{"id":17391,"date":"2026-01-29T14:38:34","date_gmt":"2026-01-29T20:38:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/1reason.com\/re\/green-building-initiative-elects-sumayyah-theron-as-chair-of-its-board-of-directors\/17391\/"},"modified":"2026-01-30T08:38:35","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T14:38:35","slug":"green-building-initiative-elects-sumayyah-theron-as-chair-of-its-board-of-directors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/1reason.com\/re\/green-building-initiative-elects-sumayyah-theron-as-chair-of-its-board-of-directors\/17391\/","title":{"rendered":"Green Building Initiative Elects Sumayyah Theron as Chair of its Board of Directors"},"content":{"rendered":"
The Board will guide the organization\u2019s strategic direction as it continues its mission to improve the built environment\u2019s impact on climate and society. <\/p>\n

Sumayyah Theron<\/a>, CEO and Founder of Avant\u2011garde Sustainable Solutions, will serve as Chair of the GBI Board of Directors for 2026. New and returning officers, along with directors serving multi\u2011year terms, were also elected.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is an honor to serve as Chair of the Green Building Initiative during a pivotal moment for the built environment,\u201d said Sumayyah Theron. \u201cGBI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSumayyah brings a holistic, global perspective to her leadership within GBI and a deep commitment to volunteerism, performance, and accountability,\u201d said Vicki Worden, CEO of GBI. \u201cAs 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Theron\u2019s industry expertise includes years of volunteering and leadership through ASHRAE, Board-level service with the Illinois Green Alliance, and two years chairing GBI\u2019s ANSI\/GBI 01 standard – Green Globes for New Construction Energy Subcommittee. Additionally, she is the founder of Avant\u2011garde Sustainable Solutions and has advised global organizations on sustainability integration, climate strategy, and operational resilience. She was named to Engineered Systems\u2019 \u201c20 to Watch: Women in HVAC\u201d in 2024 and Crain\u2019s Chicago Business Notable Leader in Sustainability both in 2024 and 2025. In 2023, she was awarded the GBI Advocacy Ambassador award.<\/p>\n

Theron succeeds Alison Hoagland, Principal at Mackenzie, who served as Chair of the Board in 2025 and oversaw the creation of GBI\u2019s Ascent Building Certification\u2122 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\u2019s Board as Immediate Past Chair.<\/p>\n

GBI 2026 Elected Officers and Executive Committee Members<\/strong><\/p>\n