New hires
Brian Matthews started as a Communication Specialist II / Dispatcher I in the Pee Dee Region June 2. He lives in Florence and previously worked for the Army National Guard / Emergency Medical Services.
Jerry Sanders started as the Project Forester for Orangeburg and Calhoun counties June 2.
He lives in Barnwell and earned his bachelor’s degree in Forest Resource Management from Clemson University. Jerry previously worked as a student employee in the South Carolina Botanical Garden and as a forestry technician intern at Harbison State Forest.
Shea Cain started as a Dispatcher in the Pee Dee Region June 2. She lives in Hartsville and attended Marlboro County High School, Benedict College and the Professional Medical Training Center in Florence.
Shea previously worked at CVS Pharmacy. In her free time, she enjoys sewing, singing, dance and fishing.
Kevin Johnstone is a Forester in the Edisto Unit as of Jun 2. He lives in Hanahan and attended Clemson University. Kevin previously worked as a timber buyer.
Amber Carvalho Knox started as a Communication Specialist II/Dispatcher I (Temp) in the Piedmont Region July 2.
Melissa Carnes is a Communication Specialist II/Dispatcher I in the Pee Dee Region as of June 17.
Zechariah Willoughby started July 2 as the Economic Development Officer II at Headquarters.
Jasmine Moore started July 2 as a Communication Specialist II/Dispatcher I (Temp) in the Pee Dee Region.
Interns
Even though our interns’ summer terms at the Forestry Commission have expired, they are worthy of mention for their outstanding work with us across several areas of the agency. We hope to have them back as interns or fellow employees in the future!
Jack Barbas was the Forestry Technician Intern at Harbison State Forest starting June 2. He attends Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina.
Ben Sears was a Forestry Technician Intern with the Insect and Disease team as starting June 2. He lives in Blythewood and is majoring in Environmental Science at the University of South Carolina.
Previously, Ben worked as a farmhand at Hoofprint Meadows and One Hubcap Farm in Blythewood. He also volunteered at Dr. Eric LoPresti’s plant and insect ecology lab at USC.
In his free time, Ben enjoys gardening and playing piano. He is currently learning how to play guitar.
Ashley Brashears was a Forestry Technician I Intern with the Insect and Disease team starting June 17. She lives in Columbia and is a rising senior at the University of South Carolina majoring in Environmental Science.
Ashley previously conducted undergraduate research at USC. In her free time, she enjoys learning about sustainability and is involved in Sustainable Carolina at USC.
On the move
Larkinya Meadows is a Communication Specialist II/Dispatcher I (FTE) in the Coastal Region as of June 17.
Colton Webb is the Prescribed Fire Coordinator as of July 17. He previously served as the Fire Management Officer for the Edgefield/McCormick/Saluda Sector.
Amanda Ahlin is a Communication Specialist II/Dispatcher I (FTE) in the Coastal Region as of July 2.
Farewells
Public Information Coordinator Michelle Johnson retired June 2 after 36 years with the Forestry Commission. We wish her the best in retirement! Read the full story here.
Piedmont Region Communication Specialist/Dispatcher Tammy Kitchen retired from the Forestry Commission July 7.
Piedmont Region Dispatch Manager Karly Cassada shared this message:
“For 17 years, Tammy Kitchen has been an integral part of the Piedmont Dispatch family. Throughout her career, she has exemplified professionalism, dedication, and a genuine passion for serving others.
Her extensive knowledge, exceptional customer service, and calm, dependable presence have made her an invaluable asset to our team. Tammy has consistently gone above and beyond to support not only the citizens we serve but also her fellow dispatchers and field personnel. She has always been someone others could count on for guidance, encouragement, and a helping hand.
What truly sets Tammy apart is the kindness and friendship she has shared with everyone around her. Her positive attitude, unwavering support, and ability to make even the busiest days a little brighter have left a lasting impact on all who have had the privilege of working alongside her. She has built relationships that extend far beyond the workplace, and her legacy will continue to be felt throughout Piedmont Dispatch.
While her experience, knowledge, and daily presence will be deeply missed, we are incredibly grateful for the 17 years of service, commitment, and excellence she has given to Piedmont Dispatch. She leaves behind a standard of professionalism and compassion that will not soon be forgotten.
As Tammy begins this exciting new chapter, we wish her nothing but happiness, good health, relaxation, and countless new adventures. Her contributions have made a difference in the lives of so many, and we are thankful to have been part of her journey.
Thank you for your years of service, your countless contributions, and the memories you’ve created along the way. We wish you nothing but happiness, success, and fulfillment in this exciting new chapter. Congratulations, best of luck, and remember—you will always be a part of the Piedmont Dispatch family.”
Pee Dee Region Administrative Specialist Cindy Stogner retired after 8 years with the Forestry Commission. We wish you the best in retirement!
Recognition
Please join us in congratulating SCFC Environmental Education Program Manager Matt Schnabel, upon whom the national Future Farmers of America organization will confer the 2026 Honorary American FFA Degree.
Matt wears many hats for the Forestry Commission, developing and leading all of our educational programs, tailoring forestry-centered curriculum across multiple grade levels to state academic standards, coordinating the statewide network of Project Learning Tree teachers and activities as well as serving as an ambassador and liaison for the agency with dozens of state and national environmental education organizations and initiatives.
The Honorary American FFA Degree is the highest honorary recognition awarded by the National FFA Organization, honoring individuals who have rendered exceptional service to agriculture, agricultural education or FFA on a national level.
Matt was recognized for his achievements at the 99th SC FFA convention in Greenville June 17, and he will be officially conferred his degree at the national FFA convention in Indianapolis this October.
On his first deployment to Minnesota this summer, IMT Coordinator Andy Johnson satisfied all of his requirements to be a Complex Logistics Chief, which is a huge deal. Congratulations!
Forest Resource Analyst Scott Danskin received the Distinguished Service Award at the South Carolina SAF Division meeting for serving as Treasurer for the past six years. Congratulations!
Separations
Manchester State Forest Director Daniel Tew separated from the agency June 8.