Meet the Greenville County Advisory Committee Members

August 31, 2021

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Service exists to serve the resident of the state. Our purpose is to help residents meet the challenges through educational experiences that meet the needs of our ever-changing society.  Extension Advisory Councils in each of South Carolina’s 46 counties share responsibility with Extension staff in defining needs, establishing goals, and making appropriate recommendations for Extension programming.  The Advisory Council is a representative group of citizens who volunteer their time, talent, and knowledge to help strengthen the service of the county Extension program and improve the life of county residents.  The partnership between Extension staff and Advisory Councils allows for timely response to identified community needs with valid, quality programming.

Kirsten Robertson 

My name is Kirsten Robertson, and I am the Manager/Engineer for the Greenville County Soil and Water Conservation District.  This means that I assist citizens with erosion, drainage, sinkhole, and flooding advice and help them understand their regulatory responsibilities.  The work includes maintaining nine dams in the county that were built by the federal government in the 70’s and 80’s.  I also work with farmers teaching conservation and soil health principles.  I teach the Soils class in the Greenville Tech Sustainable Ag program and have a farm with chickens and sheep.  My passion is soil health, and I created and ran a 20K+ member Facebook group called the reGenerative Grazing Group.  Patricia Whitener, 4-H Agent and County Coordinator, invited me to participate.

Michael Weeks

I have worked at Roper Mountain Science Center since 2006. I headed up the Living History Farm and Education programs before becoming Director in 2014. I grew up in Ohio, graduated from Kent State University, and worked in the nonprofit, living history farm world for seven years in Ohio and Pennsylvania before moving to Greenville in 2006.  I am passionate about education, local food systems, homesteading, history, sustainability, and my faith and family. My interests include gardening, homesteading in general, college football, hiking, traveling, church community, and the Star Wars and Marvel media universes. Most important to me right now is spending time with my four kids as they grow up and engaging with what their interests are. I was invited to participate by Cory Tanner and Danny Howard. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to support Clemson Extension and advocate for the great programs you all do.

Scott Parks

Scott Park is a Greenville County resident and currently leads the Upstate Forever Land Conservation Program. This nationally accredited land trust currently helps protect more than 25,000 acres of farm, forest, and natural areas in the ten-county Upstate South Carolina region. Overall, Upstate Forever is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects critical lands, waters, and the unique character of Upstate South Carolina. Outside of Upstate Forever, Scott is interested in exploring new trails with his family and friends, preparing meals from local farm products, and highlighting people that source local ingredients as a personal Instagram hobby. George Dickert, District Extension Director, and Cory Tanner, Horticulture Program Team Leader, invited Scott to the Advisory Council.

Brandon Cook

I am the Health Care for the Homeless and Medical Respite Program Director at New Horizon Family Health Services, Inc.  New Horizon is a Federally Qualified Health Center serving the Greenville and surrounding communities providing quality, affordable, patient-centered care for the communities we serve.  The Health Care for the Homeless program ensures that people experiencing homelessness can access primary care and help anyone experiencing homelessness across all 13 counties of the Upstate. My role is to manage the program, support staff, and support the mission and vision of New Horizon Family Health Services, Inc while building strong partnerships and leveraging resources for people experiencing homelessness in the Upstate. My passion is to ensure that everyone can access healthcare in this country rich in resources and opportunities.  I believe healthcare is a human right, and I also think housing is a human right, meaning that no one should have to go without either, especially in the day and age in which we live. My interests are fishing, playing guitar (I received my undergrad degree from the University of South Carolina School of Music studying classical guitar), whittling, and learning new things. Shana Madden, Health Extension agent, invited me.

Gary Cutter

I’m Gary Cutter.  I grew up in Indiana on a small farm and was a ten-year 4-H member.  I graduated from Purdue University with B.S. in Ag Education and M.S. in Agronomy.  I earned a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin in Plant Breeding and Genetics.  I am presently actively involved with the Greater Greenville Master Gardeners Association, having served on the Executive Committee for the past five years as Treasurer, 1st VP, President, Past President, and now as 2nd V.P. in charge of membership and communications (315 members). I was in the research department as a corn breeding manager and production research manager during my career. My passions and values center around my family and church. My wife, Karen, and I have been married for nearly 49 years, and 3 of our five children live nearby, along with 8 of our ten grandchildren.  We are also active in our church serving in the marriage ministry and leading a small group. I am not a golfer, hunter, fisherman, or boat enthusiast, but a gardener and spend lots of time outdoors and enjoy sharing my experiences and expertise with others in that area. Jordan Franklin, Horticulture agent, invited me to participate

George Fisher

George’s expertise is in consulting engineering. He is passionate about water and protecting our resources. He received his M.S. in Environmental Systems Engineering, Clemson University, a B.S. in Civil Engineering from, University of Kansas, and his B.S. in Business Administration from, University of Kansas. George has over 30 years in Water and wastewater systems, Management of Consulting Engineering, and helping communities like Greenville with economic development strategies. George served on Greenville City Council for four years, volunteers with Rotary International as the Veterans Support Chairman, and serves on many boards, including Renewable Water Resource, Appalachian Council of Governors, Greenville Symphony Board, and Southern Connector. He enjoys travel and nature photography, is the proud father of a son and daughter and boasts four grandchildren. Heather Nix, a water resource agent, invited George to join.

Other Advisory Members: Polly Powell, Sue Grubbs, Susan Walrabenstein, Ken Southerlin, Rushawnda Oden, Shirley Thompson, Butch Kirven, Lia Sanders