The Institute for Georgia Environmental Leadership announces several milestones including launching an Advanced Program for IGEL alumni (IGELians), hiring an executive director, and appointment of a new chair of the nonprofit’s board. Together they mark the continued evolution of the leadership program that has changed Georgia’s approach to navigating environmental and natural resources challenges.

IGEL Advanced Program is a new program designed for IGELians actively working to influence environmental outcomes across Georgia brought together to deepen their impact through applied learning, cross-sector collaboration, and focused exploration of real-world challenges. Through a combination of virtual and in-person sessions, participants will engage in candid dialogue, strengthen strategic leadership capabilities, and work alongside peers to explore complex environmental issues facing the state. The inaugural cohort will convene this fall thanks to generous funding from an anonymous donor and the R. Howard Dobbs Foundation, as well as program development and facilitation support from the Ray C. Anderson Center for Sustainable Business at Georgia Tech.

Lindsay Stern Cain, after a rigorous evaluation and interview process, was selected as IGEL Executive Director. After serving as IGEL Program Director since 2024, she will now work closely with the organization’s board, program facilitators, and partners to ensure IGEL continues to evolve in meaningful ways, deepens relationships across its network, and continues to enhance the quality and impact of the experience for all IGELians. Cain is also currently Director of Executive Education at Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business, where she collaborates with organizations to design and deliver impactful learning experiences that address complex challenges. Prior to Georgia State, Cain held roles at Georgia Tech’s Scheller College of Business and the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Dr. Kier Klepzig, Director of The Jones Center at Ichauway, was recently elected to become IGEL’s board chair, succeeding Dan Grogan who served in that role for two years. Klepzig and the board will continue the work of the organization over the past 6-8 years to help ensure the financial, programmatic and operational sustainability of IGEL. Klepzig comes to the leadership of the IGEL board at an opportune moment, given his leadership of The Jones Center, one of Georgia’s most important natural resources research institutions. As board chair, Klepzig will bring academic rigor to IGEL’s expanded ambitions with the launch of the Advanced Program.

“I’m honored to take on the leadership of IGEL, grateful that we are able to engage Lindsay’s talents, and inspired by the opportunity now open to all IGELians with the launch of our Advanced Program,” said Klepzig. “As important as IGEL has been to Georgia over the past couple of decades, the challenges and opportunities for our state are greater than ever, and IGEL provides unparalleled, rigorous, immersive programs for leaders to grow so that Georgia can thrive.”