Conservation leader Michael McShane of Johns Island awarded state’s highest honor

Senator Chip Campsen and Michael McShane

Michael McShane of Johns Island has been awarded the Order of the Palmetto, the highest civilian honor bestowed by the Governor of South Carolina.

The Order of the Palmetto is awarded to individuals who demonstrate exceptional lifetime achievement, service, and contributions of statewide or national significance. Established in 1971, the award recognizes individuals who have had a meaningful and enduring impact on South Carolina and its people.

Senator Chip Campsen nominated McShane for the Order of the Palmetto in recognition of his exceptional public service and leadership.  Campsen presented the Order of the Palmetto to McShane on behalf of Governor McMaster at the June 24 ACE Basin Task Force gathering at Nemours Wildlife Foundation.

A lifelong Lowcountry native, McShane has devoted a career to conserving South Carolina’s abundant natural resources for generations to come. He served as Chairman of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Board, and Chairman of the South Carolina Conservation Bank. From these positions McShane led efforts to deploy the largest conservation funding in state history, ensuring permanent protection and responsible stewardship for hundreds of thousands of acres of vital natural resources.

In support of his nomination, Senator Campsen noted, “Mike McShane’s integrity and lifelong dedication to conservation of South Carolina’s magnificent natural resources exemplify the values recognized by the Order of the Palmetto.”

Mr. McShane continues to serve South Carolina through key leadership roles, including Chairman of the Beaufort County Green Space Advisory Committee, Chairman of the Nemours Wildlife Foundation, Chairman of the East Edisto Conservancy, President and Chief Executive Officer of the NEAR Center, and Vice Chair of the ACE Basin Task Force. Through the Nemours Wildlife Foundation alone, more than 3,000 acres of ecologically significant Lowcountry habitat have been permanently conserved.

At the national level, Mr. McShane serves on the Board of Directors of Ducks Unlimited and as Senior Advisory Vice President for Public Policy, where he advances conservation policies that benefit wetlands, wildlife habitat, and communities. He has also contributed to South Carolina’s civic institutions through leadership with the Medical University of South Carolina Children’s Hospital Advisory Board.