Jekyll Island Foundation Announces New Foundation Director

JEKYLL ISLAND, Ga., Aug. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- The Jekyll Island Foundation announced today the hiring of McLendon S. DeVaughn (Mac DeVaughn) as the new Foundation Executive Director.   DeVaughn will assume leadership of the Foundation on August 23 and replaces outgoing director Cindy McDonald who recently retired.

The Jekyll Island Foundation is a public 501(c)3 with an independent board of directors and functions under an operational agreement with the Jekyll Island Authority. The mission of the Foundation is to support the Jekyll Island Authority's stewardship goals and focusing on programs that promote conservation, preservation and education. The Foundation led successful fundraising efforts for the $3 million Georgia Sea Turtle Center which is operated by the Jekyll Island Authority.

With more than 20 years of development experience, DeVaughn has delivered proven fundraising success, managerial expertise and innovative leadership in diverse enterprises resulting in sustained performance and revenue growth.  DeVaughn provides a strong history of implementing goal orientated long-term strategic plans while leading organizations through start-up, re-organization and growth phases.

"It is with great pleasure that we announce the hiring of Mac DeVaughn who embodies the talents, experience and ability to lead the Jekyll Island Foundation into a very exciting future," announced Bill Lattimore, Chairman of the Jekyll Island Foundation Board of Directors.

DeVaughn's executive experience includes both for profit and non-profit companies in the fields of insurance, sports promotions and cause-related fundraising.   His previous executive positions include Founder and CEO of Crescent City Classic 10K, Inc., a New Orleans-based road race which, at one time, was the largest 10k event in the world; and Executive Director for both the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  Throughout his professional career DeVaughn has exhibited proficiency in fiscal management and the ability to leverage relationships and negotiate agreements while establishing responsible corporate citizenship, goodwill and community responsiveness.

"With the revitalization of Jekyll Island in full gear, the Foundation has a critical role to play in marketing philanthropic opportunities for preservation, conservation and education projects," stated Jekyll Island Authority Executive Director Jones Hooks.  "We need a leader that can take the Foundation to the next level, and Mac rose to the top of the list of many excellent candidates."

DeVaughn, a Georgia native from Washington, GA, attended the University of Georgia and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Georgia State University.  He and his wife, Kathleen, have two college-age children.

"The citizens of Georgia are blessed with Jekyll Island, one of nature's true gems," stated DeVaughn.  "My goal with the Foundation is to help ensure that financial resources are available to aid the Jekyll Island Authority in preserving and enhancing the island's uniqueness for the enjoyment and education of present and future generations."

About Jekyll Island

Located on Georgia's coast, Jekyll Island with its rich history and quiet, laid-back atmosphere has attracted vacationers for more than one hundred years.  Jekyll Island offers a variety of amenities, including 10 miles of beach, a 250-acre Historic Landmark District, four golf courses, a large water park, 20 miles of bike paths, a tennis center, and an array of lodging options including hotels, cottages and campgrounds.  Owned by the state of Georgia and managed by Jekyll Island Authority, the island's development is limited to just 35 percent of the available land area to preserve the critical barrier island ecosystem.  Great lengths have been taken to honor this ratio as the highly anticipated revitalization of Jekyll Island moves forward.  By 2012, the island will boast three new hotels, an all-new beachfront convention center with more than 78,000 square feet of function space, a beautifully redesigned entry corridor to the island, beach village shopping and dining area and many more enhancements.  The Jekyll Island Foundation is a public 501(c)3 organization which operates exclusively for charitable and educational purposes to support the work of the Jekyll Island Authority by assisting in the preservation, conservation and appreciation of Jekyll Island. Please visit www.jekyllisland.com for more information or call 1-877-4JEKYLL.

SOURCE Jekyll Island Authority