Sustainable Sandhills is governed by a diverse group of professionals throughout the Sandhills. Let’s meet them!

OFFICERS

DENISE RENFRO, BOARD CHAIRWOMAN

HEATHER BROWN, BOARD VICE-CHAIRWOMAN

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

She joined the Board in July of 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 travel. They are parents to Gabe, a lovable Red Nose Pit Bull.

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

DR. ASSAD TAVAKOLI, SECRETARY-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 five 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.

OFFICERS

REBEKAH MEDLEY

Rebekah is the co-owner of Beehive Yourself NC. Beehive Yourself NC offers a wide array of traditional and infused honey and honey products as well as Host-A-Hive projects, beekeeping education programs and farm-to-table catering services.

Rebekah also enjoys cooking and baking for her clients and family, which includes her husband Rodney and her stepsons Roman and Christopher. She is always creating in every aspect of her life!

Rebekah is interested clean living and is a vocal advocate for locally-owned, small businesses. She constantly strives to lessen her impacts on Mother Nature.

Rebekah joined the Board in December of 2025.

RODNEY MEDLEY

Rodney is a proud veteran of the United States Army, certified beekeeper and co-owner of Beehive Yourself NC. With his “Queen Bee” Rebekah, Rodney creates honey goods that are renowned for their unique array of flavors such as Ginger, Smoked Pepper Bomb and Apple Brandy. Beehive Yourself NC goods are at shops and farmers’ markets across central North Carolina. Beehive Yourself NC also offers Host-A-Hive services, as well as beekeeping education programs.

When Rodney retired from the Army, he developed an interest in sustainability — especially holistic living that was beneficial for his body, home and planet. He strives to live as cleanly as possible and focuses on reducing waste in his home.

Rodney is a loving husband to Rebekah and doting father to sons Roman and Christopher. He is an avid kayaker, and he is a roller skating and Comic Con enthusiast. He is also a dedicated community advocate and activist who works to improve the quality of life in the Sandhills.

Rodney joined the Board in March of 2020.

EDDIE ROSADO

Eddie is the Deputy Director of the United States Army Reserve Command Engineer Directorate at Fort Bragg. The Directorate includes an Environmental Branch which focuses on sustainability, resilience and compliance with regulatory guidance.

Eddie is actively involved with community litter sweeps and loves the outdoors.

Eddie joined the Board in July of 2023.

BRANDIS STRICKLAND

Brandis is a self-proclaimed plant loving, soil fluffing, mad farming tree hugger!

Brandis hails from Lumberton in Robeson County, NC. He is a proud husband to Jessica Ola Strickland, his greatest supporter, and he is a father to six children.

Brandis has a deep passion for healing both our lands and our communities in ways that unite our people. He is a proud member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina and serves on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Composting Council. Brandis is also a strong advocate for vermiculture and composting as sustainable waste management practices.

Brandis is the owner of Organic Life Amendments. Their sustainability efforts focus on composting as a powerful solution to reduce food waste and create nutrient-rich soil that supports healthier crops.

Brandis joined the Board in March of 2026.