.jpg)
1 hour ago
2
Article content
Membership elects Theron and new Directors to GBI’s Board
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
- Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.
- Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.
- Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.
- National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
- Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.
SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
- Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.
- Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.
- Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.
- National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
- Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.
REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account.
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
- Enjoy additional articles per month.
- Get email updates from your favourite authors.
THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments
- Enjoy additional articles per month
- Get email updates from your favourite authors
Sign In or Create an Account
or
Article content
PORTLAND, Ore., Jan. 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Green Building Initiative (GBI) is pleased to announce its 2026 Board of Directors, including newly elected officers and directors approved by GBI membership, effective December 1, 2025. The Board will guide the organization’s strategic direction as it continues its mission to improve the built environment’s impact on climate and society.
Article content
Article content
Sumayyah Theron, CEO and Founder of Avant‑garde Sustainable Solutions, will serve as Chair of the GBI Board of Directors for 2026. New and returning officers, along with directors serving multi‑year terms, were also elected.
Article content
Article content
“It is an honor to serve as Chair of the Green Building Initiative during a pivotal moment for the built environment,” said Sumayyah Theron. “GBI plays a critical role in helping organizations translate ambition into action, and I look forward to working with the Board, staff, and broader community to accelerate measurable sustainability, health and wellness, and climate resilience outcomes globally.”
Article content
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Article content
“Sumayyah brings a holistic, global perspective to her leadership within GBI and a deep commitment to volunteerism, performance, and accountability,” said Vicki Worden, CEO of GBI. “As Board Chair, we will benefit from her extensive knowledge of the global application of building performance standards, which is instrumental as GBI continues to expand its impact across sectors and international markets.”
Article content
Theron’s industry expertise includes years of volunteering and leadership through ASHRAE, Board-level service with the Illinois Green Alliance, and two years chairing GBI’s ANSI/GBI 01 standard – Green Globes for New Construction Energy Subcommittee. Additionally, she is the founder of Avant‑garde Sustainable Solutions and has advised global organizations on sustainability integration, climate strategy, and operational resilience. She was named to Engineered Systems’ “20 to Watch: Women in HVAC” in 2024 and Crain’s Chicago Business Notable Leader in Sustainability both in 2024 and 2025. In 2023, she was awarded the GBI Advocacy Ambassador award.
Article content
Article content
Theron succeeds Alison Hoagland, Principal at Mackenzie, who served as Chair of the Board in 2025 and oversaw the creation of GBI’s Ascent Building Certification™ for international markets and its tremendous growth leading to its impending celebration in 2026 of certifying one billion square feet of commercial space. Hoagland continues her leadership role on GBI’s Board as Immediate Past Chair.
Article content
GBI 2026 Elected Officers and Executive Committee Members
Article content
- Chair: Sumayyah Theron – CEO & Founder, Avant-garde Sustainable Solutions
- Chair Elect: Randy Mortensen – EVP, Global Sales & Marketing, Leviton
- Immediate Past Chair: Alison Hoagland – Principal, Mackenzie
- Treasurer: Luis Perez‑Soto – VP Treasurer, Lennar Financial Services
- Secretary: Dain Hansen – EVP, Government Affairs, IAPMO
- At-large Director: Cons Gattuso – VP of Engineering, Piedmont Office Realty Trust
- At-large Director: Simon Turner – Founder, Building Cognition
Article content
New Board Members Elected for Three-year Terms
Article content
- Marcus Hassen – SVP, Mission Critical Services, Truist
- Phill Lawson‑Shanks – Chief Innovation Officer, Aligned Data Centers
- Karen Petersburg – SVP, Design & Engineering, American Real Estate Partners
English (US)