Greg Vital Named Chair of The Land Trust for Tennessee Board of Directors
June 1, 2020
On May 14, 2020, The Land Trust for Tennessee announced Tennessean, conservationist, and President of Morning Pointe Senior Living, Greg A. Vital as its new Chair of the Board of Directors.
“The Land Trust for Tennessee is one of the most effective nonprofit organizations in the Southeast,” Greg said. “It is an honor to be associated with them for over 15 years – originally, as a conservation easement donor, to serving on multiple committees, as a member of the Board of Directors, and now, as Chair of the Board.”
Greg owns Vital Buffalo Farm in Georgetown, Tennessee, which he protected with The Land Trust in 2006 as part of the organization’s first conservation easement in Southeast Tennessee. In 2019, Greg protected additional land with the organization when he and his neighbors partnered to conserve 114-acres of farmland in the Harrison community.
Vital Buffalo Farm in Georgetown, Tennessee. 
Vital Buffalo Farm in Georgetown, Tennessee. 
Vital Buffalo Farm in Georgetown, Tennessee.
Greg has been a supporter, both personally and as a corporate sponsor, has served on almost every committee, and chaired the Development and Engagement Committee for two years. He is our first Chair from the Southeast region of our state, where he has championed many conservation successes. Most recently Greg served as Chair of the Board of the National Parks Conservation Association.
Doug Cruickshanks (left) and Greg Vital (right) at The Land Trust for Tennessee’s 2017 Annual Celebration. 
Former Governor and Land Trust Founder Phil Bredesen, Greg Vital, Liz McLaurin, and Ridley Wills II at The Land Trust for Tennessee’s Annual Celebration at the Loveless Cafe Barn on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in Nashville, TN. 
Greg celebrating the conservation of protected farmland in December 2019 with family friends.
Greg succeeds Gentry Barden, who served two years as Chair and remains a member of the Board. During Gentry’s term, The Land Trust published a statewide strategic conservation plan – the first-of-its kind to be set forth by a land trust in the nation – underwent a brand transformation, and conserved thousands of acres of irreplaceable open space.
“We are grateful for Gentry’s commitment to conservation and his long-term support of our organization,” said Liz McLaurin, President & CEO of The Land Trust for Tennessee.
Mark Manner, who served as Chair of the Board from 2015 to 2018, was also named as the organization’s new Vice Chair in May 2020.
Both Mark and Greg are inspired and energized to take on their new roles as the organization enters its next phase:
“The Land Trust for Tennessee is recognized as a national leader in the conservation community,” Greg continued. “We’re not just making a difference for Tennesseans today – but also for those who will work, live, and play here for generations to come. Please join me in supporting this great organization during what will be a pivotal chapter for conservation and preservation of the place we all call home.”