George W. Sands

Independent Director

Chairman of the Audit Committee and member of the Finance and Planning Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee

George W. Sands has extensive experience in accounting, auditing, and service as a director for other organizations. From 1970 to 2006, Mr. Sands served as a partner with KPMG LLP and its predecessor firms, Peat Marwick Mitchell and Peat Marwick Main. While at KPMG, Mr. Sands served as the Southeast Area Managing Partner for the firm’s Audit and Advisory Practice from 1998 until his retirement in 2006. During his career at KPMG, Mr. Sands also served as Southeast Area Managing Partner of Manufacturing, Retailing and Distribution, Atlanta Office Managing Partner, and Securities and Exchange Reviewing Partner. He was a member of the KPMG’s National Audit Leadership Team and a Trustee on the KPMG Foundation Board of Directors.

Since 1995, Mr. Sands has served on the Board of Directors of The Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Advisory Board of The Atlanta Alliance on Developmental Disabilities. Mr. Sands is a member of The Rotary Club of Atlanta, where he has served as Treasurer. Mr. Sands also has served as a member of the Boards of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Sands received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Georgia. He has been a member of the School of Accounting Advisory Council at University of Georgia. He is a retired Certified Public Accountant in the State of Georgia. Mr. Sands also served as an officer in the United States Army, including a tour of duty in the Republic of South Vietnam. A graduate of The University of Georgia, Mr. Sands earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He also is a retired Certified Public Accountant (CPA).