RuralSC Project Leadership Team (PLT)
The RuralSC Project Leadership Team (PLT)
The Project Leadership Team (PLT) model at RuralSC is strategically designed to effectively address the diverse and complex needs of rural communities. Comprising seasoned professionals from various disciplines, the PLT brings specialized knowledge crucial for rural development. The team is responsible not only for staffing each strategic planning project with the most suitable team of subject matter experts tailored to meet specific community needs but also for overseeing project deliverables, providing overall leadership, and setting the strategic direction. Additionally, the PLT leverages its extensive network of hundreds of SMEs with expertise in areas such as education, public health, infrastructure, economic development, environmental management, agriculture, and much more. This extensive reach ensures that all aspects of a project are managed by experts who understand both the broader challenges and the specific local conditions, facilitating effective and community-specific strategies that drive tangible improvements in rural areas.
Project Lead - Paul Daniele
Paul is a seasoned professional with a passion for rural economic development. With over 20 years of experience in international development organizations, he has been working to address systemic issues in rural communities in South Carolina since 2021.
His extensive career includes significant roles at the International Finance Corporation and the World Bank, where he has driven impactful initiatives and solutions. As the Project Manager, he brings visionary leadership to RGI and underscores his commitment to leveraging partnerships and innovation for sustainable community development. Paul's adept project management skills, underscored by certifications and a background in big data and business analytics, lay a strong foundation for steering this project towards impactful outcomes.
Credentials: Paul holds an MBA in Business from The Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from George Mason University. He is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), holds a Professional Certificate in Business Analysis, and is a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB).
Project Co-Lead - Elliot Rhodeside
Elliot I. Rhodeside, FASLA, is a visionary leader in landscape architecture known for his work in creative placemaking across various scales, from parks and gardens to urban planning. As a founding director of Rhodeside & Harwell, he has significantly impacted communities across the country by championing projects that emphasize sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity while preserving cultural and historical significance.
His leadership in numerous landmark projects has earned him widespread recognition, including a Fellowship from the American Society of Landscape Architects. Elliot is dedicated to fostering collaboration between landscape architecture and other design disciplines to generate innovative solutions that enrich communities and environments.
Credentials: Elliot holds a Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design from the Philadelphia College of Art. He is a registered landscape architect in Virginia and North Carolina and has been recognized as a Fellow by the American Society of Landscape Architects. Additionally, he is a member of the Lambda Alpha International Honorary Society.
Infrastructure and Transport Lead - Jenny Humphreys, AICP
Jenny Humphreys is the Senior Vice President & Transformational Growth Leader at CDM Smith, she is a seasoned leader in transportation planning and project management, currently serving as the Senior Vice President and Transformational Growth Leader at CDM Smith. With over 26 years at the firm, she has played a crucial role in driving regional transportation projects across the Southeast, focusing on business development, project delivery, and infrastructure integration.
Jenny has guided significant transportation initiatives, including freight mobility plans and major corridor studies, while mentoring professionals internationally to enhance traffic modeling skills. Her expertise spans planning, design engineering, and construction services, making her a vital contributor to regional and global transportation initiatives. Jenny’s experience in statewide multimodal planning and freight mobility planning provides experience in the integration of land use and economic development plans into infrastructure needs and funding analyses.
Credentials: Jenny holds a Bachelor of Arts in Transportation Planning from The University of Georgia and is an AICP-certified professional (American Institute of Certified Planners).
Education, Research and Outreach Lead - Christopher Green M. Ed, GCDF
Christopher Green is an accomplished leader in education, counseling, and youth mentorship with over 15 years of experience. He currently serves as the Midlands Regional Director at SC State 1890 Research & Extension, where he applies his expertise in organizational leadership and collaborative efforts. Christopher plays a pivotal role in connecting our projects with top professionals at SC State, particularly in the field of agriculture, enriching our resource pool and strategic execution.
Previously, he held key roles including Director of Recruiting at the University of South Carolina Salkehatchie and Project Director at Voorhees College, where he directed initiatives in student engagement and support
Green is also known for his work as a motivational speaker and author. His book, "Mentoring at its Best: Stories of Young Men Who Triumphed Over Adversity," shares powerful insights into the impact of mentorship, showcasing real stories of young men overcoming challenges. He is the founder of Open-Mind Mentoring, a nonprofit organization aimed at nurturing the growth of youth in Orangeburg and surrounding areas. Through his nonprofit, he provides mentoring, guidance, and inspiration to young people, embodying the principles of "paying it forward" that have shaped his life.
Credentials: Christopher Green holds a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Counselor Education and School Counseling, as well as a Master's in Family Counseling from South Carolina State University. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Child and Family Development from Benedict College.
Local Business Engagement Lead - Rachel Lane
Rachel is the Executive Director of the Francis Marion University, Kelley Center, driving economic growth in South Carolina's Pee Dee region through small business support and development initiatives. Previously, she coordinated downtown development for the City of Florence.
As the Director of Marketing and Initiatives for the United Way of Florence County, she boosted brand awareness through impactful marketing campaigns and coordinated community-wide volunteer events. At Morning News, she oversaw circulation sales and devised strategies to enhance readership. Her experience as an Event Coordinator for BRAVO! Event & Party Rentals further honed her skills in event management and client relations on the local and corporate level.
Credentials: Rachel is a highly qualified professional with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Marketing from Francis Marion University.