Our Staff
Pee Dee Land Trust Staff
PDLT currently employees six full-time and two part-time staff members. PDLT's experienced team is energetic and brings a wealth of knowledge to the table.
Seth Cook
Seth joined the PDLT staff in April of 2013 upon completion of his Masters Degree in Ecosystem Management from Utah State. Seth, who was raised in Greenwood, received his undergraduate degree from Clemson in Environmental and Natural Resources and recently completed the MBA program through Francis Marion University. His family has farmed for many years in the Camden area and although he enjoys hunting and fishing, he and his wife, Erika, spend most of their time raising their four boys, Mclean, Nelson, Cullen and Nathan.
Hughes Page
Hughes joined PDLT in 2017 as a Land Conservation Associate. He was born and raised in Marion, SC growing up around the family farm from an early age. Hughes graduated from Francis Marion University with a BS in Biology, minoring in History and Chemistry. Hughes is also a certified Master Naturalist through Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service and the South Carolina Wildlife Federation. Hughes has volunteered countless hours helping with conservation efforts, including helping to preserve and clean Lynches River of unnatural debris, along with educating others on the importance of keeping our water systems clean. Hughes and his wife, Heather, are both certified American Canoe Association Level II guides and spend their weekends running tours on Lynches River in Scranton, SC and chasing their son, Oliver, and daughter, Aubrey.
Kate Tweedy
Kate joined the PDLT staff in July of 2024 as the Land Conservation Associate. She was born and raised in the Virginia Piedmont and received her bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Wildlife Conservation from Virginia Tech. Kate helped lead an ecological field station in coastal Georgia for five years before moving to Florence, SC, with her husband Sean. She is excited to bring her stewardship experience, GIS skills, land management knowledge and passion for conservation to the Pee Dee Watershed. Kate and Sean enjoy hiking and backpacking throughout the Southeast. She also likes to photograph, paint, and illustrate natural subjects.
Shannon Copes
Shannon joined PDLT in December 2017 as the Director of Education and Outreach. Shannon has gained many years of non-profit leadership expertise working with several organizations in the region. A native of the Pee Dee, Shannon is a graduate of the College of Charleston with a degree in Business Administration. She enjoys being active in the community and currently serves on the Board of Miss South Carolina Scholarship Organization and is a member of the Florence Rotary Club and St. John’s Church. Shannon enjoys camping, kayaking and taking in the natural beauty of the Pee Dee with her sons, Graham and Lucas.
Ashley Scott
Ashley joined PDLT in fall 2011 as a part-time Finance and Administration Coordinator. Since that time, her efforts have moved away from the administration side to the finance area of the land trust. She is a graduate of College of Charleston with a degree in Business Administration. Ashley has previous experience serving non-profits and working in the private sector. While having been born in Greenville, SC, she was raised in several places across the state, Tennessee, and Texas. She is actively involved with First Presbyterian Church and Helping Florence Flourish. Ashley is inspired by the passion Pee Dee landowners have for preserving their property for future generations. Her husband John, is an attorney in Florence, and together they have one son, Ford.
Farris Lupo
Farris joined PDLT in June 2021 as the Operations and Outreach Coordinator. Farris graduated from Clemson University with a degree in Business Administration. Over the years she has had the privilege of enjoying a wide variety of professional experiences with the majority in community focused non-profit organizations. She is passionate about helping others and is involved with various non-profits in the area. Farris is a Florence Chamber Ambassador and member of FBT. Originally from the Pee Dee, she has a love for the outdoors and a real appreciation for the continued efforts of PDLT. Farris is married to Kenneth, with whom she shares two young sons, Baze and Kash, as well as their newest four legged son, a chocolate lab named Rocket.
Erika Cook
Erika joined PDLT in November 2021 as a part-time Finance Manager. Erika earned a Business Administration degree from Lander University along with a MBA from Francis Marion University. Erika was raised in the upstate of South Carolina and has always loved being outdoors. She quickly fell in love with the Pee Dee upon her and Seth’s arrival to Florence in 2013. Erika is an active member of Church at Sandhurst and stays busy with her and Seth’s four energetic boys Mclean, Nelson, Cullen, and Nathan. They have recently acquired a you pick blueberry and muscadine farm in Darlington and are trying their hands at raising chickens.