Bill Jones, Executive Director of Southeastern Trust for Parks and Land, Announces 2025 Departure

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 13, 2024

AVONDALE ESTATES, GEORGIA — Bill Jones, founder and executive director of Southeastern Trust for Parks and Land (SE Trust)­,­ has announced that he will step down in mid-2025.

A nonprofit founded by Jones, Southeastern Trust for Parks and Land acquires ecologically valuable lands through the purchase, donation, or conservation easements to protect them from development and makes them available to the community for free, responsible recreational use. During Jones’ tenure, SE Trust has acquired more than 50 parcels of land in Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee covering more than 10,000 acres, with each parcel ranging from .3 acres to 3,000 acres. Of these properties,17 are available for use as public nature parks, and six have bike/hike trail systems of up to 12 miles.

Jones grew up with easy access to large park and felt that everyone should have a park nearby for the enjoyment of nature and outdoor recreation. Looking for more meaningful work after an entrepreneurial career, Jones founded SE Trust in 2012.

“I look forward to celebrating SE Trust’s work and mission as a volunteer and supporter,” said Jones, “I appreciate SE Trust’s Executive Committee for their consultation while setting the date. My wife, Evelyn, and I are very excited.”

“Our park spaces provide critical mental and physical health benefits for the communities in which they exist. Bill Jones has done an incredible job of acquiring and preserving these spaces throughout the south. I am looking forward to helping Southeastern Trust for Parks and Land continue to provide, in an enduring and sustainable way, these respites for the mind, body and soul,” said David Moore, SE Trust board member.

SE Trust’s board and staff will navigate the transition and head the search for an experienced, skilled leader that will carry SE Trust into the coming decades. SE Trust will have more information about the search in months to come.