George M. Israel, III., former Mayor of Macon, has been appointed as Trustee Emeritus by the Board of Trustees of River Edge Foundation for his incredible contributions as Inaugural Chairman of the initial philanthropic efforts of the Foundation. 

Even prior to the Foundation’s inception, for years, Israel passionately advocated for services that support recovery for individuals challenged by substance use or mental health conditions and for supports that help individuals with developmental disabilities live meaningful lives in the community. 

River Edge Foundation Chief Advancement Officer, Sue Chipman, said “George Israel is an exceptional leader with the special ability to bring diverse groups of people together for a common cause!”   She continued, “Every day, George has lived the core purpose of the Foundation, sharing the River Edge story of hope to inspire giving to make life better. He has used his influence to help the Foundation grow and to secure major gifts toward building a new River Edge Recovery Center to serve our community.  We are so grateful.”  

Israel’s storied career included stints as Mayor of Macon from 1979 to 1987 and as Chief Executive Officer of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce from 2002 to 2010.