Coastal Management Enters New Era as South Carolina Strengthens Environmental Leadership with Cheyenne Twilley

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) is charting a fresh course in environmental communication and coastal management with the appointment of Cheyenne Twilley as Public Information Director. This strategic appointment reflects the state’s growing commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.

‘Relationships and transparency are everything, even in – perhaps best to say, especially in – media.’ – Cheyenne Twilley

Academic Excellence Meets Practical Experience

Twilley brings an impressive academic portfolio to her new role, including a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Coastal Policy from Coastal Carolina University. Her educational achievements reached new heights at the College of Charleston, where she earned both a Master of Science in Environmental and Sustainability Studies and a Master of Public Administration degree with summa cum laude honours.

‘Relationships and transparency are everything, even in – perhaps best to say, especially in – media’ Twilley remarked, highlighting her philosophy towards public communication. This approach aligns perfectly with South Carolina’s enhanced focus on coastal resilience, which has recently secured significant funding for climate adaptation initiatives.

Twilley added: “I think my experience as a Coastal Resilience Planner with Elko Coastal Consulting equipped me well for this new role. At Elko Coastal, I was able to successfully coordinate all manner of high-stakes projects with knowledge holders, decision-makers, and a diverse range of stakeholders, including local communities. This vital work reinforced, to me, the critical importance of relationship-building and transparent communication in achieving successful outcomes.”

Global Impact, Local Focus

At Elko Coastal Consulting, Twilley demonstrated exceptional skill in coordinating complex projects involving various stakeholders, from local communities to decision-makers. Her influence extends internationally through her work with Global Eco Adventures, where she spearheaded a multi-national cleanup initiative coinciding with World Ocean Day, orchestrating simultaneous operations across Myrtle Beach, Folly Beach, Maui and the Galápagos Islands.

Strategic Leadership for Coastal Resilience

SCDNR Director Tom Mullikin expressed enthusiasm about the appointment, stating: ‘We are thrilled and fortunate to now have her as part of SCDNR’s leadership team’. The timing proves particularly significant as South Carolina strengthens its coastal management programmes, with recent NOAA funding of £400,000 allocated to implement climate resilience projects in coastal communities.

Prior to accepting her current role, Twilley served as a national co-chair with the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association’s government affairs committee. Her experience includes valuable internships with S.C. Senator Stephen Goldfinch and U.S. Congressman Ralph Norman, providing crucial insight into environmental policy implementation.

Personal Connection to Conservation

Currently relocating to Columbia with her husband Stephen, their eight-month-old son Leven and three dogs, Twilley maintains strong personal ties to coastal conservation through activities such as running, surfing and what she describes as ‘all things coastal’. This personal passion for the environment complements her professional commitment to protecting South Carolina’s natural resources.

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