Meet the Team: Board member Maurie Lawrence

Maurie Lawrence joined Upstate Forever's Board of Directors in 2025. Get to know her through a few rapid-fire questions and answers.

What sparked your interest in working with Upstate Forever?

I’ve worked with the team at Upstate Forever across different opportunities since the early 2000s, including, for example, conservation easements. My interest in serving on the board now is sparked by my belief that businesses and nonprofits can work together to benefit local communities.

What do you love most about the Upstate?

I love that it is my home. My kids went to the same high school as their grandmother and great grandmother. I love the trails, mountain views, glistening lakes, blooming flowers, how green it is, the sound of people enjoying the outdoors, and most importantly, the loving community.

Where’s your ”happy place”?

I have many happy places. One is Cancer Survivor’s Park as it is an outdoor healing space that allows me to connect with the overwhelming gratitude that I feel for my daughter and all that helped her with leukemia. Our family gave a bench near the river, and I enjoy visiting the space and re-connecting with all that matters most to me.

How do your background, experience, and/or interests align with Upstate Forever’s work?

I’m proud of “home” and the Upstate is my home. I was born in the Upstate and returned nearly 25 years ago to be close with my family, and the loving and beautiful characteristics of the Upstate. I remain in awe of the natural beauty here and the incredibly kind and thoughtful people. It’s a privilege to contribute to an Upstate that we want to thrive forever.

Why is Upstate Forever's work important to you?

The Upstate will be better for our families, our neighbors, and our friends if we take care of the natural resources and environment. It’s important to me that we protect and develop communities that benefit families.

More about Maurie

Maurie Lawrence serves as Vice President of Sustainability and Associate General Counsel at Milliken & Company. In her role, Maurie works with global teams to enable sustainability to accelerate Milliken’s business strategy. Maurie has served on the boards of the Greenville Housing Fund, Public Education Partners, Clement's Kindness, Piedmont Health Foundation, and is a current member of the Liberty Fellowship's Class of 2025. A Greenville native, Maurie attended Smith College and Georgetown University Law Center.