The Tyger River Foundation is an all volunteer 501(c)(3) public charity incorporated in South Carolina in 2007.  Our vision is to play an important role in assuring our local natural and historic resources are maintained for our posterity and to increase the outdoor nature-based physical activity of our citizens.  We will achieve this through private and public partnerships from all areas of the community.

Meet Our Board Members

Julian Hankinson, President

Raised on a farm in Spartanburg, Georgia Tech graduate and Naval Aviation veteran, Eagle Scout; designed industrial machinery and controls, later managed corporate product development.  Currently owns an industrial consulting and manufacture's sales representative business, is the Private Sector Representative on the SPATS Policy Committee, and a member of the Spartanburg Airport Advisory Board.

Scott Talley, Vice-President

Born and raised in Spartanburg County, Wofford graduate, USC Law School graduate, member of the SC House of Representatives District 34 2001-2008.  Currently in private practice at Scott F. Talley, P.A. and on the board of Hatcher Garden and Spartanburg YMCA.

Angela Viney, Secretary

Born and raised in West Virginia, University of South Carolina B.S. degree in Business Administration with a major in Marketing. Over 35 years in nonprofit management with:  with the American Red Cross and as Executive Director of the South Carolina Wildlife Federation.  Moved to the upstate in 2006, and is currently with Upstate Forever as their Director of Development and Director of Upstate Forever’s Spartanburg office.

Monty Mullen, Treasurer

Born and raised in Spartanburg County, University of South Carolina – Spartanburg B.S. degree in Business Administration, employed for 34 years with a local engineering consulting firm, S&ME, Inc.  Presently the chairman of the Spartanburg PRIDE Task Force, chairman of the SPATS Enhancement Committee and former board member of the Spartanburg Area Conservancy.

Shelley Blount

Born and raised in Columbus, GA; graduate of Georgia Tech with a BS Textiles degree. Veteran of the US Army (1967-1970). Worked for Milliken and Co. at Magnolia Finishing Plant in Blacksburg, SC from 1971 through 1978. With ZIMA Corp. from 1979-1982 and with Greenville Machinery Corp. in Greer, SC from 1982-1985. Co-owner of Jocassee Designs, Inc. in Duncan, SC from 1985 until present. Co-owner of Tucapau Partners, LLC from 2008 until present. Currently serving on the Upstate Workforce Investment Board, member since 1995. Also serving on the Branch Board of The Palmetto Bank in Duncan, SC. Still an active member of the Greenville-Spartanburg Georgia Tech Club. Member of Reidville Road UMC; presently serving on the Board of Trustees, VP of the United Methodist Men and singing in the Choir. Lives with wife Becky in Twin Lakes in Moore, SC.   

Jan Caldwell

45 year resident of Spartanburg. Eagle Scout 1965-  Attended USCS and has worked in the printing industry for 40 years. Owner of Southeastern Printing.  Presently serves on the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium board, Printing Industries of the Carolinas executive board and First Citizens Bank of SC Advisory board.  Past board member of the Spartanburg Humane Society and Mobile Meals of Spartanburg.  Now on the Spartanburg County Historical Association board.

George M Dickert

Raised in the mountains of southwest Virginia, in the city of Bristol, VA.  Holds a B.S. in Horticulture from Virginia Tech, and a M.S. in Education from the same institution.  Has worked as a greenhouse manager, an estate gardener, and as a representative for a privately owned company based in the Netherlands that administered plant patent agreements throughout the southeastern United States.  Currently employed as an Extension agent with the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service.  Long-time contributing member of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, The Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and The Nature Conservancy.  Member of the National Eagle Scout Association, BSA.

Lauren Ponder

Born and raised in Spartanburg, Lauren holds a degree in Language & International Trade and a MS in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management from Clemson University. She is Director of Project Development for the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor with a background in community and economic development.  Lauren's interest and advocacy is both in our surroundings and the self.  As a result, founded Soul Flow Yoga Studio in Spartanburg.

Patrick K. Prince

Raised in the hills of southern Indiana. University of Kentucky graduate with a BS in Chemistry.  Employed with Milliken & Co. since 1990 at locations in the US, Spain, and Mexico.  Married to wife Nancy since 1989 and father of three sons. Avid outdoor enthusiast, active member of the Knights of Columbus and the Spartanburg chapter of ConQuest Club, and graduate of the Grass Roots Leadership Develolpment Institute.

Tom Foster

Family has lived here since the 1700’s. Graduate of Dorman High School and Spartanburg Methodist College. Employed by Williams Gas Pipeline for 31 years, former Spartanburg County Council member and chairman of Livability Committee.  Lt Col in SC State Guard, avid outdoorsman and conservation activist.

Dan Whitten

Dan Whitten is a naturalist living in the Spartanburg County since 1980.  He graduated from Auburn University with a BS degree in Wildlife Management.  He retired from Michelin North America after 30 years and began to renew his study of nature by taking the Upstate Master Naturalist Class in 2008 and the Catawba Master Naturalist Class in 2010.  He serves on the boards of the Upstate Master Naturalists, Foothills Trail Conference, Friends of Jocassee, First Baptist Deacons and the Tyger River Foundation.  He is also a member of the Native Plant Society.  Presently he works part time with Spartanburg County Parks leading outdoor recreation outings.