presenter biographies

Richard Florida is the world’s leading urbanist and international best-selling author of Rise of the Creative Class. He is a pioneering researcher and University Professor at University of Toronto. He is co-founder of The Atlantic’s, and now Bloomberg’s, CityLab, the leading publication devoted to cities and urbanism. He is founder of the Creative Class Group, advising companies such as BMW, Audi, Starwood Hotels, Facebook, Instagram, Converse, Microsoft, and several others. Florida serves as a board member with many of the leading real estate, urban innovation and venture capital firms across the globe.

Image credit: Daria Malysheva

Jane Robelot joined WYFF 4 in 2007, contributing stories and hosting the award-winning Chronicle program. In 2017, she was named full-time anchor for WYFF News 4 at 4 p.m. Her career began in radio at her alma mater Clemson University, but quickly moved to television in Spartanburg where she was spotted by CBS News. Robelot was tapped to anchor CBS Morning News and later CBS This Morning. She also worked in the Philadelphia and Atlanta markets before moving back to her hometown of Greenville with her husband, former CBS News cameraman Mario DeCarvalho, and son George. Robelot has received numerous awards for her work in broadcasting, including two national EMMY Awards for journalistic excellence and the prestigious Peabody Award, and she was recently honored with the prestigious Masters Award from the South Carolina Broadcasters Association. She has a heart for community involvement, speaking at a wide range of events around the region.

Brian Rutenberg, a South Carolina native, lives and works in New York City. He transforms the landscapes of his youth into paintings with an impasto surface that are vibrant and lush. Rutenberg’s inspiration for these intensely colored, atmospheric landscapes can be traced back to his fascination with the unique quality of light found on the Lowcountry coast. He says, “Especially inspiring is that point when the land meets the water and, for a moment, the two become blurred.”

He earned a BFA from the College of Charleston and an MFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Rutenberg was honored with a Fulbright Fellowship in 1997 and in 2018 received an honorary doctorate from the College of Charleston.

His work can be found in the permanent collections of museums such as the Peabody Essex Museum, the Morris Museum of Art, the Gibbes Museum of Art, the Butler Institute of American Art and the Mint Museum. His monograph was published in 2008 and in 2016 he wrote Clear Seeing Place, a condensed version of his popular YouTube Studio Visit series.

John Houseal is recognized as one of the most innovative and effective practitioners in the field of urban planning. Described as a “true champion for cities,” John has worked with hundreds of cities across the globe providing solutions and leadership to help tackle increasingly complex challenges.

As partner and cofounder of Houseal Lavigne, John’s engaging style, creative approach, and commitment to innovation have earned multiple prestigious national and state-level awards, including the National Excellence Award from the American Planning Association and more than thirty APA Chapter awards from states throughout the country.

His work has made a significant difference in communities worldwide. The American Institute of Certified Planners has elected John to the College of Fellows, the profession’s highest distinction, in recognition of his contributions and influence on the planning profession. He has been a featured speaker at several national events for issues related to urban innovation, graphic communication, context sensitive design, and environmental responsibility, and his work has been featured in several publications.

Adam Rosendahl is an international facilitator, experience designer, DJ and the founder & CEO of Late Nite Art®. He works with the world’s top companies to create transformational keynote experiences that impact and inspire tens of thousands of leaders, entrepreneurs and teams across 13 countries. Mr. Rosendahl will immerse our visitors with an engaging art-based learning experience!

Scott found his way to Anderson, South Carolina about ten years ago and has further developed his skills in pencil portraits, watercolor paintings, and pen and ink architectural illustrations. Some of his works locally include his limited edition Santa's Helper series Christmas cards, paintings for Downtown Anderson events, including the AnMed Health "Spooktacular," Holiday Walk, and the Main Street Car Show.

Check back soon for more information about our other presenters, speakers, and honored guests.