Press Release: Former COO Grier Todd Drops Anchor at Lanier Islands

BUFORD, Ga. – July 7, 2015 – After an 18-month hiatus, seasoned hospitality veteran – Grier Todd – makes his illustrious return to Lanier Islands. With more than a dozen years to his credit at the lakeside resort alone, he proves the ideal fit for his new role as VP of Hospitality. In this capacity, Todd will be responsible for the overall guest experience and daily operations of the three accommodation venues at the resort – including the award-winning Legacy Lodge, Legacy Villas and LakeHouses. He will also oversee all Islands group sales efforts, which comprise corporate retreats, company meetings, family reunions, organizational gatherings and destination weddings.

“I spent part of my sabbatical launching a new hotel for a world-wide chain here in Gainesville,” explained Todd. “I saw it as an opportunity to do something I’d never done before – open a property and work with a global brand. The experience opened my eyes to new possibilities at the Islands. The Williams family welcomed me back and created a role where I could have a lasting impact. Many exciting things have happened in the time that I’ve been away. They’ve built a superior staff and enhanced the management team, added new attractions and guest offerings, and have become highly skilled at anticipating our guests’ needs. Because of that, this past year has been one of our most successful to date. We’re going to continue to build on that momentum. We’re also going to maintain that same level of excitement that the Williams family brought to the Islands when they first purchased the leasehold ten years ago, as they continue to reinvent the concept of Southern Hospitality and transform this lakeside resort into a world-class destination.”

Todd expressed that he is happy to see so many familiar faces – staff and guests included, as well as many new ones. In the months to come, he looks forward to working with Lake Lanier Islands Development Authority (LLIDA), the local chambers and CVBs, city and county government officials, and all of the people with whom the Islands has built relationships over the years.

“It’s good to be back home,” said Todd.

About Lanier Islands: Nestled on the southern-most shoreline of Lake Sidney Lanier at the foothills of the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains lies the truly distinctive Lanier Islands. Situated less than 45 miles from downtown Atlanta on 1,500 pristine acres of forests, meadows and beaches, this luxury resort is quickly growing in size, scope and reputation as one of the Southeast’s leading lakeside retreats. As the resort’s crown jewel, Lake Lanier is one of the United States’ most popular man-made lakes, encompassing 38,000 surface acres and 690 miles of shoreline in Northeast Georgia. Legacy Lodge and Legacy Villas enhance the resort’s broad assortment of accommodation choices and meeting sites – making it the ideal choice for corporate meetings and company retreats. Popular excursions like fun in the sun at the boardwalk-themed LanierWorld, zip lining through the trees with Lake Lanier Canopy Tours, horseback riding on a lakeside trail from the Equestrian Center, and renting a boat and ski equipment from Harbor Landing make the resort a terrific choice for families vacationing or “staycationing” in the South. Tranquility – the Spa and the picturesque 18-hole Lanier Islands Legacy Golf Course are major draws for visitors looking to relax or play, and with more than 20 wedding venues to choose from, the Resort is rapidly gaining favor with brides- and grooms-to-be as a highly sought-after Destination Wedding site.

Lanier Islands is steadily securing a solid standing for their unique vision of the future of this luxury retreat, their unswerving dedication to the comfort and enjoyment of their guests, and their signature brand of Southern Hospitality. In 2014, the resort became a member of the highly esteemed Southern Living Hotel Collection. Lanier Islands was also awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence in 2014 and 2015. To learn more about the resort, schedule a tee time, learn package details or make reservations, call (770) 945-8787 or visit Lanier Islands’ website at www.lanierislands.com.