Meet the Team: Board member Stinson Woodward Ferguson

Get to know one of Upstate Forever's newest Board members, Stinson Woodward Ferguson, through a few rapid-fire questions.

What drew you to a career in environmental law?

The reality that without proper action, many valuable, unique, and treasured aspects of the planet will be lost drew me to a career in environmental law. I enjoyed learning about wildlife and science as a child. My parents encouraged my interest by providing access to books and magazines (before the prevalence of the internet) full of photos and information about these topics. I spent a lot of time outside growing up digging up earthworms, climbing trees, and catching fireflies. They also welcomed a variety of pets into our home: fish, turtles, cats, dogs, lizards, birds, snails, frogs, even mice. As I grew older, I learned more about the negative effects of uncontrolled human activity on wildlife and natural spaces. I also learned more about the effects this type of activity can have on human health – literally a life and death issue. This interconnectedness motivated me to gain education and skills to position myself to participate in positive change.

What does the Upstate mean to you?

The Upstate means home to me. I have spent the majority of my life in Spartanburg where I was born. I have experienced life throughout the state, in North Carolina, and in Georgia, but the Upstate remains my favorite place. I love being able to see the mountains, being a short drive away from the lake, a day trip away from the beach, and close to family and friends.

Where’s your favorite spot in the Upstate?

Travelers Rest. Like the entire region, it has grown significantly since 2020. But I appreciate that it still has a small town feel with great restaurants, walkability, friendly folks, and exceptional local businesses. I enjoy attending their Christmas parade and going to Shortfield’s afterward to have lunch. I even got a picture with Santa a few years ago!

What hobbies do you enjoy?

I enjoy cooking, reading, live music, attending plays and musicals, writing poetry, collecting stamps, and spending time with my friends and family.

Why is Upstate Forever's mission — to protect the critical lands, waters, and unique character of the Upstate — important to you?

UF’s mission is important to me for many of the same reasons that I pursued a career in environmental law. Since first introduced to UF over a decade ago, I have been impressed by the manner in which UF is able to further its mission and bring diverse people together on issues and initiatives.

The mission is awesome, but the people at UF responsible for putting it into action are why supporting the organization is important to me.

More about Stinson

A Spartanburg native, Stinson Woodward Ferguson serves as the City Attorney for Spartanburg. She previously served as an Assistant Municipal Judge for the City of Greenville and as a Substitute Judge for the City of Spartanburg. Prior to her judicial service, Stinson worked for Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A., practicing in the areas of environmental law and construction and utility litigation; as a staff attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center; and as Director of the Pro Bono Program for the South Carolina Bar. She is a licensed funeral director and has served in various roles for the J.W. Woodward Funeral Home, Inc. The Funeral Home, founded by Stinson’s great-grandfather in 1916, is the oldest, family-owned mortuary in Spartanburg. She has served on numerous boards and is an accomplished author.

She earned her Master of Laws, Environmental Law from Vermont Law School, with a concentration in Energy Law and Policy. She earned her J.D. from the University of Georgia School of Law; and her Bachelor of Arts, French Language and Literature with a Business Administration minor from Converse University.

Stinson is a Certified Sustainability Consultant, a Certified Climate Resilient Officer, and a Certified Sustainability ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Practitioner. She is a graduate of the inaugural class of the Sustainability Leadership Initiative, an innovative leadership development program for future-minded leaders in South Carolina hosted by the Furman University Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities in partnership with Sustain South Carolina. She earned her Certificate in Sustainable Management from Duke University. She earned her Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification from Purdue University.