R.E. Turner

Board Chair

Throughout his career, Ted Turner has received recognition for his entrepreneurial acumen, sharp business skills, leadership qualities, and his unprecedented philanthropy.

Whether in billboard advertisement, cable television, sports team ownership, sailing, environmental initiatives or philanthropy, Ted’s vision, determination, generosity and forthrightness have consistently given the world reason to take notice.

Turner is founder and chairman of the United Nations Foundation, which supports the goals and objectives of the United Nations to promote a more peaceful, prosperous and just world; founder and co-chairman of the Nuclear Threat Initiative, a charitable organization working to reduce the global threats of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons; chairman of the Turner Foundation, which supports efforts for conserving land to protect and restore wildlife diversity; catalyzing the transition to a clean energy future; and protecting and restoring water resources for people and nature; and co-founder and chairman of Ted’s Montana Grill restaurant collection, which operates nearly 50 locations nationwide.

Turner also serves as chairman of Turner Enterprises, Inc., which manages his business interests, land holdings, and investments. Turner is the second largest individual landholder in North America, with approximately 2 million acres in 11 states and Argentina. His ranches are home to the largest commercial bison herd (45,000) in North America, and host a variety of environmental projects, including reforestation, renewable energy, water resource management, and reintroduction of native species. Out of concern for the health of his land and its species, Turner established the Turner Endangered Species Fund in 1997 to conserve biodiversity by
emphasizing restoration efforts of endangered or imperiled species on Turner ranches and in partnership with state and federal natural resources agencies.

While urging others to make the switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, he has already done so in a very large way. Turner has added solar panels on his numerous properties and installed 25 solar canopies in the employee parking lots adjacent to his Atlanta offices. 

Additionally, Turner serves as Chairman and Founder of Ted Turner Reserves a groundbreaking initiative inviting the public to visit and enjoy four unique, Turner-owned locales in the state of New Mexico, totaling over 1 million acres of diverse, stunning landscapes. It is through these experiences led by Ted Turner Reserves that Turner hopes others will develop a keen understanding and appreciation for nature, and in turn, consciously take steps, small or large, towards improving our environment.

David K. Withers

Treasurer

David Withers is President and Chief Financial Officer for TEI. In this capacity, he oversees the company’s financial investments, accounting, tax functions, and risk management, as well as TEI’s Human Resources and Information Technology departments. David also oversees the company’s Ted Turner Reserves hospitality brand.

Withers joined the company in 2003 as Director of Finance. Previously, he worked in the investment banking division of J.P. Morgan.

Christine Hung

Board Treasurer

Christine is originally from Huntsville, AL. She has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Masters in Taxation from the University of Alabama. She moved to Atlanta after graduate school where she went to work for the accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC). In 2002, Christine accepted the position as Tax Director for Turner Enterprises, Inc., responsible for the tax and financial management of the Turner family and all Turner entities. Most recently she was promoted to Chief Financial Officer.

Christine currently resides in Bozeman, Montana.

Jeremy Buchanan

Vice President

Jeremy is Chief Administrative Officer for Turner Enterprises. In this capacity, he oversees Human Resources, Recruitment & Training, Payroll and Risk Management, and also supervises operation of TEI’s Eastern properties and its Turner Building headquarters in Atlanta.

Prior to joining Turner Enterprises in 2008, Jeremy began his career as an underwriter for a Fortune 100 insurance carrier, and later became an Account Executive specializing in placement
of insurance for small to medium-sized companies.

Carter Kruse

Executive Director

With nearly 30 years in the ecological and agricultural fields, Dr. Carter Kruse oversees the Institute and its science and conservation programs. He works closely with property managers and scientists to develop and implement research and conservation projects consistent with the Institute’s mission. Dr. Kruse also collaborates with university partners to facilitate graduate and long-term research activity and educational opportunities. He received his PhD in Zoology from the University of Wyoming.

J. Rutherford Seydel

Secretary

John Rutherford Seydel II is a partner in the firm of Davis, Pickren, Seydel & Sneed, LLP with a corporate practice focusing on environmental and conservation law, commerce and residential real estate, nonprofit organization structuring and operation, and general for-profit business matters. Seydel coordinates and manages the firm’s corporate practice group.

Seydel was admitted to the Georgia Bar in 1989. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Georgia (B.A. in Political Science, 1986) and graduated from Mercer University’s Walter F. George School of Law (J.D., 1989). Seydel is a member of the Atlanta and American Bar Associations (Member: Real Property, Corporate, Entertainment and Environmental Law Practice Sections) and the State Bar of Georgia.

Seydel is co-founder and chairman of the Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, Inc.; chairman of the board of the School of Ecology at the University of Georgia; chairman of The Conservation Fund; and board member of Georgia Conservation Voters, Vasser Woolley Foundation and Allconnect, Inc. He is an officer and board member of Paul B. and Mildred Seydel Foundation; an officer of United Nations Foundation; and board member of Turner Foundation, Turner Endangered Species Foundation, the Better World Fund, Inc., Ted’s Montana Grill and Captain Planet Foundation. Seydel is a member of the board of directors for the Turner Environmental Law Clinic at Emory University School of Law as well as a member of the advisory board of the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University. In addition, Seydel is a Trustee for the Park of the National Parks Conservation Association.

Seydel is also co-owner of Atlanta Spirit which owns the Atlanta Hawks NBA Franchise and operating rights to Philips Arena and all associated parking. He is a founding investor/co-owner and a board member of Allconnect, Inc. and Promove. Additionally, he is associated with and represents numerous downtown Atlanta business ventures and properties.

Seydel and his wife, Laura, live in northwest Atlanta and have a long history of involvement in Atlanta business, and charitable and foundation work. They have a son, John R., and two daughters, Florence Vasser and Laura Elizabeth.

Deborah M. Masterson

Assistant Secretary

Debbie Masterson is Vice President for TEI, where she oversees the Office of the Chairman. In this capacity, she is responsible for budget forecasts, evaluation of invitation and public appearance requests and special event projects. She also serves as liaison between the Chairman and the company’s philanthropic organizations, which include the United Nations Foundation, Nuclear Threat Initiative, and the Turner Foundation.

Prior to joining TEI in 2003, Masterson served for 19 years at Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. in such roles as Administrative Assistant, Director of Operations and Director of Administration. Fifteen of those years were spent reporting directly to Ted Turner.