The South Carolina Chapter is led by a volunteer board of directors, as well as volunteer steering committees in each of our four branches throughout the state.
Mark is an Architect with McMillan Pazdan Smith in Greenville where he specializes in sustainable design, energy assessments, site planning and project management within their retail studio. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the SC State Chapter of the USGBC and serves as Chair of their Upstate Branch. He has served as a volunteer with the SC Chapter since 2007 and has been a speaker at Chapter functions, as well as a graphic designer for Chapter logos, publications, marketing materials and for the SustainSC Conference & Expo. Mark has a Bachelor’s Degree and a Masters of Architecture from Clemson University. He and his wife Lura designed and built their Earthcraft home in downtown Greenville in 2007. They moved to Greenville from Atlanta in 2006. Mark is a native of Columbia, SC. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with family, Clemson sports, watching movies, and reading.
Bachman is a litigation attorney practicing in the areas of construction defense and admiralty law with Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, PA in Charleston. Bachman is an active member of the South Carolina Society, and serves as a Board Member for My Sister’s House. Bachman received a BA from The University of the South, an MA from The Citadel, and a JD from the University of South Carolina. Bachman enjoys an active lifestyle that involves raising two fantastic daughters, Clayson and Celia, with his wife Kathryn. He enjoys all things outdoors and on the water. As a self-proclaimed bibliophile he is an avid reader. A regular yoga practice keeps him centered, in good health, and energized.
“Hiren received his bachelors in architecture degree from M.S. University, India in 2002 and Master in architecture degree from University at Buffalo (SUNY), Buffalo, NY in 2005. He moved to Myrtle Beach in the summer of 2005 from Buffalo and has been working with Pegram Associates, Inc. since then. He has been actively involved in many community and professional activities. Apart from USGBC SC Chapter in the past he has served as a board member of AIA Grand Strand, AIA Grand Strand Communications Chair & Newsletter editor, AIA Grand Strand Lego committee Chair, board member of Global Awareness project, and he is also currently serving on the “Green Building and Sustainable Living” committee of the City of Myrtle Beach.”
A technology-marketing professional, Dan has launched and managed many new technology products and services. He is responsible for market research and Customer Satisfaction research for QS/1. His areas of expertise include Market Research, Customer Satisfaction, Marketing Communications and Business Development. Dan received his Bachelor of Architecture and BS in Environmental Design from Ball State University’s College of Architecture and Planning. Dan also attended the University Of Dayton Graduate School Of Business focusing on Marketing, Economics and Statistics. He also authored a white paper on Green Building Trends published in the June 2012 issue of Sustainability: The Journal of Record. He has served the USGBC SC Chapter on the Upstate Steering Committee, Sustain SC 2010 Conference Communications Chair and as Chapter Communications Chair for three years.
Director of Business Development, Education and Public Sectors for GMK Associates, Inc.
As Sustainability Coordinator, John directs and coordinates the firm’s efforts to bring energy efficiency and conservation measures into every client project. From simple HVAC system replacements to LEED Gold designed buildings, his position serves as the “watchdog” for not only the newest, most cost effective and feasible methods to implement in each project but also how our clients can fund these initiatives. A graduate of The Citadel with a degree in Business Administration, he has had several businesses in South Carolina and is working on 2 patents for the aged and handicapped. Brandon has been active on USGBC SC Chapter’s Green Schools Committee and the Midlands Branch Steering Committee. He is a founding Board Member of Congaree Riverkeeper and serves on the Board of Kanuga Conference Center.
Katherine, a Lowcountry native, attended Winthrop University where she studied Interior Design before moving to Charleston in 2006. Upon moving to Charleston she worked for a commercial Architecture firm in Mt. Pleasant, where she was first introduced to LEED, and in 2008 became a LEED AP. Katherine has since started her own firm, Innovink, LLC, specializing in LEED Project Management and Commercial Interior Design. She has been involved with USGBC SC Lowcountry Branch since 2009.
Rick is principal and founder of Earth Design Inc. with over 26 years of experience in nursery management, campus management, landscape architecture, environmental design, horticulture, bioengineering, and ecology. He has particular expertise in native plants as they occur in natural models by surveying regional eco-types across the southeast. As founder and former president of the South Carolina Native Plant Society, he has brought awareness of these natural models to the forefront through public presentations and workshops on a statewide level. Rick received the 2003 Environmental Educator of the Year Award from the Environmental Educators Association of South Carolina. His commitment to education is reflected in his work at Earth Design. Rick has worked extensively with local schools, teachers, and administrators to promote environmental education on school grounds. He has conducted numerous environmental education workshops for the South Carolina Wildlife Federations Schoolyard Habitat Program (SCWF), the Environmental Educators Association of South Carolina (EEASC), South Carolina Department of Health & Environmental Control (DHEC), and the South Carolina Marine Educators Association (SCMEA). In 2007, he received the Governors Award for Environmental Awareness recognizing his contribution to education and the environment. In 2010, Rick received Upstate Forever’s Volunteer of the Year Award.
Marketing Manager for Trane Commercial Systems and Services, an Ingersoll Rand Company
Heather Sewell is the Carolinas District Business Development Manager for Trane Commercial Systems and Services, an Ingersoll Rand Company. In this capacity, she is responsible for cultivating new business opportunities mainly in the performance-contracting arena throughout North Carolina and South Carolina. In her past employment with this company she also served as the Marketing Manager covering a majority of the State of South Carolina and was responsible for directing all marketing and communication initiatives, including managing the customer training programs. Heather has a diverse industry background from banking to manufacturing software to mechanical systems and solutions. She specializes in business development, designing promotional marketing materials, developing training curriculum and implementing promotional programs. Heather graduated, with honors, from Oakland University in Rochester, MI with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing. She currently is, and has been, active in a variety of non-profit organizations. She currently serves as a member on the Board of Directors for the USGBC South Carolina Chapter, Board of Directors for Junior Achievement of Central South Carolina, and is currently a “student” in the Leadership Columbia, A Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce Program.
Douglas K. Rackley is a project architect with DP3 Architects in Greenville, SC. He has over twenty-three years of professional experience in the Greenville area. He is a LEED Accredited Professional with a specialty in Building Design + Construction (BD+C) and he seeks to develop sustainable strategies for all project work. He is currently the LEED Administrator for a project at Greenville Technical College, which is registered under the LEED v3 certification program. Douglas earned his undergraduate degree in architecture from Washington University in St. Louis and received his Master of Architecture degree from Clemson University where he was the recipient of a National AIA Foundation Scholarship. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects and served AIA Greenville as Secretary for two terms. Douglas is an alumnus of Leadership Greenville, Class XXV and he actively serves community non-profit organizations. He served on the 2012 USGBC SC Upstate Branch leadership team and co-chaired the Programs Committee. He presented a continuing education course at SustainSC 2012 held in Greenville, SC. In 2013, he will begin serving a two-year term on USGBC SC Chapter Board of Directors. He is also a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and The American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA).
Brent’s experience in the architectural field is comprised of his studies at Penn State University, the Sedi de Roma Design Studio abroad in Rome, and 5 years with Neil Stevenson Architects. This has given him insight into a wide variety of project types including Urban design, Environmental Studies, Design in Coastal Environments, Educational Facilities, Modular housing both in urban and non-urban settings. As a LEED AP and Chairman of the Education committee for the USGBC SC Chapter, Brent has gained an intimate knowledge of LEED. As Chief Green Officer, it is Brent’s objective to lead the Company in all things “green”. He is responsible for setting up new firms and provide training for users to maximize the features and functions offered within GreenWizard. His knowledge and experience as an Architect allows him to consult on client projects being worked in the software.
Christina’s role encompasses many aspects for Studio 2LR Architecture + Interiors. As business development she attends business functions, maintains marketing materials, creates project submissions and develops and manages annual marketing plans including all advertisements and in-house production schedules. She is also responsible for the firm’s accounting; analyzing and forecasting annual expenditures; creating and managing annual company and marketing budgets. Christina registers and maintains State licensures for Studio 2LR and is the liaison between Studio 2LR, client, project managers, and engineers during the construction administration process. Christina has held various roles within USGBC – SC Chapter including Midlands Finance Chair, Midlands Vice Chair, State Membership Chair, and State Marketing Chair for the 2011 SustainSC Expo. She is also actively involved with various economic development organizations including South Carolina Economic Development Association, Southern Economic Development Council, Committee of 100, and Palmetto Health Foundation.
Mary Pat Crozier is an architect and LEED professional with over thirty years architectural practice and facility project management experience. She combines her design and facilities knowledge to provide sustainable building solutions that support the project program and budget while serving the needs of the client. In 2001, while Capital Construction Manager at Furman University, she became a LEED Accredited Professional and served as the sustainable team leader for the first LEED and Gold Certified building in South Carolina. Mary Pat formed Crozier Architecture, LLC in 2006 to provide sustainable design consulting and LEED project management services to building owners, architects and contractors. Her projects include a corporate campus, office buildings, libraries, classroom buildings, conference and community centers, schools, a fire station, and a monastery. She is a founding member of the South Carolina Chapter of the United States Green Building Council (USGBCSC), served on the Boarding of Directors and education and branch formation committees.
Ms. Sherman works in the geomembrane industry with Agru America, Inc. She brings an extensive public service background to any project team. Working for 12-years in Planning and Zoning Administration with Georgetown County and an additional 2-years in private practice with The EARTHWORKS Group. She is entering her fourth year on the Board of Directors for the USGBC SC Chapter and served half of 2012 as SC Chapter Chair.
Lauren is an architect with Applied Building Sciences, Inc. in Charleston, where her focus is on repair design and forensic architecture. Her background is in traditional architectural practice including design, construction documentation, and contract administration for the rennovation and adaptive re-use of existing facilities, as well as new construction. Lauren holds a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Design for Clemson University.
Michael is a consulting planner in the Midlands region of South Carolina. He previously worked as a community planner in the public sector for Richland County, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, and Lexington County. Mike is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, a former President of the South Carolina Chapter of the American Planning Association, and a LEED Accredited Professional. He earned a B.S. in Fundamental Sciences from Lehigh University in 1972, and spent the next four years at The Wetlands Institute in Cape May County, New Jersey. He then attended Ian McHarg’s “Design With Nature” school of planning at the University of Pennsylvania, where he received a Master of Regional Planning degree in 1978.
A technology-marketing professional, Dan has launched and managed many new technology products and services. He is responsible for market research and Customer Satisfaction research for QS/1. His areas of expertise include Market Research, Customer Satisfaction, Marketing Communications and Business Development. Dan received his Bachelor of Architecture and BS in Environmental Design from Ball State University’s College of Architecture and Planning. Dan also attended the University Of Dayton Graduate School Of Business focusing on Marketing, Economics and Statistics. He also authored a white paper on Green Building Trends published in the June 2012 issue of Sustainability: The Journal of Record. He has served the USGBC SC Chapter on the Upstate Steering Committee, Sustain SC 2010 Conference Communications Chair and as Chapter Communications Chair for three years.
Brent’s experience in the architectural field is comprised of his studies at Penn State University, the Sedi de Roma Design Studio abroad in Rome, and 5 years with Neil Stevenson Architects. This has given him insight into a wide variety of project types including Urban design, Environmental Studies, Design in Coastal Environments, Educational Facilities, Modular housing both in urban and non-urban settings. As a LEED AP and Chairman of the Education committee for the USGBC SC Chapter, Brent has gained an intimate knowledge of LEED. As Chief Green Officer, it is Brent’s objective to lead the Company in all things “green”. He is responsible for setting up new firms and provide training for users to maximize the features and functions offered within GreenWizard. His knowledge and experience as an Architect allows him to consult on client projects being worked in the software.
Ben is a Project Architect with Curtis Group Architects in Pawleys Island. Prior to his current healthcare involvement, Ben gained over five years of experience in the hospitality and higher education fields. He attended Clemson University for his undergraduate degree in Design and followed up with Master in Architecture from NC State University. Ben currently serves as the President of AIA Grand Strand Section and is involved with Grand Strand CSI. His passion for sustainable design began while in Frank Harmon’s graduate studio where he developed an understanding of the importance of place as a key component to sustainability.
Yoshimi is a recruiter for Wells Fargo in Columbia, SC. During her 12 year career with the company, Yoshimi has worked in many facets of Human Resources to include, recruiting, learning and development, employee relations, and project management. Yoshimi earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and a Master of Education from Columbia College. This will be Yoshimi’s first year serving on the USGBSC SC Chapter. Her role will be to focus on communicating and working with the chapter and branch level team leaders to ensure development of annual membership plans, research membership best practices and strategies. In her free time, Yoshimi enjoys reading, volunteering, and spending time with family.
AIA, LEED® AP BD+C, Craig Gaulden Davis Architecture; Vice Chair of the Southeastern Regional Council
John is a Project Architect with Craig Gaulden Davis in Greenville. During the past 13 years with the Firm he has worked on religious, cultural, recreation, and other institutional and commercial projects, some of which have sought and achieved LEED certification. Environmental Stewardship has been a lifelong commitment for John.
Since 2007 he has served in a number of roles for the South Carolina Chapter including Board Chairman and Vice Chairman, SERC Representative, Sustain SC Conference & Expo Chairman, Upstate Branch Chairman, and leader and member of a variety of committees and task groups. Currently he serves as a Board Director for the Upstate Region and is the Chapter’s 2011 Associate Representative on the USGBC Southeast Regional Committee (SERC). On SERC he is the Chairman of the first Annual Leadership Summit being held in Greenville in September 2011. Over 100 leaders from USGBC National and 13 Chapters in 9 Southeast States will participate in this exciting event . A native of California, John has a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from the University of Utah and a Masters of Architecture from Clemson University. In his free time, he enjoys the outdoors, cultural activities, traveling, community service, and spending time with family.
Director of Business Development, Education and Public Sectors for GMK Associates, Inc.
As Sustainability Coordinator, John directs and coordinates the firm’s efforts to bring energy efficiency and conservation measures into every client project. From simple HVAC system replacements to LEED Gold designed buildings, his position serves as the “watchdog” for not only the newest, most cost effective and feasible methods to implement in each project but also how our clients can fund these initiatives. A graduate of The Citadel with a degree in Business Administration, he has had several businesses in South Carolina and is working on 2 patents for the aged and handicapped. Brandon has been active on USGBC SC Chapter’s Green Schools Committee and the Midlands Branch Steering Committee. He is a founding Board Member of Congaree Riverkeeper and serves on the Board of Kanuga Conference Center.
Melissa has worked as a nonprofit consultant helping nonprofit organizations with structure, volunteer management and strategic planning. She has also been a speaker at the AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals) conference, the NC Center for Nonprofit conference and the SCANPO (South Carolina Association of Nonprofit Organizations) conference, providing Continuing Education Credits to help others maintain their CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) certification.
Melissa has been the Executive Director of the Foothills Equestrian Nature Center, responsible for fundraising, grant writing, volunteer leadership, program development, marketing and advertising with Social Media.
As an Instructor for Duke University Continuing Studies Nonprofit Management Program, Melissa taught classes in NC, SC & VA on fundraising, volunteer management, accounting, special events, marketing, social media and on the roles and responsibilities of nonprofit boards and Executive Directors.
Melissa has a Master Naturalist Certificate from Clemson University and an Advanced Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University.
