The Green Meeting Industry Council has begun its official search for a new executive director to replace Shawna McKinley who has held the position since October 2006. McKinley resigned in August 2007 to take on the role of project manager at Portland, Ore.-based Meeting Strategies Worldwide, but continued as interim executive director of the GMIC as the organization considered its management options.

In an online job posting for the full-time position, Nancy J. Wilson, CMP, GMIC executive board member, said the Council is looking for someone who “will play a key role in helping our members become more sustainable by providing education and tools and creating networks that collectively raise the bar for sustainable practices within the meeting sector.”

Applications are being accepted until March 19, and the full job description can be found at www.greenmeetings.info/board.htm.

In other green meeting news, planners looking for a forum where they can share green meetings tips and best practices may want to check out a newly formed Google Group on the topic. “Green Meetings and Events” was started in March by Jeanavive Janssen, director of sales at Alameda, Calif.-based Event Productions Inc. The group is for planners and vendors who want to create programs that are environmentally friendly. Join Green Meetings and Events.