OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Sustainable Sandhills is proud of its Board of Directors. We recruit our Board members from many aspects of society to ensure both personal and professional diversity. This group of consummate professionals includes educators, professors, engineers, conservationists, entrepreneurs and advisors - all of whom have unique talents but a common desire to create resilient environmental, economic and social resources for current and future generations in the Sandhills of North Carolina.

DENISE RENFRO – BOARD CHAIR

Denise is the Director of the Academy of Green Technology at Douglas Byrd High School in Fayetteville, which was designated a Green Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education.

She joined the Board in November 2019 and was elected Chair in September 2021.

Her professional interests include energy, clean water, grant writing and resilience.

Denise’s husband Adam works for the North Carolina Virtual Public School. They have two children, Taylor and Arjay. Arjay is currently attending the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he is studying public policy and economics.

When she is not molding young minds, Denise enjoys exercising, fiddling around in her garden, and reading non-fiction.

HEATHER BROWN – BOARD VICE-CHAIR

Heather is the Senior Strategic Sustainability Planner for the United States Army Reserve.

She joined the Board in July 2019.

She is a lover of dirt (our natural environment), noise (great music) and fillers (scrumptious nibbles). She is contracted to the federal government and enjoys supporting our military communities.

Heather and her husband, Chris, have been married for over 20 years and love to visit new places whenever they can. They are parents to two silly rescue pups – Gabe, a lovable Red Nose Pit Bull, and Laney, a German Short-Haired Pointer.

Heather’s sustainability interests include local food, pollinators, the arts and homelessness.

DR. ASSAD TAVAKOLI – BOARD TREASURER

Dr. Assad Tavakoli is a distinguished leader in economic development, research, and higher education. Formerly the Dean of Fayetteville State University’s School of Business and Economics, Dr. Tavakoli guided the school to AACSB accreditation, placing it among the top 5 percent of business schools globally. He launched nationally recognized online MBA and Accounting programs, and his leadership established a Veteran’s Business Outreach Center and an EDA-funded University Center for Economic Development, both dedicated to empowering local entrepreneurs and small businesses.

He has also promoted international education through USAID-funded partnerships with universities in the Philippines, Jamaica, and Colombia, and actively collaborates with regional organizations to drive economic growth and community development.

RODNEY MEDLEY – BOARD MEMBER

Rodney is a proud veteran of the United States Army and co-owner of Beehive Yourself NC.

He joined the Board in March 2020.

With his “Queen Bee” Rebekah, Rodney creates honeys and honey-infused sweet treats that are renowned for their unique array of flavors such as Ginger, Smoke Pepper Bomb and Apple Brandy. You can find Beehive Yourself products at shops and farmers markets across central North Carolina, including Sustainable Sandhills markets. Beehive Yourself NC also offers Host-A-Hive services, as well as beekeeping education and outreach programs. Visit their website HERE.

Rodney is also a dedicated community advocate and activist who works to improve the quality of life in the Sandhills.

STEPHEN ZINNERMAN – BOARD MEMBER

Stephen Zinnerman works as CEO of The Coffee Enthusiast, a company that focuses on small batch coffee roasting, developing real relationships with farmers, research, education, and growing with all involved in the coffee supply chain. Visit their website HERE.

LTC CHRISTOPHER STANTON – BOARD MEMBER

LTC Stanton is the Environmental Branch Chief G 3/5/7 Engineers, U.S. Army Reserve Command.

He joined the Board in January 2023.

AMY ELLIOT – BOARD MEMBER

Amy is a teacher at Douglas Byrd High School.

She joined the Board in January 2023.

EDDIE ROSADO – BOARD MEMBER

Eddie joined the Board on July 2023. He is the Deputy Director of the United States Army Reserve Command Engineer Directorate. The Directorate includes an Environmental Branch which focuses on sustainability, resilience, and compliance with regulatory guidance. Eddie is involved with community clean-up activities and loves the outdoors.

ZACHARY HALL – BOARD MEMBER

Zach Hall is an electrical Engineer at Fayetteville Public Works Commission in Fayetteville, NC. Zach graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from North Carolina A&T State University in 2017 and has been working as an electrical engineer for six years.

Zach specializes in line design of distribution and transmission lines at PWC, working with EV customers for new EV charger installations, as well as working with new commercial developments in the area.

SHAUN GRAHAM – BOARD MEMBER

Shaun retired in June 2024 as a transportation planner with the Fayetteville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (FAMPO), which serves as the transportation section for the Cumberland County Planning & Inspections Department. She is also a veteran of the United States Air Force.

She joined the Board in October 2024.

Shaun and her husband John, enjoy spending time with family, friends, and Charlie (the grand-cat), gardening, traveling, and visiting North Carolina vineyards.