Discussing environmental issues has always been tricky and has grown even more so as the Trump Administration moves to dismantle and disregard progress made on climate change over the last four years.

The polarization and politics surrounding the environment make the Institute for Georgia Environmental Leadership (IGEL) even more vital. Founded more than two decades ago, the organization was created to build a collaborative network of knowledgeable leaders, people from all sectors and every region of the state, to create solutions as an alternative to divisive debates and lawsuits.

At the core of the IGEL is an immersive leadership development program – a rigorous, year-long experience that brings together a diverse group of leaders to explore and grow together.

IGEL member and past chairman Howard Lalli was one of the early graduates of the program in 2005. While working in public relations, one of Lalli’s first projects was the transformation of the Atlantic Steel Mill site into what is now the mixed-use Atlantic Station.

“Working with Atlantic Station put me on this whole trajectory of redevelopment and sustainability,” Lalli recalled.

Cleaning up the 138-acre brownfield site was one of the largest remediation projects in U.S. history and it was Atlantic Station LLC’s senior vice president Hilburn Hillestad who suggested Lalli take the IGEL course.

  “Hilburn said, ‘You should really think about doing this IGEL program,’” Lalli said. “I am one of many who will tell you that IGEL made a significant impact in my life and changed the trajectory of my career.”

Like many people following the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Lalli was also rethinking what he was doing with his life. Becoming involved in how Georgia and Atlanta maintain their natural resources became a passion for Lalli. He’s now the president of local marketing and communications firm HL Strategy.

While the immersive IGEL program has evolved over the years, its core structure remains the same. Approximately 30 leaders from industry, academia, advocacy, government and civic organizations from around the state are selected each year. Lalli said the applicants are deep into their careers and the application process is extremely competitive.

“IGEL is fortunate is that we have more candidates that we can accept,” Lalli said. “The challenge for the selection committee is that you want to put together a diverse class from all areas – you want a mix. Finding the right combination of people is taken very seriously.”

Lalli said IGEL now has more than  600 graduates – the IGELians – who have a shared experience and vocabulary about Georgia’s environment.

When the 2025 session convenes in July, the students will travel to different parts of the state – from the mountains to the coast – over a nine-month period. These field trips are designed to educate participants on different environmental challenges and opportunities, with a combination of classroom discussion and hands-on learning.

“The diversity of the class is so important because it offers an opportunity for candid dialogue from folks who are opposite sides of an issue,” Lalli said. “The leaders we select often have very different world views and experiences.”

  Lalli said leaders are starved for meaningful conversations about environmental issues, as well as having the time and space to do so. He said the current political environment will surely be a factor in the discussions had by class members in the upcoming session.

Lalli said applications for the 2026 class will open this summer. More information about IGEL can be found at igeleaders.org.