Leadership Sandy Springs Leader Jan Paul To Retire In May

SANDY SPRINGS, GA — After 10 years with Leadership Sandy Springs, the nonprofit organization’s leader is stepping down.

Executive Director Jan Paul announced her plans to retire at the end of May. After joining Leadership Sandy Springs in 2012 as a member of the Class of 2013 cohort. Upon graduation, she took on the role of LSS development director before being named executive director in 2015.

Paul said she had mixed feelings about resigning, because of how proud she is of the many accomplishments the organization has made since she became affiliated.

“I look forward to taking on a new role with LSS, that of being an alumna and committee volunteer and spending more time with my family and growing number of precious grandchildren,” she said in her farewell letter to the Leadership Sandy Springs Board of Trustees.

Under Paul’s leadership, programming expanded, including the creation of virtual and in-person options for the award-winning Live Learn Lead community speaker’ series, and more diverse and high-profile keynotes for the LSS signature dinner event.

Volunteer for a Better Sandy Springs added for its 20th anniversary LSS Recycles and volunteer opportunities at local school playgrounds, community gardens and parks. And Paul also oversaw the move of Movies by Moonlight to the Green At Sandy Springs to continue the tradition of sharing free community outdoor cinema through the summer.

A search committee has been engaged to identify Paul’s successor.

Paul, who is married to Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul and is a 30-year resident, will continue to be engaged in community activities and the city’s growth, she said.

“It’s been my honor to serve as Executive Director of Leadership Sandy Springs; truly the most fulfilling job I’ve had in my entire career,” Paul said. “I’ve enjoyed working shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the most enthusiastic and resolute people I have ever met. I wish the greatest success to our new Executive Director as we strive to move Leadership Sandy Springs and our community forward.”