Our Leaders in Conservation

The SCACD Board of Directors is made up of dedicated conservation leaders from across South Carolina. Together, they guide the Association’s efforts to promote responsible resource management, strengthen district programs, and advocate for sound conservation policy that benefits both people and the land.

Ben Setzler
President

Ben is a 3rd generation farmer from Newberry, SC. He first became a Commissioner at 22 years old, serving as the youngest Commissioner in the state for close to a decade. He has served as a Commissioner for 17 years, seven of eight of which he served as Chairman of Newberry’s Conservation District. Ben has also served as SCACD Treasurer and Vice President.

Ben has been instrumental in revitalizing the committee structure of the state association, increasing the Association’s legislative influence, strengthening the Conservation District’s relationship with DNR, NRCS, and other state partners, and securing an additional $10,000 in recurring state funding for every District in the state. His passion for conservation shows through the way he manages his family’s farm in a regenerative manner.

Ben is married to Tara and is the father of two boys. He operates Hi Brau Beef, a farm to consumer beef business, as well as a beef cattle operation and a poultry operation. He studied agriculture at Clemson University.

Kevin Yon
Vice President
Jeff Wilson
Past President
Mike Stewart
Treasurer
Beth White
Secretary
I am a 4th generation peach and strawberry farmer in York County who is passionate about land preservation and water conservation.My grandfather, Punk Black, was one of the founding commissioners in York County and it is an honor to keep vision alive.
Barbara Padget
East Piedmont Area Director
I retired from teaching in 2017 after 41 years. I have been an associate commissioner and commissioner in Lexington County since 2007. I grew up on a farm in Saluda County and learned to value the land and natural resources. I love to garden,  spend time with grandchildren, and cheer for the Tigers.
Alex Kostik
West Piedmont Area Director
Justin Woodard
Pee Dee Area Director
Laura Bagwell
Edisto/Savannah Valley Area Director
After a 25-year career as a geologist at the Savannah River Site, Laura volunteers on local and statewide conservation efforts, regional environmental policy initiatives, and matters of historical preservation. Laura earned BS and MS degrees in geology from the University of South Carolina and Texas A&M University, respectively. First elected to the Aiken Soil & Water Commission in 2018 and to the SCACD Board in 2024, she has also served on the Edisto River Basin Council, the Western Capacity Use Area groundwater management team, the City of Aiken’s stormwater stakeholder group, and on the Board of Directors for Aiken Land Conservancy and Friends of the Edisto. She is currently the Director for SCACD’s Edisto – Savannah Area. Laura enjoys horses, spending time in Hitchcock Woods, and watching polo at Whitney Field. 
Joe Ghent
Watershed Liaison
I am Joe Ghent and a Commissioner with the Lancaster Soil and Water Conservation District. I am retired from Comporium Communications and serve as a Elder at New Cut Evangelical Presbyterian Church.I currently serve as Chair of the Lancaster District, SCACD Watershed Director Liaison, Chair of the SCACD Land Use, Water Quality and Research Policy committee, Northeast Pee Dee Drought Management Area for SCDNR, and the Catawba Wateree Management Group Advisory Committee.I enjoy working with SCACD and our local conservation districts to promote conservation best practices and conservation education across the state.I enjoy hunting, fishing, the South Carolina low country and coastline, and spending time with my family and friends.It’s a great day to be in South Carolina!
Ann Lamar Tuten
Executive Director
Kenny Mullis
NACD Representative
Ashton Defibaugh
Grants and Agreements Administrator
Ashton’s passion for agriculture and conservation began in high school through her involvement in FFA, where she developed a deep appreciation for supporting those who care for the land. Though she chose to take a different path in college, earning a degree in business, her career ultimately led her back to agriculture. After graduation, Ashton worked as a federal contractor for NRCS, where she built valuable connections and experience. Today, she serves as the Grant Administrator for the South Carolina Association of Conservation Districts (SCACD), where she is proud to support farmers and landowners in their essential work of feeding America and protecting natural resources.

Location

900 Clemson rd. 
Columbia, SC 29229
United States

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