South Carolina Conservation Bank welcomes new board members
August 28, 2025
Wes Carter, West Cox and Melanie Shull
The South Carolina Conservation Bank announced the appointment of three board members to its board.
Atlantic Packaging president and founder of A New Earth Project, Wes Carter was appointed by Governor Henry McMaster as a board member at large. He has spearheaded efforts to improve the conservation of ecosystems around the globe by pushing for a more circular economy.
Upstate attorney West Cox was appointed by Speaker of the House Murrell Smith to represent the Third Congressional District. He brings extensive experience in real estate transactions and a passion for servant leadership.
Shull Ag’s CEO, Melanie Shull, was appointed by Governor Henry McMaster as an at-large board member. Dr. Shull, a pharmacist, founded her agriculture-focused consulting and engineering firm because of her passion for agriculture. She is an agribusiness and conservation leader, a committed advocate for South Carolina’s working ag lands, and works to advance agricultural stewardship and resiliency in SC and nationwide.
The South Carolina Conservation Bank Act establishes a seventeen-member board to govern the Conservation Bank. Voting members represent all areas of the state: three members appointed by the governor from the state at large; four members appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives – one each from the third, fourth, and sixth congressional districts and one member from the state at large; four members appointed by the president pro tempore of the Senate – each one from the first second fifth and 7th congressional districts.
The board also consists of the chairman of the board for the Department of Natural Resources, the chairman of the South Carolina Forestry Commission, the commissioner of agriculture, the secretary of commerce, the secretary of transportation, and the director for the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism all of whom serve ex officio and without voting privileges.
“Conservation Bank board leadership ensures a transparent process to responsibly allocate funds in support of our mission,” remarked Michael G. McShane, chair, South Carolina Conservation Bank Board. “We’re honored to welcome these committed and experienced individuals.”
Over the past twenty-one years, the bank board has awarded more than $300,000,000 in grants to permanently protect 413,000 acres across South Carolina.
About the South Carolina Conservation Bank
The South Carolina Conservation Bank was established in 2002 to improve the quality of life in South Carolina by conserving significant natural resource lands, wetlands, historical properties, archeological sites, and urban parks. Funding for the Conservation Bank began in July 2004. Since that time, more than 500 properties have been permanently protected with bank grant funds.
