The board of directors of the Georgia Green Industry Association (GGIA) hired Lanie Riner as the next executive director of GGIA.

Riner brings experience, knowledge and a passion for the industry as she steps into this position; all attributes that set her apart during the search process. Through her time as owner/operator of Thunderwood Farms, volunteer service to the green industry and service on other boards and advisory councils, Riner has developed a skill set that will benefit GGIA in her new leadership role.

“Lanie brings a lot to the table that will benefit GGIA as we move forward,” said Jeremy Oxford, current GGIA chairman. “I am excited to see her leadership in action as she steps into her new role as GGIA’s executive director.”

Riner will be joining a GGIA team that already includes Jennifer Addington, GGIA director of administration, and Ashley Prater, GGIA director of membership services.

Real Green Systems promoted Brian Bacigalupo to vice president, sales and account management.

In his new role, Bacigalupo is responsible for transforming the software and digital marketing sales team to allow increased focus on enhancing the customer experience and helping to accelerate their growth.

“Watching Brian transform the sales team over the past year has been like taking a master class in sales and customer service,” said Bill Nunan, president and CEO of Real Green Systems. “His visionary leadership has enabled our Real Green team to thrive and grow while maintaining our customer-centric philosophy and providing even better products and services for our customers. I am excited to see what he and the team will be able to accomplish in 2020 and beyond.”

A seasoned professional with more than three decades of sales, marketing and green industry management experience, Bacigalupo was previously director of sales and account management. Before joining Real Green Systems, he was vice president of sales at Synergetic Marketing. Additionally, he has worked extensively with Evergreen Lawns, Village Green and Saginaw Valley State University.

During his time at Real Green Systems, Bacigalupo has spearheaded the sales team’s pivot to a more data- and value-driven process, including implementing a new training program, which emphasizes a team approach focused on stronger customer needs assessment and value realization.