06/16/2026
Day 1 Recap – NAWT Conference at McNamee Plantation
What an incredible first day at the beautiful McNamee Plantation, graciously hosted by Amy McFadden, Owner of White Oak Forest Management!
NAWT Founder & Executive Director, Lori Walker kicked off the conference by welcoming attendees from not only across the industry, but across the country, and even Canada, emphasizing to the group the NAWT Mission statement which is to support, educate and connect women in the timber industry.
NAWT Secretary Simone Handfield led the rapid-fire introductions and getting to know the “who’s who” of our group. The energy in the room was immediate as new connections were formed and familiar faces reunited.
NAWT Vice President Cierra Ward then launched our peer-to-peer networking activity, requiring attendees to switch tables and sit with individuals they had never met before. Together, participants discussed challenging workplace topics, exchanged perspectives, and built meaningful professional relationships.
We were also honored to have several special guests hosting informational tables throughout the day:
* Douglas Nielson representing Motus, Inc.
* Amanda Wyer and Gabriella Granes representing Manulife Investment Management Talent Acquisition Team
* Tancey Belken representingClemson University
* Chasity Benjamin representing We Are Sharing Hope SC – Organ & Tissue Recovery Services
Following lunch, catered by Honey Hive Catering and sponsored by Amy McFadden, attendees split into two groups for hands-on learning experiences.
One group joined Amy McFadden and Will Caulder, for a field tour highlighting the life cycle of a loblolly pine. The tour included stops from newly planted seedlings to active harvesting operations—providing a comprehensive look at forest management from establishment to harvest.
The second group, led by Niki Krantz and Allie McFadden, enjoyed a tree and plant identification walk through the scenic grounds of McNamee Plantation, learning about native species and the diverse ecosystem of the property.
Day 1 was filled with networking, education, and hands-on experiences that truly showcased the value of bringing women and forestry professionals together.
We look forward to sharing more from the conference as we continue learning, connecting, and growing together.
