Project EverGreen today announced that Executive Director Den Gardner will resign his position at the end of 2010, and green industry consultant Cindy Code will be named the new executive director effective January 1, 2011.
The action naming Code the new executive director was approved by the Project EverGreen Board of Directors.
Gardner announced his resignation at the Project EverGreen Executive Committee meeting held in early January. Gardner intends to stay involved in Project EverGreen in a to-be-determined role by the Board of Directors. He also will consult with the organization during the transition process at the end of this year and into 2011.
Gardner helped create the organization in its transition from the former Evergreen Foundation of the legacy trade group, the Professional Lawn Care Association of America (PLCAA) in 2002, and managed the organization from 2003. In 2004, the foundation became Project EverGreen and has stood alone as a 501c3 non-profit group.
“It was time to begin my process of looking at semi-retirement, yet remain involved in Project EverGreen, which I’m very passionate about,” Gardner said. “I’ve been involved in the green industry for more than 25 years and will continue to be involved through a variety of projects.” Gardner plans to continue as executive director of TOCA and performs other consulting work in the green industry.
Code, who has been a part of Project EverGreen since its transition from the Evergreen Foundation, served two years as president of the board and has her own consulting business in the green industry, representing companies and associations. This move is a natural transition that will make for a seamless change in leadership.
“Promoting the numerous benefits of green spaces is of upmost importance as Project EverGreen marches forward,” Code said. “Den has been invaluable to the growth of Project EverGreen, and I look forward to his continued contributions to the organization. Leading this strong and passionate group of individuals and contributors who make up the board is a privilege. Together we intend to increase the recognition and value of green spaces and to advance the involvement of consumers and professionals alike in spreading our vital message.”
Norman Goldenberg, current board president of Project EverGreen, believes this transition during 2010 will provide ample time for Gardner and Code to set the agenda for the future as Code prepares for her new assignment in 2011. “Den and Cindy have been colleagues and have served together on other non-profit groups for more than two decades,” Goldenberg said. “They will continue to work together in the years ahead.
“We believe we have the best of both worlds with this transition. We will get new leadership and energy from Cindy, and retain the expertise and continuity that has made Project EverGreen so successful in its first six years of existence representing the green industry in its efforts to promote the benefits of green spaces to consumers.”
Project EverGreen’s major projects in 2010 will include three EverGreen Zone initiatives (Akron, Ohio; Milwaukee, Wis.; and the Raleigh-Greensboro area of North Carolina), the nationally recognized GreenCare for Troops program, an enhanced social media presence, and a national plant tag initiative with a major wholesaler of green plants. In addition, there will be the traditional public relations programs with consumer and green industry media.
