Name: Plenary Session I
Start: 2026-05-13T09:00:00-0500
End: 2026-05-13T10:30:00-0500

Wednesday May 13, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am CDT

Kick off the day with our opening plenary session, featuring a warm welcome, orientation to the day’s schedule, and opening remarks. This session sets the tone for meaningful engagement and shared learning.

The plenary will include a featured panel discussion on “Securing Your Land for the Next Generation,” where speakers will explore strategies, challenges, and opportunities related to land stewardship, legacy planning, and long-term sustainability.

Participants will also engage in guided table discussions, offering an opportunity to reflect on key themes, share experiences, and connect with others in a collaborative setting.

Speakers

Amena Brown

Sol Graffiti, Inc.

Amena Brown is a spoken word poet, author, and performing artist whose work interweaves keep-it-real storytelling, rhyme and humor. A proud graduate of Spelman College and previous poetic partner for Tracee Ellis Ross’ natural hair brand, PATTERN Beauty, Amena is the author of five... Read More →

Josh Walden, Esq.

Chief of Operations, Center for Heirs' Property

Josh F. Walden serves as an attorney and Chief of Operations for the Center for Heirs’ Property, where he oversees the Legal, Forestry and Community Engagement Departments and works closely with the Executive Team to ensure that “Rightfully Home” is more than just a tagline... Read More →

Cheryl Peterson

Assistant Managing Director, McIntosh Sustainable Environment and Economic Development (S.E.E.D.)

Cheryl is the Assistant Managing Director at McIntosh Sustainable Environment and Economic Development (McSEED), a non-profit organization located in Darien, GA.

Cheryl works to strengthen families and marginalized communities with a focus on education, economic development, empowerment, and environmental preservation. Cheryl helps families with strategies for land retention, family legacy, and generational wealth. Cheryl also assists with... Read More →

Hodges Smith

Born in the small town of Eutaw, AL, on April 12, 1953, I grew up in a household with six siblings, where my parents instilled the values of hard work, perseverance, and kindness. As a child, I was always curious and enjoyed exploring nature, fishing, and hunting. These early experiences... Read More →

Deron Lacey

Executive Director, Limited Resource Landowner Education and Assistance Network (LRLEAN)

In 2021, I joined LRLEAN as a Forestry Consultant. Since then, I have been traveling across Alabama, advocating for forest stewardship and its crucial role in land retention. My experiences in forestry began on my family's 200 acre farm in rural Fayette County Alabama, working with... Read More →

Tyrone Williams

Tyrone Williams, a native of Enfield, North Carolina, is a key figure in Fourtee Acres, a minority family-owned forestry, farming, natural gardening and family engagement consulting operation. Fourtee Acres is a 45-acre portion of the larger Williams Family Farm, which has been in... Read More →

Jacy Fisher

Partner, Gregory Varner & Associates

Jacy E. Fisheris a Partner at Gregory Varner & Associates in Alabama, where she focuses her practice on heirs’ property, estate planning, probate, and real estate litigation. Since 2020, she has built a statewide and national reputation as a dedicated advocate for heirs’ property landowners... Read More →

Wednesday May 13, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am CDT
The Social @ The Fennec 1630 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, USA

SFLR Network 2026 Landowners Conference