Issuu

AGENDA

08:00 AM Registration/coffee

09:00 AM Welcome and sponsor recognition

09:35 AM Opening remarks

10:00 AM Panel 1: Taking Responsibility within Companies, Communities & Supply Chain

10:45 AM Break

11:00 AM Panel 2: Corporate Protection of Nature

11:45 AM Lunch buffet line

12:15 PM Lunch + keynote w/ Craig Lemasters, Chief Executive Officer at NewRoad

1:00 PM Panel 3: Innovation, Technology & E-Mobility

1:45 PM Sparking the Carbon Cut: Bold Strategies for a Low-Emission Future

2:00 PM Panel 4: Decarbonizing Manufacturing: Strategies for Sustainable Transformation

2:45 PM Closing remarks

3:00 PM Business to Student Networking Event (B2SN) with students from Furman University, Clemson University & Wofford University

5:00 PM End of the day

THE ULTIMATE UPSTATE EXPERIENCE

Cheer on the golf action greenside, rub elbows with celebrities, take in a downtown concert or hang with family and friends in a hospitality venue.

Tickets available at BMWcharitygolf.com.

A portion of all online sales will be donated to charity!

EMCEE

Jamarcus Gaston,

TV Personality and Co-host/Managing Editor of Your Carolina

Jamarcus is a local TV Personality and the Co-host/Managing Editor of Your Carolina, GSP’s original lifestyle show. After growing up in the small town of Great Falls, South Carolina, Jamarcus attend Furman University on both an academic and music scholarship. He played tuba in Furman’s Paladin Regiment, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Brass Quintet, and Symphony Orchestra. For his role as campus TV News Director, he was awarded the Charles A. Batson Outstanding Student in Broadcast Journalism Award. Jamarcus holds a B.A. in Music and Communication Studies from Furman University.

Jamarcus started working at WSPA as an intern for the 7NEWS “Problem Solvers” unit. After graduation, he was hired in the Promotions department and worked as a field producer for Your Carolina with Jack and Kimberly. As the first reporter/photographer for the Scene on 7 morning magazine show, he launched 3 segments “Cool Jobs,” “Home Hopping,” and “Gaston Grubs.” Jamarcus was promoted to Host/Producer of Carolina Now that he morphed into Studio 62, a respected community platform featuring local musicians, foodies, and makers. In 2017, Jamarcus returned to Scene on 7 as Co-host/ Co-producer to continue showcasing all the things that make the Carolinas impressive. The following year, Jamarcus was named Co-host of Your Carolina and was promoted to Managing Editor in 2024. It is the highest rated lifestyle show in the market.

Jamarcus has been honored as an Emerging Leader by the Greenville News, named Best of the Best TV Personality finalist by the Spartanburg Herald Journal, and ‘Talented Tenth’ Young Professional by the Urban League of the Upstate. The community honored Jamarcus as the Top Social Media Influencer for the Best of the Upstate 2018. Talk Magazine also named Jamarcus as ‘10 Most Stylish.’ In his spare time, Jamarcus enjoys scouting new local folk to feature, supporting live music, discovering new restaurants, and traveling to the beautiful places around the country.

Beth Pontari, VP for Academic Affairs and Provost, Furman University

Beth Pontari is Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost at Furman University. Beth’s focuses include co-leading the university’s strategic plan efforts and re-envisioning divisional units to increase impact on and off campus.

As associate provost, Beth helped to launch The Furman Advantage, Furman’s innovative approach to a transformative undergraduate education, and was responsible for promoting Furman’s academic vision and facilitating Furman’s partnership with Gallup.

Beth also chaired the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) Steering Committee for Furman’s re-accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The QEP focused on identifying and removing barriers for students to participate in high-impact experiences.

Beth has served on Furman’s faculty in the psychology department since 2001, with four years as chair. She received her Ph.D. and master’s degrees from the University of Florida and her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Colgate University. As a social psychologist, her research focuses on self-presentation - the process of conveying identities to others and the impact this has on self-view. She investigates how and why people are more or less successful at managing their social interactions.

Dr. Andrew Predmore

Executive Director, The Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities

Dr. Predmore leads Furman’s Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities, which catalyzes sustainability on campus and across S.C. through applied research, and hands-on sustainability leadership training for people of all ages and experience levels. A native of Spartanburg, SC, Dr. Predmore returned to the Upstate three years ago, having spent most of his career in the Midwest where he was a professor at the University of Illinois Springfield, and then Director of Sustainability for Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. In addition to his work in higher ed, Dr. Predmore also brings experience in the private sector, having worked for Milliken and Company on their sustainability efforts. Dr. Predmore brings a holistic view of our sustainability challenges to Furman and believes strongly in Furman’s commitment to doing great sustainability work that benefits the people of SC.

Rob Lederer

CEO of the Responsible Business Alliance

Rob Lederer is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA), a nonprofit coalition of leading companies dedicated to improving social, environmental and ethical conditions in their global supply chains.

He has guided the RBA since 2013, driving industry action in the areas of forced labor, conflict minerals, human rights and sustainability, and expanding partnerships with governments and civil society worldwide. During that time the RBA has grown tremendously in size and reach, more than doubling its membership.

Rob has more than three decades of experience managing industry associations, helping them to achieve strategic objectives. Additionally, he was the mayor of Fairfax, Virginia, USA, for 10 years, providing leadership and vision to the city.

Dr. Thomas Becker, Vice President Sustainability, Mobility at BMW Group

Dr. Thomas Becker is Vice President Sustainability and Mobility at the BMW Group in Munich. He supervises the integration of the sustainability dimension into the corporate strategy, including. Defining the implementation of the objectives of the Paris Climate Agreement at corporate level, the Group’s strategic approach to circular economy and the role of individual mobility in the urban environment are part of his portfolio.

Prior to this role, Thomas Becker held the position Vice President Governmental and External Affairs at the BMW Group in Munich since joining the company in 2007. In this position he was responsible for the worldwide representation of the BMW Group’s political interests, oversaw the company’s approach to integrate political topics into the product and business communication of the BMW Group, and steered the sustainability communication of the company.

Thomas Becker started his career as a consultant in the department of environmental policy at the Association of the German Industry (BDI) in Berlin. He later held several leadership positions at the Association of the Automobile Industry (VDA) in Frankfurt. Before his current role at the BMW Group, he held the position of Deputy Managing Director of the VDA. Thomas Becker also served as a reserve officer with the rank of Captain from 1988 until 2003 for the German Air Force. Thomas Becker received his PhD degree (Dr. rer. pol.) with Professor Dr. Ekkehard Kappler at the Reinhard-Mohn foundation chair for management, economics, and social evolution at the University of Witten / Herdecke with magna cum laude. Thomas Becker also holds a diploma in economics from the University of Cologne.

Paul Sinanian

Manager of Talent Programs & Training, BMW Manufacturing Co.

Paul Sinanian started his career in 1991 at Robert Bosch Corporation in Anderson, SC as a Manufacturing and Development engineer, and he has been with BMW Manufacturing for almost 24 years in a variety of roles including Vehicle Analysis, Vehicle Functionality Evaluation, and New Vehicle Launch Validation. His most recent role as Manager of the Talent Programs and Training for the BMW Manufacturing plant organization allows him to align his technical background with his passion for personnel development.

Paul has a BS in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA from Clemson University, and a BA both in Accounting and Management from Furman University. He is a strong supporter of continuing education, personnel development, innovation, and culture growth which aligns to his strategic position in talent development.

Dr. Kara S. Fulcher

Director of Sustainability for Michelin in North America

Kara S. Fulcher is Director of Sustainability for Michelin in North America, a role that coordinates across the entire organization, including industrial operations, commercial and external engagement, and strategy development. Under her leadership, Michelin has earned recognition for its efforts in North America, including The Conference Board’s ESG Leadership Award, Honda’s Supplier Sustainability Award, and a Gold from the International Association for the Measurement and Evaluation of Communication (AMEC). She has been part of the Michelin team since 2015, working in both regional and worldwide functions. Kara holds a PhD from Princeton University and an MBA from Clemson University. Having grown up in the ecologically fragile Navajo Nation in the desert southwest of the United States, she has a special and urgent interest in both environmental and social sustainability. Today after many moves across two continents and five time zones, she calls Greenville, South Carolina, home.

Dr. John Quinn

Professor of Biology at Furman University

John is Professor of Biology at Furman University and holds a Ph.D. in Natural Resources. While trained as an ecologist, his work extends beyond traditional boundaries to explore how ecological principles can inform broader societal challenges. He has over 15 years of experience in the sustainable management of diverse landscape types, with a particular focus on agricultural ecosystems. He has consulted with non-profits, government agencies, and large corporations, providing clients with unique data-driven solutions to complex land management choices. He uses state-of-the-art quantitative tools and techniques for developing insights in the sustainability of environmental resources. He teaches classes in statistics and conservation at Furman University

Megan Copsey

Environmental Engineer at BMW Manufacturing Co. Megan has a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Engineering from Louisiana State University and a Master of Science degree in Sustainable Engineering from Villanova University. She has worked as an environmental engineer in South Carolina for five years and has been a member of the Environmental Team at BMW Manufacturing in Spartanburg since 2023. At BMW, Megan supports air permit compliance and environmental sustainability initiatives for facility operations. In her free time, Megan enjoys outdoor activities like walking, hiking,

biking, and playing pickleball. She also enjoys a good book, trying a new restaurant or recipe, traveling around the country to see friends, and spending time with family in downtown Greenville. Megan is native of Greenville, South Carolina and is thrilled to be back in town supporting environmental sustainability in the community.

Leslie Skardon

Chief Executive Officer, Sustain SC

Leslie is the CEO of Sustain SC, a nonprofit organization connecting sectors across South Carolina to optimize the use of our natural resources in a way that is sustainable for both our economy and our environment. With a business development background and passion for sustainability, Leslie unites smart growth with conservation to sustain South Carolina’s economic prosperity.

Prior to joining Sustain SC, Leslie built and executed strategies to drive business growth for Fortune 500 companies, governments, non-profits, and institutions. As a strategic communications and public affairs professional, Leslie specializes in advising purpose-driven clients to uncover strategies to meet business goals while positively impacting their communities.

Leslie is a community leader. She was recently named as South Carolina’s Top 50 Women to Admire and Charleston Regional Business Journal’s 40 under 40. Leslie was appointed by Governor McMaster to the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission and serves on the City of Charleston Commission on Women. Leslie founded the non-profit Charleston Civil Rights and Civics (C3) and serves on the Charleston Chamber of Commerce’s Regional Policy Committee. She is a graduate of the Riley Institute Diversity Leaders Initiative and the Leadership Charleston. Leslie completed her MBA from Georgetown with a focus in Non-Market Strategy to help businesses be a force for good in the world.

Craig Lemasters

Chief Executive Officer, NewRoad

Craig Lemasters is a distinguished author, entrepreneur, and seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience in global business expansion. As the former CEO of Assurant Solutions, a $5 billion subsidiary of Fortune 500 company Assurant, Inc., Craig spearheaded the company’s digital transformation and its expansion into 25 new international markets.

Craig now serves as Chief Executive Officer of NewRoad®, a trailblazer in sustainable asphalt solutions, the President of Grupo Ferré Rangel, a 4th generation Puerto Rican conglomerate operating in media, real estate, and energy, as well as President of Imago MRI, an innovative healthcare startup revolutionizing the ease and affordability of MRIs.

In 2020, Craig authored “Unstuck: How to Unlock and Activate the Wisdom of Others,” a book that offers insights into overcoming organizational stagnation through strategic learning and collaboration. Craig holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Furman University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Barry University.

Tobias Brugger

Senior Vice President Operations, E-Mobility

Tobias Brugger, Senior Vice President Operations for ZF’s E-Mobility Division, oversees ZF’s 25 e-mobility manufacturing sites globally. Brugger’s career at ZF spans nearly 20 years with vast experience in manufacturing process and operations. Prior to his current appointment, Brugger led the company’s largest manufacturing site in Gray Court, South Carolina, as Vice President and Plant Manager, manufacturing the company’s world-renown 8-speed transmission. Before this, he served as Director of Operations in the Gray Court Facility.

ZF’s Gray Court facility, the company’s largest manufacturing plant in the U.S., is home to the company’s transmission production for the light, medium and heavy-duty markets, with production capacity of 1.2 million transmissions per year. Additionally, the facility will produce the company’s electrified powertrain solutions including electric drives. The 1,687,000 square foot facility opened in 2013 and employs more than 3,000 associates. In February 2024, the site celebrated the start of production of the PowerLine transmission for class 5 commercial vehicles to class 8 trucks; and announced Gray Court as ZF’s first North American flex manufacturing site that supports traditional ICE and e-mobility technologies for both passenger cars and commercial vehicles, with further investment in future product.

Brugger has held a number of leadership positions in manufacturing, both in Gray Court and other ZF facilities in Germany and Brazil. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a master’s degree in Business Engineering.

William “Bill”

Mustain

Professor of Chemical Engineering and Director of the Carolina Institute for Batter Innovation

William Mustain is a Professor of Chemical Engineering and Director of the Carolina Institute for Battery Innovation (CIBI). His research focuses on advancing electrochemical energy generation and storage systems, including batteries, fuel cells, and electrolyzers. He has published over 150 peer reviewed articles, has received over $40M in external funding, and has been the recipient of several awards including the U.S. DOE Early Career Award, ECS Energy Technology Division Research Award and Fulbright Scholar Fellowship.

Manuele D’Aversa

President & CEO, Zeltwanger Leaktesting & Automation and Zeltwanger CNC Manufacturing

Manuele D’Aversa has been leading Zeltwanger Leaktesting & Automation and Zeltwanger CNC Manufacturing since 2025, driving the company’s growth and expansion in North America. With a robust background in the automotive and engineering manufacturing sectors, Manuele previously served as CEO of an Automotive Tier 1 supplier, spearheading its US greenfield expansion from 2015. He also managed a significant M&A integration project in South Africa and served as a regional controller for Southern Europe and Africa, closely collaborating with German operations. Born and educated in Germany, Manuele holds a degree in International Economic and Business Administration (Diplom Betriebswirt).

Erica Call

Head Sustainability Consulting & Energy Services

With 20 years of experience in the energy sector, Erica is a resultsoriented leader dedicated to driving innovation, growth, and sustainability. Currently, she serves as the Head of Sustainability Consulting and Energy Services at Siemens, where she inspires high-performing teams and crafts strategic plans that enhance business expansion and profitability. In this role, Erica leads a team focused on optimizing energy costs and advancing sustainability initiatives for clients. Recognized as a trusted advisor, she consistently ranks among the top sales performers by leveraging deep, trusted relationships to drive substantial revenue growth.

Throughout her career, Erica has developed a comprehensive understanding of business operations, the competitive landscape, and market opportunities. Her recent collaboration with the Building X team exemplifies her commitment to innovation, as they created digital solutions that address current industry demands while anticipating future trends. This forward-thinking approach has been instrumental in driving longterm business growth and improving revenue and margin performance.

Erica prioritizes fostering strong relationships within management and operational teams, ensuring business continuity while championing a culture of innovation, positivity, and professional development. She is dedicated to promoting an environment that supports organizational growth and aligns with Siemens’ long-term success.

Erica holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Management from the University of South Carolina and an Associate of Arts from Midlands Technical College. With strong communication, negotiation, and technological skills - she continues to drive operational efficiency and business growth in the sustainability sector.

Dean Moretton

Chief Operating Officer of Hydrogen Technologies

Dean Moretton, Chief Operating Officer of Hydrogen Technologies, brings 38 years of experience leading energy projects across 34 countries. An Electrical Engineer with an MBA, he has started, grown, and successfully sold energy companies to Fortune 500 firms. In his spare time, Dean is a Master Falconer and an Angel Investor.

Mark Staiger

Section Manager Energy Management USA & Canada at BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC

Mark Staiger has been with BMW Manufacturing for 22 years, holding various positions ranging from IT Logistics to Production System Planning in both Germany and the USA. He began his career with BMW in Germany, where he worked in several roles and was part of the team that built the BMW Plant in Leipzig.

In 2006, Mark transitioned to the BMW Plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where he focused on expanding the production system and the facility itself. Currently, he is responsible for Energy Services at BMW sites in the USA and Canada.

Mark holds an MBA from Texas State University and a Master’s Degree in Computer Science. He currently resides in South Carolina.

Shailesh Topiwala

Corporate Business Development Senior Director for Robert Bosch LLC

Shailesh Topiwala is a Corporate Business Development Senior Director for Robert Bosch LLC. In this role, he drives Bosch’s multi-divisional business development activities for Bosch Energy and Building Technologies. Within this scope, he leads the commercial activities for Electrolyzer Stack business development in North America.

Prior to this role, Shailesh was the general manager of Bosch Software Innovations – North America. There, he developed and executed growth strategies for the division’s product portfolio based on new Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. Shailesh’s other roles at Bosch have included leading M&A projects for Bosch Healthcare; directing corporate finance and sales database systems architecture for Bosch’s Mobility business in North America; and developing and executing sales strategies for Bosch Automotive driver assistance and safety electronics products. Before joining Bosch, Shailesh worked for Dell, Eaton Corporation and IBM.

Shailesh earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Texas and an MBA in finance and corporate strategy from the University of Michigan.

Philip Davis

Director of Engineering – Global Sustainability and Environmental for Sonoco Products Corporation

Phillip Davis is the Director of Engineering—Global Sustainability and Environmental for Sonoco Products Corporation to support the technology deployment. In his role, he is responsible for energy efficiency and sustainability reduction projects for all Sonoco locations globally including paper mills in North and South America, LATAM, Europe and APAC. He has over 43 years of experience in the paper industry in various technical, engineering operational and management roles. He earned a BS degree in Pulp and Paper Engineering from North Carolina State University.