Skip to content

Palmetto LEAF

2026 Class Cohort

alt

Jacob Addison

Clemson University Department of Pesticide Regulation
Pesticide Registration Manager

alt

Odessa Armstrong

USDA/NRCS 
Assistant State Conservationist for Partnership

alt

April Atkinson

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources 
Wildlife Biologist III & Project Leader/Webb Wildlife Center

alt

Jon Barker

South Carolina Forestry Commission
Assistant Unit Forester-Piedmont East Unit

alt

Joel Feltman

American Forest Management  
Regional Technical Forester

alt

Patrick Haddon

Piedmont Environmental Services
COO, Piedmont Environmental Services Haddon Family Farms SC House Representative District 19

alt

Toni Heriot

Clemson University Cooperative Extension
4H Youth Development Agent

alt

Lauren Hood

Clemson University Agricultural Education Program
Graduate Research Assistant/Full-Time Ph.D. Student - Former Extension Agent

alt

Jill Hurst

South Carolina Farm Bureau Federation 
Director of Ag in the Classroom

alt

Holly Jewell

South Carolina Department of Agriculture 
Feed Control Official 

alt

Barry Kesler

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
Regional Wildlife Coordinator

alt

Shannon Lowe

LightBlueAg/Light Blue Farms (Self-employed)
Owner/Grower/AG Consultant

alt

Mark McAlister

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center Assistant Project Leader 

alt

Kinsley Miller

SC Governor's School for Agriculture at John de la Howe
Director of Outreach

alt

Carlos Morales

Agribond/Self-employed
Junior Agribusiness Development Consultant

alt

Walt Morgan

Mishoe Insurance Agency LLC
Crop Insurance Agent

alt

Justin Odom

Charles Ingram Lumber Co.
Assistant Land Manager

alt

Joshua Reed

Marsh Hen Mill
Co-Owner | Executive VP of Sales & Marketing  

alt

Asija Rice

Center For Heirs' Property 
Project Forester

alt

Matthew Rutter

Project Victory Gardens
Executive Director

alt

Mindy Sandifer

SC Agricultural Education State Staff-Clemson University
Associate State Director - SC Agricultural Education The Huckleberry Bay Barn, LLC - event venue

alt

Meredith Snader

InspireAbilities of Anderson County
Director of Agriculture and Engagement

alt

Fran Varacalli

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
Conservation Property Coordinator

alt

Becca Watson

Coastal Conservation League (GrowFood Carolina)
Farm Outreach Manager for GrowFood Carolina

PLEAF Personnel and Staff

kirby player

Kirby Player

Clemson, SC
kplayer@clemson.edu
864-650-0932

Director Palmetto LEAF
Palmetto LEAF Website

Palmetto Leadership for the Environment, Agriculture and Forestry
Palmetto Leadership for the Environment, Agriculture and Forestry | 103 Poole Agricultural Center Clemson, SC 29634-0311