South Carolina’s Emerging Conservation Leaders Graduate from Palmetto Leadership Academy
COLUMBIA, S.C.—Conservation Voters of South Carolina Education Fund celebrated the graduation of the 2026 class of the Palmetto Leadership Academy (PLA), a statewide leadership development program preparing emerging leaders to serve on South Carolina’s boards and commissions and help shape the future of conservation policy and public service across the state.
The graduation ceremony, held on Wednesday in Columbia, brought together conservation advocates, civic leaders, and public officials from across South Carolina to recognize a diverse cohort of fellows committed to protecting the state’s natural resources while guiding thoughtful growth and development.
The event featured keynote remarks from Dr. Thomas S. Mullikin, Director of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, who emphasized the urgency and opportunity facing South Carolina at a pivotal moment in the state’s growth.
Dr. Mullikin highlighted that South Carolina is now among the fastest-growing places in the country, while also holding a rare constitutional mandate to conserve its natural resources. He noted that the state is increasingly experiencing the impacts of climate change, including severe storms and mounting pressure on communities, coastlines, and infrastructure. Mullikin stressed that conservation and sustainable planning are essential to South Carolina’s future, and that proactive conservation is far less costly than rebuilding after resources are destroyed.
“The Palmetto Leadership Academy exists to prepare leaders for exactly this moment in South Carolina’s history,” said Tori Oluseyi, program manager for the Palmetto Leadership Academy. “These fellows are stepping forward to serve their communities and our state through boards and commissions that influence the future of our land, water, resilience, and quality of life. We are incredibly proud of this graduating class and excited to see the impact they will make protecting the South Carolina we all love.”
The Palmetto Leadership Academy equips fellows with training in public service, conservation policy, civic leadership, and board governance, helping to cultivate the next generation of leaders prepared to advance sustainable, forward-looking solutions across South Carolina.For more information about the Palmetto Leadership Academy, visit cvsc.org/SCPLA.