Portland: Green Building Initiative (GBI) has announced the planned departure of its Chief Executive Officer, Vicki Worden, who is set to leave in late June after leading the nonprofit organization since 2015. The organization's Board of Directors has appointed Stephen T. Ayers as interim CEO during this transition period, while a consulting firm will be tasked with finding Worden's permanent successor.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sumayyah Theron, Chair of the GBI Board of Directors and CEO and Founder of Avant-garde Sustainable Solutions, stated that Worden's tenure was marked by a strong commitment to expanding the organization's global reach and sustainability mission. Theron noted that under Worden's leadership, GBI transformed from a United States-focused organization into a global entity, now serving members in over 20 countries.

Worden played an instrumental role in broadening the scope of GBI's green building standards, which now encompass over one billion square feet of certified commercial and multifamily space worldwide. Before her tenure at GBI, Worden held interim CEO and senior executive roles within the Washington, D.C. association community. She also ran a strategic management consulting firm for more than a decade, based in Maryland and Maine.

Worden expressed her gratitude, stating, "It has been an honor to serve alongside GBI's highly passionate members, assessors, clients, and staff. I know I am leaving GBI in great hands as it continues to advance and increase its positive impact in its next evolution."

As interim CEO, Ayers brings a wealth of experience as a nationally recognized leader in architecture, public service, and organizational transformation. His previous roles include serving as interim chief executive at the National Institute of Building Sciences and the American Institute of Architects. Ayers also held the position of the 11th Architect of the Capitol, appointed by former US President Barack Obama and confirmed by the US Senate.