E. Leon Jacobs, Jr. Leads the Way into SACE’s Next Chapter as New Board President

Jacobs contributes his expertise to finding equitable energy solutions that address climate change

September 14, 2020
Contact: Amy Rawe, SACE, 865-235-1448, [email protected]

Read Leon’s Op-ed on high energy bills plaguing Floridians in The Invading Sea 

Knoxville, Tenn. — Earlier this month, E. Leon Jacobs, Jr. of Tallahassee, Florida, was elected President of the Board of Directors of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy at the organization’s annual meeting. Jacobs has served on SACE’s Board of Directors for five years and is the owner of The Law Office of Ennis Leon Jacobs, Jr. He brings more than 20 years of legal expertise and more than 30 years of public and private sector experience, including as a former member of the Florida Elections Commission and as a former member and past Chairman of the Florida Public Service Commission.

On being elected as SACE Board President, Jacobs said“SACE has established a distinguished and formidable reputation as an advocate for sustainable energy policy throughout the Southeast. I am excited to continue this focus on clean, alternative energy resources, and to contribute as SACE explores strategies in emerging energy market structures and technologies.”

Dr. Stephen A. Smith, SACE Executive Director, said“On behalf of our staff, supporters, and members, we’re excited to welcome Leon as President of the Board. Leon brings a unique viewpoint to the organization and is able to bridge the divide between technical expertise and impacts on frontline communities that will help us find equitable energy solutions to address climate change. We also thank John Noel for nearly two decades of service as Board President for SACE.”

John Noel, of Nashville, Tennessee, served as the President for the SACE Board of Directors since 2001 and will remain on the Board. He is the immediate past President of the TennGreen Land Conservation (formerly the Tennessee Parks and Greenways Foundation).

SACE’s Board of Directors also elected Patricia San Pedro as Vice President. San Pedro, of Miami, Florida, has served on SACE’s Board for five years and is the owner of Miami-based San Pedro Productions, a full-service firm that specializes in local, national, and international media and public relations, bilingual communication strategies, and media training.

Dr. Enid Sisskin will continue to serve as Secretary of the Board. Sisskin, of Gulf Breeze, Florida, is an Adjunct Professor at the University of West Florida, teaching Environmental Health and Environmental Toxicology. She also works at the local public radio and community TV station producing an environmentally themed TV show and radio spots.

Z. Cartter Patten will continue to serve as Treasurer of the Board. Patten, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, is President of The Patten Group and in the past has served as a Board member of American Rivers and is currently a Director of the American Chestnut Foundation.

Gary A. Davis, of Asheville, North Carolina, continues to serve on the Board. Davis is an environmental attorney and consultant with 30 years of experience in environmental law, policy, and technology. He currently manages a public interest environmental law firm representing environmental organizations, community groups, and citizens throughout the Southeast.

Bob Freeman, of Nashville, Tennessee, also continues to serve on the Board. Freeman has over 15 years of experience in construction, spanning project management to development, with a focus on commercial construction specializing in green building.

###

About the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy
Since 1985, the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy has worked to promote responsible energy choices to ensure clean, safe, and healthy communities throughout the Southeast. Learn more at www.cleanenergy.org.