful ways. When he is not working, he enjoys spending time with his loved ones, reading, and crocheting!

Interns

Ashley Sustaining Way Headshot

Ashley Ramos

Social Media & Marketing Intern

Ashley Ramos is the Social Media & Marketing Intern here at Sustaining Way. After graduating from James F. Byrnes High School, Ashley went on to Furman University where she is currently studying Spanish and Business Administration, specializing in Marketing. She is working hard to launch her own business and in her limited spare time, she enjoys baking and spending time in Downtown Greenville.

Will Sustaining Way Headshot

Will Hutson

Community Health Intern

Will Hutson is serving as the Community Health intern through the summer fellowship program with the Institute for the Advancement of Community Health at Furman University. He attended high school at Riverside and is working on a BS in Health Sciences at Furman University. Will is looking forward to "growing as a person and becoming more sustainable" through his internship. He loves taking walks or bike rides on the Swamp Rabbit Trail, especially when heading to the Swamp Rabbit Cafe.

Hannah Sustaining Way Headshot

Hannah Rowan

Sustainable Agriculture Intern

Hannah Rowan is this summer's agriculture intern and is currently working on her undergraduate degree in Sustainability Sciences at Furman University.  She is looking forward to gaining some personal experience in sustainable agriculture and to working directly with the community! One of her favorite places to walk is around the lake on Furman's campus.

Amiya Sustaining Way Headshot

Amiya Young

Gentrification Intern

Amiya Young is serving as the Gentrification Intern through the Riley Institute's RISE Program at Furman University.  She is currently working on her undergraduate degree at Furman University and is a graduate of Greenwood High School.  She will work this summer to provide an actionable plan to address gentrification in the Nicholtown community. She is excited to learn more about sustainability while actively giving back to her community!

Nia Sustaining Way Headshot

Nia Drummond

Sustainable Education Intern

Nia Drummond is this summer's Sustainable Education Intern.  She is currently working on her undergraduate degree in education and is looking forward to connecting with a community she grew up in while learning skills and values she can take on her future journey. In her free time, she likes finding the vintage markets and going even if she doesn't buy anything, since there is usually music and local food!

Headshot of Shekinah, intern at Sustaining Way

Shekinah Sanchez

Community Engagement Intern

Shekinah Sanchez is the Community Engagement Intern at Sustaining Way.  She is a graduate of the Cyber Academy of SC and a current student at Greenville Tech. A resident of Nicholtown, Shekinah says working with Sustaining Way will give her an outlet for her interest in social sustainability while having the opportunity to learn more about other types of sustainability, such as environmental or energy. In her free time, she loves to craft and visit Glendale Shoals Nature Preserve!

Board of Directors

Sylvia Sustaining Way Headshot

Sylvia Palmer

Board Chair

Sylvia is native a Greenvillian and long-time resident of Nicholtown. She was the first African-American Earth and Life Sciences teacher at Greenville Middle School serving 30 years from 1967-1997. Later she served for ten years as the Office Manager of the Greenville County Education Association. Now retired, Sylvia continues to serve the community as the past President of the Nicholtown Neighborhood Association, and board member of Genesis Homes along with many other volunteer activities focused on the betterment of the Nicholtown Community.
Liz Sustaining Way Headshot

Elizabeth Gilman

Secretary

Since her earliest memories of walking on the beach in Australia, Liz has always been in love with the outdoors. She is a passionate flyfisher and enjoys all things outside. Liz is a graduate from Clemson’s school of Business & Behavioral Sciences, where she studied Management Info Systems and Nonprofit Leadership, and currently serves as a licensed Scrum Master at EP+Co where she helps manage their Creative Technology Team. In the past she has served in a variety of roles in the nonprofit world, focusing on health and wellness, environmental activism, equality for all people, and animal protection. She is currently pursuing her graduate degree from Clemson and is serving on the Board for Sustaining Way.
Rahsaan Sustaining Way Headshot

Rahsaan Louris

Treasurer

Rahsaan K. Louris, PA, is the founder and operator of The Louris Group, LLC, serving the Greater Upstate Area of South Carolina. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from South Carolina State University and an MBA in Accountancy from Furman University. For over ten years, The Louris Group, LLC has provided comprehensive accounting and tax services, emphasizing professionalism, responsiveness, and quality. Rahsaan is dedicated to educating his clients, believing that “educating my client base is the best part of my business.”

In addition to growing his business, Rahsaan has been a volunteer for the Beta Club and Key Club at Eastside High School and is a mentor to various youth and young men in his community. He is actively involved with the Prince Hall Masonic Order as District 3 Secretary and is a member of the National Association of Black Accountants. Rahsaan resides in Greer, South Carolina, with his wife and two children, and he is passionate about instilling strong values and morals in his family.

Gary Sustaining Way Headshot

Gary Davis

Vice Chair

Gary Davis is a partner at CAPTRUST and has worked in the financial advisory industry for twenty nine years. Before that he worked with an international manufacturing company traveling extensively in Europe. He served on the Green Ribbon Committee for Mobility for the City of Greenville for several years. During his 28-year tenure with the Rotary Club of Greenville City Center he has worn many hats including President, treasurer, and Foundation Chair. His interests include sustainability, solar energy, organic gardening, hiking, bird watching, running, travel and flying. In 2014 he set an aviation world record for altitude with an electric powered ultralight.

Jervelle Sustaining Way Headshot

Jervelle Fort

Board Member

Jervelle Fort serves as a Community Engagement Manager for the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC).  In this role, she provides technical assistance and resources to communities in seven counties in the upstate region of South Carolina to help community members create Healthy Eating and Active Living (HEAL) policies, systems and environmental changes.  She holds both a Bachelor's Degree in Community Health, and a Master's Degree in Public Health, as well as a Certified Health Education Specialist certification, and a Child Passenger Safety certification.  Jervelle has a passion for service as she sits on numerous boards, and actively participates in numerous organizations, most notably serving as the Vice President for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Epsilon Tau Omega Chapter, the Secretary for the South Carolina Public Health Association, and Church Clerk, Trustee, and Health Ministry Chair for Springfield Baptist Church.

Matthew Sustaining Way Headshot

Matthew Loomis Rehnborg

Board Member

Matthew knew he wanted to be involved with Sustaining Way from the moment he learned about the organization's unique approach to neighborhood and community development. Holding graduate degrees in both urban planning and Christian ministry, Matthew loves to explore ways to build and live in community that grow out of a recognition of our deep belonging to one another and to all of creation. He currently works for a planning and engineering consulting firm based in Virginia, but has also engaged in the work of community development through a regional planning organization, a city bus agency, local churches, and as a Peace Corps volunteer in Albania.

Freddy Sustaining Way Headshot

Freddy Paige

Ex-Officio Board Member

Dr. Frederick (“Freddy”) Paige is the founder of the STILE (Society, Technology,
Infrastructure, and Learning Environments) Research Group. He currently executes multiple
roles at Virginia Tech. Based out of the Charles E. Via Jr. Department of Civil and
Environmental Engineering, Dr. Paige is an Assistant Professor in the Vecellio Construction
Engineering and Management Program (VCEMP), the Assistant Director of the Virginia Center
for Housing Research (VCHR), and a co-Founder of Virginia Tech Digging in the Crates
(VTDITC). Starting as a student member of ASCE’s Clemson Chapter in 2010, Dr. Paige
became a full member of MOSAIC (Members of Society Advancing an Inclusive Culture) and
recently rotated back into being a corresponding member. Dr. Paige’s main scholarship goal is
to create the knowledge needed to develop an informed public that lives in a sustainable built
environment. Previous work with a variety of utility companies, sustainability non-profits, and
educational institutions has provided Dr. Paige with a versatile toolkit of knowledge and skills
needed to address a diverse range of civil engineering issues. Dr. Paige completed his Ph.D. in
Civil Engineering at Clemson University, where he also received his M.S. and B.S. degrees in
Civil Engineering. Some of Freddy’s favorite things to do are: traveling with his wife Hannah,
playing basketball, creating music, or eating with family. Freddy encourages you to read, think
critically, laugh, and make dope vibrations in the world.

Dr Liz Tyson Headshot

Liz Tyson

Ex-Officio Board Member

Dr. Liz Tyson is a pediatric hospitalist working in Greenville, South Carolina. Liz has a strong interest in care of the medically underserved, public health issues and environmental and climate justice. Liz is the liaison for the South Carolina Health Professionals for Climate Action, a diverse group of health providers whose primary mission is to educate their colleagues and the lay public on the effects of climate change on human health.

Apply to be on Sustaining Way’s Governance Committees!

Do you believe in Sustaining Way’s mission and vision? Do you think you can help us realize our goals? If yes, please apply to serve on one of our governance committees. Our Nominating Committee regularly reviews applications and will be back in touch.

Online Application
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