Green Building Initiative Elects Sumayyah Theron as Chair of its Board of Directors

Theron brings global expertise in sustainability and climate resilience to the organization's leadership.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Green Building Initiative (GBI) has announced its 2026 Board of Directors, including the election of Sumayyah Theron, CEO and Founder of Avant‑garde Sustainable Solutions, as the new Chair of the Board. Theron will guide the organization's strategic direction as it continues its mission to improve the built environment's impact on climate and society.

Why it matters

As the built environment plays a critical role in addressing climate change, the leadership of organizations like GBI is crucial in driving measurable sustainability, health, and resilience outcomes globally. Theron's appointment as Chair brings extensive experience in translating sustainability ambition into action across international markets.

The details

Theron has a long history of volunteering and leadership within the industry, including roles with ASHRAE, the Illinois Green Alliance, and GBI's ANSI/GBI 01 standard subcommittee. She is the founder of Avant‑garde Sustainable Solutions and has advised global organizations on sustainability integration, climate strategy, and operational resilience. Theron succeeds Alison Hoagland, who served as Chair in 2025 and oversaw the creation of GBI's Ascent Building Certification for international markets.

  • Sumayyah Theron was elected as the new Chair of the GBI Board of Directors for 2026.
  • Alison Hoagland served as the Chair of the GBI Board in 2025.

The players

Sumayyah Theron

CEO and Founder of Avant‑garde Sustainable Solutions, who was elected as the new Chair of the GBI Board of Directors for 2026.

Alison Hoagland

Principal at Mackenzie, who served as the Chair of the GBI Board in 2025 and oversaw the creation of GBI's Ascent Building Certification for international markets.

Vicki Worden

CEO of GBI.

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What they’re saying

“It is an honor to serve as Chair of the Green Building Initiative during a pivotal moment for the built environment. 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.”

— Sumayyah Theron, CEO & Founder, Avant-garde Sustainable Solutions

“Sumayyah brings a holistic, global perspective to her leadership within GBI and a deep commitment to volunteerism, performance, and accountability. 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.”

— Vicki Worden, CEO of GBI

What’s next

GBI will continue to expand its impact across sectors and international markets under Sumayyah Theron's leadership as the new Board Chair.

The takeaway

The election of Sumayyah Theron as the new Chair of the Green Building Initiative's Board of Directors highlights the organization's commitment to driving measurable sustainability, health, and climate resilience outcomes in the built environment globally through innovative leadership and industry expertise.