Alan’s passion for conservation began during his childhood when his parents, Greg and Angela, emphasized the importance of sustainability in our lives.

Alan graduated from Appalachian State University, majoring in Political Science and minoring in Sustainable Development. At Appalachian State, Alan served as Student Body Vice President and was elected Homecoming King. He also earned a law degree from the University of South Carolina. At USC Law, Alan worked for the Charlotte City Attorney and the Federal Highways Administration. After graduation, Alan served as a clerk for the Honorable Maite Murphy and Crantford Meehan, Attorneys at Law.

In his free time, you may find Alan fly fishing, watching Star Wars, or exploring Charleston with his dog, Leia.

Carolina Association for Community Economic Development for nearly 25 years. SCACED is the state's trade association and funding intermediary for Community Development Corporations, Community Development Financial Institutions, and grassroots economic development organizations. Since his time with SCACED, Bernie helped shepherded the growth of the community economic development movement in South Carolina from 4 organizations to over 100, growing SCACED’s membership to over 200 nonprofits and organizations.

Bernie is a graduate of Charleston Southern University with a BS in Biology, and of the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia with a Master of Divinity degree, with a concentration in Ministry with the Poor. In 2000, Bernie completed the Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government at the John F. Kennedy School at Harvard University.

Mr. Chester B. Williams is a 40 year old native of old Enfieldale in Enfield, NC. He graduated from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University with a BS in Mathematics and BFA in Professional Theatre. He matriculated at Indiana University to earn my Masters in Mathematical Physics. He has worked in education for over 10 years in Indiana, Virginia and North Carolina respectively and recently received a Nonprofit Management Certification from Duke University.

He is doing exciting work to uplift the youth and communities throughout rural North Carolina, creating opportunities for the youth to shape a healthier world in their own communities and beyond. He is currently the Founder and Chief Empowerment Officer (CEO) at A Better Chance A Better Community (ABC2), an organization which connects rural communities with resources and opportunities to activate youth power and advocate for realistic solutions and healthier lifestyles.

​​He also supports the ABC2 World Changers and the youth of ABC2. Together they have created a large Community Garden to provide fresh seasonal produce for the Enfield Farmer’s Market. Proceeds from farm sales go directly to scholarships and training programs for the youth and teens in the community, continuing a loop of investment and commitment that is evident in all Williams’ efforts. The World Changers also host Teen Unity Summits, bringing together young people to highlight social issues impacting teens today, as well as cooking classes with younger children and their families.

Mr. Williams is a visionary and a tireless optimist, who stands beside the World Changers and helps facilitate the vision they have for a powerful and just future. He sees the community garden as a vehicle for everything from self-esteem building to financial literacy and service learning. He has partnered with numerous organizations and agencies and also serves on numerous committees and boards to include: the Halifax Community College Foundation Board, Southeastern Halifax Coalition, and iCreate Art Initiative, to name a few. Mr. William's operates in the spirit of community he believes that collective engagement and partnership are key to a vibrant and healthy community.