Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) Company Profile
Background
Founded in 1986 by Rick Middleton, the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan environmental legal advocacy organization headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia. As the largest environmental nonprofit in the southeastern United States, SELC employs over 100 attorneys and a total staff of approximately 200 across nine offices in six states: Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, as well as an office in Washington, D.C.
Mission: To protect the basic right to clean air, clean water, and a livable climate; to preserve the South's natural treasures and rich biodiversity; and to provide a healthy environment for all.
Vision: SELC envisions a South where the environment is protected and communities thrive, achieved through legal advocacy, policy reform, and public education.
Key Strategic Focus
SELC's strategic focus encompasses several core objectives:
- Energy and Air: Promoting sustainable energy policies to reduce fossil fuel dependence and air pollution, including greenhouse gases.
- Water: Protecting and restoring water quality to meet long-term human and ecological needs.
- Coast and Wetlands: Preserving wetlands and coastal ecosystems for the benefit of wildlife and communities.
- National Forests and Parks: Ensuring that national forests and parks are managed primarily for conservation and recreation.
- Land and Community: Promoting vibrant communities and protecting natural and rural areas through sustainable growth and transportation systems.
- Wildlife: Protecting the South's rich biodiversity and habitats.
- Climate: Leading efforts to control greenhouse gas emissions and support adaptation to climate change impacts.
- Environmental Justice: Partnering with historically disadvantaged communities to ensure equitable access to a healthy environment.
Financials and Funding
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, SELC's financial health is robust:
- Revenue (2024): $62.8 million
- Expenses (2024): $43.1 million
- Net Assets (2024): $246.2 million
- Total Assets (2024): $259.9 million
- Total Liabilities (2024): $13.7 million
Revenue Sources (2024):
- Contributions: $57.0 million (90.8%)
- Program Services: $959,789 (1.5%)
- Investment Income: $5.0 million (7.9%)
Expense Allocation (2024):
- Executive Compensation: $2.3 million (5.3%)
- Other Salaries and Wages: $21.4 million (49.6%)
SELC has consistently received the highest four-star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting its sound fiscal management and transparency.
Leadership Team
- DJ Gerken: President & Executive Director
- Background: Appointed as President in 2022, Gerken has been with SELC since 2004, previously serving as Director of Programs.
- Derb Carter: Senior Advisor & Senior Attorney
- Background: A veteran environmental attorney, Carter has been instrumental in numerous conservation efforts across the South.
- John Suttles: Deputy Director
- Background: Suttles has played a key role in SELC's litigation strategies and program development.
Competitor Profile
Market Insights and Dynamics:
The environmental legal advocacy sector in the southeastern United States is characterized by a limited number of organizations with the capacity and expertise to undertake large-scale litigation and policy reform. SELC's deep regional knowledge and comprehensive approach position it as a leader in this space.
Competitor Analysis:
- South Carolina Environmental Law Project (SCELP):
- Focus Areas: Environmental litigation within South Carolina.
- Financials (2023): Revenue of $1.4 million; Expenses of $1.6 million; Net Assets of $3.6 million.
- Comparison: While SCELP focuses on South Carolina, SELC's broader regional presence and larger financial resources enable it to address environmental issues across multiple states.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
SELC collaborates with over 100 local, state, national, and international partner organizations to amplify its impact. Notable partnerships include:
- Lumber River Community (North Carolina): Working to maintain clean and safe water.
- Pine Grove Community (Virginia): Assisting in preserving a historic Black school in Cumberland County.
- Atlantic Coast Pipeline Opposition: Partnering with rural and predominantly Black communities to halt the construction of the pipeline.
Operational Insights
SELC's strategic considerations include:
- Regional Expertise: Deep understanding of the South's environmental challenges and legal landscape.
- Comprehensive Approach: Combining litigation, policy reform, and public education to achieve environmental protection goals.
- Financial Stability: Strong financial health enabling sustained advocacy efforts.
Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions
Looking ahead, SELC aims to:
- Expand Clean Energy Advocacy: Further promote sustainable energy policies to reduce fossil fuel dependence.
- Enhance Environmental Justice Initiatives: Strengthen partnerships with disadvantaged communities to address environmental inequities.
- Protect Biodiversity: Continue efforts to preserve the South's rich biodiversity and natural habitats.
Contact Information
- Website: Southern Environmental Law Center
- Social Media:
