Atlanta — John A. Lanier, executive director of the Ray C. Anderson Foundation has been elected Chairman of the Southface Board of Directors.

The Southface Board of Directors represents a diverse group of leaders in the fields of sustainability, equitable community development, environmental science, health, high performance building and sustainable design.

The board is responsible for approving the strategic direction of the organization, holding institutional knowledge and collaborating with the president.

“As Southface commemorates a milestone 40th anniversary this year, we are thrilled to have John leading the Board of Directors,” said Andrea Pinabell, president of Southface. “His leadership, vision and commitment to our mission will be essential in setting the framework for the future of this organization and the regenerative economy.”

Lanier comes into the position after serving four years on the Southface Board, two as vice-chairman.

Lanier joined the Ray C. Anderson Foundation as Executive Director in May 2013, a role he treasures for the ability to work with his family to advance the legacy of his late grandfather, Ray C. Anderson (1934-2011).

Prior to joining the Foundation, Lanier was an associate attorney with Sutherland, Asbill and Brennan, LLP (now Eversheds Sutherland), specializing in U.S. Federal taxation.

In addition to serving as Chairman of the Board for Southface, Lanier also serves on the board of directors for Project Drawdown and Chattahoochee NOW.  He was a member of the 2014 class of the Institute for Georgia Environmental Leadership.

“Southface has been a tremendous leader in environmental sustainability for decades,” Lanier said. “Moreover, Southface’s former executive director, Dennis Creech, was a longtime friend, teacher and mentor of Ray Anderson. At times, an organization can become a part of your family, which is the case with Southface. It’s truly an honor, along with Andrea and the rest of the board, to be a part of leading this remarkable nonprofit.”

The Ray C. Anderson Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that seeks to promote a sustainable society by supporting and funding educational and project-based initiatives that advance knowledge and innovation in sustainability.   http://www.raycandersonfoundation.org

 

About Southface

 

For the last, 40 years, Southface has been a leader in the research, design, and implementation of a regenerative economy for the Southeast. They are a group of change makers with a laser-focus on generating the outcomes that lead to vibrant, healthy communities for all. Learn more at http://www.southface.org