September 23, 2024

CONTACT

Tandelyn Daniel

Director of Communications and Member Relations

tandelyndaniel@federation.coop

(main) 470-765-0991 (direct) 404 905-8928

EAST POINT, Ga. - We are thrilled to announce that Stephanie D. Banks has joined the Federation as the new Director of Land Retention and Advocacy, effective September 16, 2024.

She is based in our Administrative Office in East Point, GA. She fills a key staff position and serves on the Federation's executive leadership team.

Banks will support our membership and other Black farmers and landowners on land retention issues, such as heirs’ property, and continue to develop and promote our advocacy agenda.

An Alabama native, she earned her juris doctorate from the University of Alabama's School of Law and a bachelor's degree in Political science from Auburn University. Banks brings extensive expertise to the Federation, with over 26 years of experience in Probate, Estate Planning, Fiduciary Law, School Law, Real Estate, Employment Law, Civil Rights, Eminent Domain, and Dispute Resolution. A few of her key prior roles include In-House Corporate Counsel to Georgia Power Company, Equal Employment Opportunity Coordinator for Southern Company Services, and manager of Affirmative Action program for six Southeast Region Subsidiaries of The Southern Company. Her deep knowledge of probate, combined with her strategic problem-solving acumen and genuine care for underserved communities, adds another layer of support to those we serve.

Banks’ role is pivotal in the Federation's efforts to assist landowners with clearing titles, creating wills, and developing estate plans—vital steps in preventing land dispossession.

"I am excited to have Stephanie on board to ensure that issues like heirs’ property remain a top priority. As we continue to expand our partnerships and efforts around equity, justice, and Black land ownership, she will also help manage our legal internship program, further enhancing our capacity to serve and advocate for Black farmers, landowners, and cooperatives. Her commitment and expertise will prove vital as we work through the Heirs Property Relending Program and other land tenure initiatives," said Executive Director Cornelius Blanding.

 Contact Banks directly at: stephaniebanks@federation.coop

The Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund is a 57-year-old cooperative association of Black farmers, landowners, and cooperatives across the South.

Our mission is to be a catalyst for the development of self-supporting communities through cooperative economic development, land retention, and advocacy.

We envision sustainable rural communities supported by a network of farmers, landowners, and cooperatives based on local control and ownership.