Statement On the Passing of Founding Board Member Lanny Griffith

Statement On the Passing of Founding Board Member Lanny Griffith

The Trust for the National Mall shares the following tribute to Lanny Griffith:

Lanny Griffith was the longest serving member of the Board of Directors of the Trust. Inspired to get involved by our founder and Chair Emeritus, John E. “Chip” Akridge III, Lanny was instrumental in shaping the early vision of the Trust nearly 25 years ago and helped secure our official partnership with the National Park Service in 2008. Lanny was a longtime supporter, and along with his wife Susan made a generous gift to support the restoration of the Lockkeeper’s House. The firm he helped found, BGR Group, was also a longtime supporter.  Lanny was a tireless champion for the National Mall and the Trust’s mission to restore, preserve, and enrich America’s Front Yard, the greatest symbol of American freedom and democracy. 

“Lanny’s leadership was critical to the Trust’s founding and the impact we are making today, and he leaves an important legacy on the National Mall. His kind, warm personality and gregarious sense of humor and smile will always be remembered.” 

- Catherine Townsend, Trust for the National Mall CEO and President

“Faithful, loyal, wise and with a Mississippi drawl that he never lost, Lanny oversaw the agreement with the Department of the Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne that bound us as the partner to the National Park Service we continue to be today. Never seeking praise, Lanny sought gentle peace across aisles and divides in our great nation. I will miss his presence in our midst at the Trust that bears his footprint.”

- John E “Chip” Akridge III, Trust for the National Mall Founder and Chair Emeritus

Lanny Griffith with Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, David Rubenstein, Lynda Carter, and Trust Board Members at BALL for THE MALL 2024 (AE Landes Photography)

Lanny Griffith with Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewel in 2014 (©Tony Powell)